HD workflow

[Color]

is it simple to deal with HD? could i just do it like i do in regular DV, (i do it a kindof retarded way, but to each his own) import it through imovie (HD), delete the bad clips and drag .dv's to a folder in my desktop and drag to my external to build up for my main video and to later edit in final cut.

or, to import it into final cut express HD or pro HD(because i think im gonna start doing that) and work with them like i normally do with DV clips? because i dont wanna get programs to downconvert and all this shi*, want to know if its an easy workflow; a simple log, edit, export to SD or HD. no compression needed. thanks!

 

[DCSensui]

I started making the move toward HD because of a demo I saw at NAB a few years ago. DVCProHD was being unveiled for the first time, along with FCP HD, and that was it. I was convinced to migrate away from Media 100 and switch to FCP.

Only recently have I actually started working with HD but it's not too hard. Import into FCP. Drop it into a timeline that matches your clip's format. Then start cutting.

As for output -- well, that's still up in the air. Delivery formats might include tape but can you afford a deck? If not, then find a service bureau that can output to the tape format of your choice. Or DVD? Maybe Blu-Ray?

Or... output to SD and hold onto your program in HD until the time is right when HD delivery is much more popular.

By the way, editing is a simple matter of just cutting away all the bad parts. Just like carving a marble statue. Just cut away everything that doesn't look like Michalangelo's David....

 

[VaricamLife]

Dealing with HD "can" be simple. The key though is you need to have open communication with your production end before the first frame is ever shot. Everyone needs to work on the same page, and they need to come to you if they're desiring to muck around with camera settings at all for any reason (not artistic ones, but different frame rates or formats and the like).

Then as the post representative you need to do your homework and have a proper post workflow and game plan ready to go from the get go. So rather than figuring out stuff you could have done before hand, you'll only be left to figure out the inevitable snags that will show up anyway. Also testing settings and workflows before production actually gets going will never hurt.

As for the delivery of HD, again its all about figuring it out before hand. Know what you're shooting on and know how you want to finish. Then do your homework or talk to the necessary people at the necessary post facilities. Especially important if you already have a specific post house in mind for finishing. In such a case, you really want to know before hand the format THEY want from you. Then you can align your settings and workflows accordingly from the start, not making a mad dash at the finish to try and make it work somehow.

So if you know what you're shooting in the first place, how to ingest that properly into FCP, and know what the desired final/archival delivery will be, you will be just as fine on HD as you would with SD. Again, it "can" be simple, as long as you go in prepared. Trying to wing it in HD though can create a lot of headaches.

cheers.