Reality show settings

W

Wadro

Well-known member
We are getting ready to shoot a reality show for a client. (similar to house flipping shows) He wants to pitch it to as many networks as possible and shoot in HD. What would be the best format to shoot in to leave open the most networks.(A&E, Dicovery, TLC etc.)I have searched and searched and have found too many opinions. I know 720pn gets the most mileage but is less resolution and may eliminate some neworks also. So should I shoot in 1080i p or 1080i pa ? I usually shoot short films in 720 24pn or 1080i 24pa.
Thanks in advance for the input. The 2 camera shoot is May 13th 08..
 
My opinion: check with the stations you want air time. They may have strict guidelines (some are only now considering the HVX200's DVCPROHD as usable for more than a percentage of the program's HD content.) Another thought - Reality speaks of 60i (or maybe 60p). Not 24p. I love the look of 24p, but it is not the best for everything. I would probably also bump the detail and coring and lower the master pedestal, as most reality TV I see goes for that 'clean' 'poppy' look.

Just my 2cents.

J
 
24p. I've shot a bunch for Viacom, both doc and reality and these days everyone seems to want 24 p. But there is no standard reality format. I recently shot stuff on a DVX 100b and then the other day on an HDX 900. If you shoot 16:9 make sure your content is safe for 4:3 also.

Shoot the format that allows you to get the look and content that sets you apart from the rest. I'd also shoot on tape. Reality shows eat so much footage that P2 workflow just really bites for rolling 10 out 12 hours. HDX 900 is great for 720 deliverable.

Since it's a pilot your shopping, consider how most execs will be viewing your show. My guess it won't be on HD Cam or a computers drive but DVD or online. Yes, standard def. 720 vs 1080i argument has been raging for ages. You can shoot 1080p and then down convert to your desired deliverable which will probably look better than upconverting 720pn to 1080i. 720p/60 is most popular with FOX and ABC. 1080i is a CBS, NBC standard. I personally find 720p/60 produces a better image than 1080i.

In short, shoot what you can afford and is viable, 24p is almost the standard out there (except for news), and definitely test your hvx to death for SD DVD output. That's where the HVX often shows it's weakness. Worst case scenario would be high contrast dark night scene with lots of blue signal transcoded to SD DVD screened on a 42" LCD or Plasma (exec all have them). That show should be called "Bring the Noise".

If you can afford it, I'd bypass the HVX altogether and get an HDX 900. Tape, super clean, and 2/3".
 
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