FCP use in Video Production Facility

[Bouncing Account needs new email address]

That’s what most of us here do.

[Tom Daigon]

Great, then maybe you can answer some workflow related questions I have.
1. When building complicated layering of text and video do most folks:
a. Make mutiple video & layers (similar to the Media Composer environment)
b. Do layering in a nest when multiple elements need to be associated together (similar to
Softimage DS or Smoke)
c. Use AE for any layering situation that demands a high degree of complexity
2. Due to storage issues, we employ the “offline” (lo res) and “online” (hi res) approach to
project creation. Keeping in mind we tend to do high end complex compositing of video and text…
is this stuff others have done with reliability and succes?
I ask because the owner of the commercial facility I work at is looking to expand into HD territory
and currently has Adrenaline and Avid DS for reference. We do alot of high end complex imagery and
not to much dramatic or documentary work, so his concern is the ability to have to same ability with FCP
in the HD formatand get more bang per buck. What are your professional opinions and expereinces?

[Jeremy Garchow]

No, but I use FCP for all of my spreadsheet and number crunching needs. FCP can also build a hell of a website with the press of a button.

Sorry lasvideo, I had to chide you.

Yes people use FCP in medium to large video production facilities.

FCP, It’s Not Just For Weddings Anymore. (TM)

What are you looking to do?

Jeremy

[Steve Eisen]

FCP can do anything the AVID can. If you have a chance, check out Apple’s 2006 NAB Demo.
https://www.apple.com/finalcutstudio/profiles/?profiles/apple_nab06_reel01_h640

Steve Eisen
Eisen Video Productions
Director-At-Large
Chicago Final Cut Pro Users Group

[Rj Miles]

Please don’t take this as a wise crack.

My 1st recomendation when it comes to compositing HD in FCP or AE… get the fastest platform you can.

I have just recently started reworking some 720×540 comps in 1920×1080. It almost feels like I just went back to a 9500 and Cosa Effects. 🙂

Granted I’m only working on a G5 2.0ghz DP, but it i was still a rude awakening.

I am looking forward to a dual Quad core rig in the new year, just so I can get back to my SD rendering speeds.

Folks who are working 2k and higher …

[Tom Daigon]

Thanks Steve. I did see the demo when I was at NAB. Im just looking for feedback from similar facilities as ours to see what their expereinces have been. Anything else you can add?

[Tom Daigon]

Thanks RJ. Good point. We will probably go with the new Macs that have the duo capabilites. Theres nothing more disheartening to feel like you are working at snail speed with computers in the HD realm.

[Steve Eisen]

Everyone you ask will tell you that FCP Studio along with Shake, After Effects and a few other third-party plug-ins are an incredible set of tools that will yield excellent results both for you and your clients at a fraction of the cost of an AVID.

Contact Promax, Midwest Media Group or the DR Group.

Steve Eisen
Eisen Video Productions
Director-At-Large
Chicago Final Cut Pro Users Group

[Jeremy Garchow]

One thing that FCP does not do very well is handle different formats on the same timeline. You have to capture everything at the same resolution if you want the speediest results. With capture hardware such as the AJA Kona 3, this is an easy task. Using an efficient codec in HD (namely the DVCPRO HD codec) will also keep things faster. I also have a dual 2.0 and it is showing it’s age. When you get your QUad machines, I’m sure you won’t have the longer rendering times. Also, FCP is not really great at moving stuff around smoothly, I usually use AE for complex stuff. Hopefully this will change soon. You should get a live demo and see what it’s capable of.

Overall, FCP is suite. Real sweet.

[Tom Daigon]

Thanks alot Jeremy. That is good stuff to know.