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HDV-FireStore-possible Filmout
A modified version is also posted in the “HDV format” forum…
Hello Cow!
I’ve just agreed to work on an Indie Feature. We’re planning to shoot HDV on the Cannon XLH1.
The producers want to bin and select footage on-site.
We’ll probably be doing a High Def DI for digital release or possible Film Out.
The DP and I are planning to suggest Firestore devices and a Laptop FCP system…
The problem for me is, I’m not sure what the limitations of FireStore and HDV are. I’ve read (here and other places) that HDV is a difficult edit codec for feature length projects. (It’s worked fine for a :30 spot project)Here’s the question(s)…
At what point in the workflow does it make sense to convert to uncompressed HD, or any other Hi-end HD codec? Is there another Hardware solution besides “FireStore?”The goal is to give the Editor high quality, ready to cut, organized files so he/she doesn’t have to worry about converting/rendering, Ect.
Your input is appreciated very much!
Thanks!
Tim Taylor
RESolution Media Services, LLCTim Taylor, Producer/Editor
RESolution Media Services, LLC -
3 Replies
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First, you should know that a DI, without even going to film, will probably run at least $20k. Going to film, without a DI, will probably start at $20k, as well. If you get a DI & a film out for under $50k, it’s a bargain.
[Tim Taylor] “At what point in the workflow does it make sense to convert to uncompressed HD, or any other Hi-end HD codec?”
That really depends on what your final deliverables are, on whether you’re doing any VFX, and probably a few other factors as well.
If you’re really thinking about releasing on film, you’ll need to talk to a lab. Each lab does things it’s own way. They favor different types of equipment for DI, they mix their chemistry to their own formulas, they create their own workflow process. So what works in one lab, may not work in another.
If you’re really interested in going to film, consider some other options.
P2 offers better codecs. It will hold up better when compositing & extreme grading, and both DVCPro HD and AVC-I are I-frame codecs.
XDCam is an mpeg-2 based codec, like HDV, but it uses a little less compression. And the new XDCam EX can record full-raster 1080, which the XLH-1 cannot.
Arnie
Now in post: Peristroika, a film by Slava Tsukerman
https://www.arniepix.com/blog -
Thanks Arnie!
Your point about getting the lab involved early is well taken! Shoulda thought of that myself.
Politics may force us into HDV acquisition, but I appreciate your DVCproHD recommendation. There’s still time to change cameras. Didn’t know that about HDCAM, Thanks!
I’m not sure if they’re planning a lot in the way of VFX. I guess I’ll assume they are. Probably will be some serious color correction too. I just wanna be as ready as possible for what the director may throw at us. Have you worked with Apple ProRes yet?Thanks,
Tim Taylor, Producer/Editor
RESolution Media Services, LLC -
Nope. Haven’t worked with Pro-Res yet. From what I’m hearing, though, it sounds like a great codec.
Arnie
Now in post: Peristroika, a film by Slava Tsukerman
https://www.arniepix.com/blog
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