Is P2 really going to make it?

[D. scott Dobbie]

Especially when you’re talking about a hard drive that can fail, not only do I keep a copy, but my clients are generally appreciative of the extra backup. And I was even called on once to see if I could provide the footage again when an inept editor screwed up the original drive. They were grateful I could do so.

I’ve got copies of most everything I’ve shot.

But even when tape was around, I could always get a copy of the final product. It sounds like all that is against the norm for you, though. Sorry to hear that.

[Steve Wargo]

[D. Scott Dobbie] ” It sounds like all that is against the norm for you, though. Sorry to hear that.”

Oh, please! Give me a break.

Most upper level companies do not want anyone to have a copy of their footage. When we do a job for General Motors, Jenny Craig or Boeing/McDonald Douglas Aircraft, we have to turn over every frame of video or become liable under our vendor contract. The American Cancer Society, on the other hand, appreciates that we are willing to stockpile all of their projects.

We shot a reunion of the band Megadeath several years ago and Capitol Records made us sign a million dollar contract that none of the footage would remain with us. However, we have all of the tapes from the first ten years of the PetSmart corporation.

So, it depends on the client but the bigger companies seem to lean toward keeping a leash on their intellectual property.

Most recently, some have brought their own Firestore units and they check to make sure that we don’t have a tape in the camera.

When we have asked about keeping something for a reel, they’re usually pretty reasonable but that’s about it.

And for you to come across with your condescending attitude was way out of line.

Steve Wargo
Tempe, Arizona
It’s a dry heat!

Sony HDCAM F-900 & HDW-2000/1 deck
5 Final Cut (not quite PRO) systems
Sony HVR-M25 HDV deck
Sony EX-1 on the way.

[D. scott Dobbie]

There was no condescending attitude, Steve.

Your earlier statements led me to believe that it was abnormal to retain a copy of your work. I truly felt sorry for the situation you were in.

However, you’ve just confirmed that’s not always the case, which is all I was pointing out to begin with.

-S.

[Mitch Ives]

[Steve Wargo] ” What client wants to leave a shoot with his footage with the possibility that the shooter has a copy of their footage?”

This hasn’t been an issue for us. I suppose it depends on the reputation/relationship you have with the client? Ours like the idea of it being here until they arrive back safely and get it loaded. After that, we’re happy to get rid of it… too many terabytes of stuff around here already…

Perhaps we should ask how many clients have had problems with the tape after they leave with it. That’s happened more often then them being concerned about us having the footage temporarily…

[Mitch Ives]

[Steve Wargo] “Chad – I think you’ve walked into a Corvette Club meeting and asked if Corvettes were going to be around for a while. I think you need to take your question to those who are buying the footage, not selling the footage. I’ve been in business for 25 years and have never had a client ask for P-2. Several have had us shoot and transfer their stuff to an external, portable drive, though. “

I think a better approach would be, how is your company positioned. Some clients don’t ask those questions at all… they buy into your deliverable product… sort of the “it ain’t the piano, it’s the piano player… always has been” sort of view. If you’re a strict freelance shooter, then your focus is different. etc.

Nothing is forever, but HDCAM tape is no bargain either. What are they, $60 still? Something that costs $600 and gets used 100,000 times strikes me as a better investment than a one-time $60 expense. Others may disagree. Whatever your view, as long as you’re still in business and thriving, it must be working. There is less than five companies still around in my market that were here when I started, so whatever I’m doing, it’s working.

Everyone knows that you are not a P2 or HVX200 fan. That’s fine, because I’m not fond of anything that isn’t true I-frame, yet you’re buying some of those cameras. To each his own.

As for your comment on veterans, that’s a bit condescending, since myself and all the news stations fall into that category. I think it’s just best to state your preference and leave it at that. It shouldn’t need any defending… it’s your money and your wager… time will bear out the wisdom either way for all of us…