Media ID on Broadcast Master

[Ben Holmes]

[mark pommett] “#1. What is the Media ID that you need to put on your slate for your deliverable master? Is this provided by the network or is an arbitary # provided by the editor to identify the tape? “

You need to ask the network if they have a program number or ID they want to use – there is no stock answer to this, request the broadcast spec from the boradcaster, it will list all these details.

[mark pommett] “#2. Im delivering to the UK and they want a 30” countdown. Can I use a half circle or do I need full circle? “

See above – broadcast spec again – although most clocks are 40″ round ones by convention, some not circular at all.

[mark pommett] “#3. They want a VTR record report with the commercial clock numbers (timecode) and title. Since I’m outputting a NTSC master to be converted at another post house to PAL, will I be able to give them the correct times if i read it off my NTSC timeline? “

Seconds and minutes are the same in PAL or NTSC! It’s only a problem if you specify frames in the above, and then note that .00 is the same in both, so make sure everything starts on the first frame of the second….

You should also check that they are happy to receive a converted master – they need to at least be aware that is what they are getting. A professional transfer is the right way to go with this, but will still have consequences….

Ben

[Mark Pommett]

Thanks Ben!

[Mark Pommett]

On the VT Record Report where it says “Production Status;”, it hs the option to check “Clean”, “Dirty” or “TX Copy”. Is this something I’m supposed to fill out or does the network do this?

They also ask for “No. of Replays:” and “Bug Position: please indicate where bug should be positioned: T.L., B.L., T.R. B.R”
Not sure what this means and if Im supposed to fill it out.

and finally “1st TX date”. Im assuming this means first day it will air.

Thanks again!

Mark

[Ben Holmes]

[mark pommett] “On the VT Record Report where it says “Production Status;”, it hs the option to check “Clean”, “Dirty” or “TX Copy”. Is this something I’m supposed to fill out or does the network do this? “

Clean = clean of graphics or subtitles usually. Such copies are made for international versions, or for promo use or as a sub for later gfx work. Dirty = includes all the above. TX copy = recording of final version for transmission, as opposed to TX master. I would ask the network if they need this info, but it’s usually filled out by the VT dubbing dept.

[mark pommett] “They also ask for “No. of Replays:” and “Bug Position: please indicate where bug should be positioned: T.L., B.L., T.R. B.R”
Not sure what this means and if Im supposed to fill it out. “

The bug is the station ident (burnt in on transmission) to be positioned top left, bottom left, top right, bottom right, and number of replays = number of times it will/can be shown on the channel. Info like this is normally completed by the presentation dept. in my experience, certainly the reply number. The bug position is determined by choosing where it will not cover gfx, or based on the network’s own policies (some always have it top or bottom for example, and expect you to accomodate that with your gfx).

[mark pommett] “finally “1st TX date”. Im assuming this means first day it will air.”

Yup. Nail on the head. Probably let them fill that one in, unless you have a firm date.

Most record reports are incomplete in some area, I wouldn’t stress any of this stuff.

Ben