Believe me, there is nothing I would like more than be able to roll out of bed tomorrow morning and deliver all my projects on a compact solid state drive – no tapes, no moving parts, no nonsense. And while this wondrous tomorrow is sure to come in some shape or form, the reality remains that there is indeed a living, breathing standard in place that works in semi-harmony with today’s broadcast technology. I have two separate lists of delivery elements in front of me, each outlining identical items that include both HDCAM-SR masters (inc. 10 channels of mix elements) and DA88s with separate stereo, M&E, and 5.1 elements. While I certainly don’t have to like it, I can at least have the confidence that this movie will look its best while reaching the widest audience possible. If this is what makes my movie accessible in far off territories, so be it.
Progress is anything but stagnant. While most of us do look forward to how this medium will evolve, we just as passionately cling to what already works because that’s what makes a standard (even if it is always changing).
I’ve leaned a tremendous amount today. Thanks again.