[Jim Biffle]

Was it shot and editied in 24P? If I remember correctly (if memory serves me correctly) DVD players require a 29.97 framerate to play back correctly. I use Encore and it is supposed to automaticaly add pulldown in a 24p file to make it so a DVD player will play the disc. I don’t know if DVDSP does this as well (automaticaly or otherwise) since I haven’t used DVDSP with HDSLR footage. Just a thought, maybe use Compressor to convert it to 29.97 fps (if it was originally done at 24p) and try authoring a DVD with that file and see if it works.

[Jim Biffle]

I see two different points of view on this.

1. I looked at the website and it looks tempting to give it a shot. Who couldn’t use some extra money? Plus, it looks like it could be fun seeing as how I’ve never done a spot for a national company.

2. However, could it become like some other talent websites (who shall not be mentioned) where there are 300 billion users competing for one spot so the chances of your work being seen are slim to none? Also, could it become a way for major companies to get production for cheap? The grand prize for a lot of those spots looks to be a lot less in cost than hiring a company to come out and do a full shoot with a crew, then pay for post time and so on.

From my perspective it’s tempting since I’m always looking for freelance work and eventually (like a lot of other folks) want to start my own production company. However, part of me can’t help but think if I got into this contest stuff would I be shooting myself in the foot profit wise and client relation wise down the road?

I’m pretty skeptical when something like this comes along and looks like easy money since there is no such thing.

This is interesting Roy, thanks for bringing it up!

[Jim Biffle]

Scott, I see your POV as well concerning keeping good editors out of the run because of no certifications etc. Where I’m currently employed requires a bachelors degree in communications/broadcasting. I know of several people at my previous job that are excellent editors or graphics folks that would never be able to be hired due to the fact they don’t have a bachelors degree. I don’t agree with this practice but I’m not the employer either. I can testify from personal experience on the overconfidence mentality. When I first graduated from college I thought my skills were top notch and my stuff didn’t stink. Boy, was I wrong! Once I finally got a job at a TV station in creative services I was served piece after piece of humble pie (which doesn’t taste very well so I try not to eat it anymore). I very soon realized that I didn’t know much of anything and that if I was going to last I needed to listen to the folks that have been in the business for years and really do know their stuff. I decided to listen and I learned things that a certification does not teach such as the problem solving you were talking about.

Timothy, I am at a corporate/government type of place so I understand where you are coming from. People like to see things like certifications and it may get you past the guard dog if the guard dog is human. Our system is set up to where you apply online and if your resume doesn’t fit the exact criteria the computer is looking for your resume is rejected before it ever sees human eyes. In that respect a certification makes no difference. I also don’t agree with this policy.

I’m not banking everything on these certifications. I’ve been in the industry for five years and am just pursuing them as an extra but not to replace experience and a good reel (which I need to update badly). Everyone’s responses on here have been most insightful as to the value of these certifications in both the corporate/government world and the production world.

[Jim Biffle]

Thanks everyone for your input! It has been most helpful and made me look at this in a different light.

I would like to say that I don’t feel like I’ve totally wasted my time. As John pointed out I did learn a lot of workflow tips and new things that I probably wouldn’t have learned otherwise.

I would also like to clarify that I did not take any classes. I learned by watching tutorials and reading articles on here and other websites. I also bought the Classroom in a Book series and a study guide to help. I have the software at home that I use on a daily basis as well and that helps a ton. Also, my employer is not funding this venture at all. It’s all on my personal dime and time.

I had initially started this venture as a way to better my skills and while it has I now feel as though I got caught up in the hype about the value of certifications. Not that they are worthless, just that they probably won’t help me get to where I want to be as much as I thought they would.

Mike, you’re probably right on Apple and Adobe selling these certifications to make more money. After all they are a business. Also, I couldn’t agree more that the best way to become profeciant with programs is to use them on a regular basis. Once I had access to programs like Photoshop and After Effects readily available I couldn’t put them down. I try to learn something new everyday.

Michael, The ACE exams focus on things like assigning color profiles, how to save and use selections, specific outputs for devices (print, web, video) etc. A lot of which I had no clue on how to do other than the video side.

Todd, I certainly don’t want to be known as a certified button pusher. Your point of view is exactly what has been creeping into my mind lately resulting in this post. Thanks!

John, thanks for your point of view as well. I think the technical skills are a good thing to have along with the creative skills.

Everyone brought good points of view to the discussion.
Thanks again everyone!

Jim

[Jim Biffle]

Walter,

Thanks for the input, it’s much appreciated although somewhat of a bummer. I’m not planning to be a teacher or instructor, although it might not be a bad idea for a backup plan or extra cash. I just thought these certifications could be used as leverage for salary negotiations in future jobs.

Again, the input and honesty is much appreciated!

Thanks,

Jim

[Jim Biffle]

I must say this thread has been very enlightening for me. When I started in the industry five years ago as a 20 something I really had no idea what I was in for. I graduated college and didn’t realize I had the attitude of “my stuff doesn’t stink” until I got my first job in TV two years later. It was only then I realized how much I didn’t know and that my degree was merely a license to learn. It became even more apparent when I was hired at the beginning of fourth quarter. I had never touched an Avid or even Photoshop. I had to learn a lot quick and wasn’t even sure I was going to last. It was scary because I loved what I did (creative services) and couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

Before this job I had spent my entire working career waiting tables, cooking pizza or sacking groceries and I knew I didn’t want to go back to that. I was lucky enough to have someone with experience take me under his wing and show me how the industry works and what to do in order to survive.

I learned in not any particular order;
1. Attitudes get you nowhere.
2. Learn something new everyday.
3. Show up.
4. When you think you know it all, you’re in trouble.
5. There are a lot of people that know a lot more than you.
6. If you don’t know how to do something, ask.
7. Making videos, graphics and such is a cool job but it is still a job that needs to be done in a timely manner.
8. MEET DEADLINES!

That first job was a huge peice of humble pie and I can still taste it even today. That taste keeps me grounded to the fact that I’m very lucky to be working in this industry at all and someone was nice enough to teach me the ropes.

So with that in mind please don’t give up on all of us younger folks! Some of us really do want to contribute to the industry and learn from the people that have been in it for a while. That can only make all of us, newbie or experienced pro better in the long run.

[Jim Biffle]

Thanks again Steve! I just read your blog and will be bookmarking it when I get home. My next parts to purchase will be tripod, mic and ND filter. As for sound recording I have a laptop with Adobe Audition 3 on it. I was thinking of just using that to record sound. Should I stay away from that option?

[Jim Biffle]

Steve,

Thank you very much sir! I completely forgot to mention I’m using the Adobe CS4 Production Premium for editing software. I read that the Cineform AVI was a good conversion for editing with. I will at some point upgrade to CS5 so I can natively deal with the H264 files. Is there a particular brand of Tripod you recommend? I like Ventons but my budget is very low after buying the camera. I do plan on shooting both outside and inside and will get a Fader ND as you recommend. I saw one on Amazon and thought about getting it but sluffed it off at the time. Thanks again for the advice!!