[John Davidson]

I just noticed the South Africa part – PAL changes the landscape a bit. If you shoot HDV Pal, I don’t think you have to use the Picture Profile 4 Cineframe mode on HDV.

[John Davidson]

We did a live show with 3 vx100’s and one Sony z1u in it’s cineframe mode (picture profile 4).

Here’s a link to a BTS of the event.
https://www.magicfeatherinc.com/Kelly/bts.htm

95% of these shots are on VX100’s, but there are a few wider shots (where people are on stage during the event and the camera is centered – I think the first shot is where people are dancing). The HDV shots are quick in this BTS, but I think it’s a good example of how closely you can match the camera footage.

We actually digitized the footage in as DVCam, though we shot it in HDV. You will need a sony hdv deck if you shot with hdv because standard DV decks won’t play hdv tapes.

Our biggest butt pain was the color correct. That was more an issue with the constantly changing lighting during the show than with the footage format. I know I’ll probably get screamed at for this, but we found it’s easier to shoot at the PP4 setting (the Z1u’s Cineframe Film look mode) and match to the VX100’s simulated 24p that way. it really looked cool. Alot of folks really get upset by that format though.

Let the public castigation begin.

[John Davidson]

In the old days, if you were recording natsound of the event which played the music, you were ok (that was news though). Could be different now.

John Davidson____ writer | producer | director____https://www.magicfeatherinc.com

[John Davidson]

Awful situation, but when I read the phrase “Raft of Crap”, I laughed a good :30.

I think there is nothing singularly worse than the client that revises reality and doesn’t accept any culpability for their own mistakes.

As far as going above his head, tread carefully. Even though they may be aware of his issues with apparent senility, their relationship may be at a point where the other partners take up for him, regardless of if they know.

I actually had a client with a Production Manager who had borderline personality disorder and was slandering me and all the other producers whenever she could (between emotional outbursts). Eventually, I decided to leave. When I explained to the creative director that I was leaving to protect my name, I was told “Awww, that stuff doesn’t get back to the VP of the network”. It was then I realized that the CD was aware of this person’s problem, and was covering for her.

The point is, he may have a problem, and you may be right, but going over the crazy guy’s head doesn’t mean they won’t still blame you.

Just get out as fast and painlessly as you can. New clients will come. Nobody wants to be under the stress of a client that can’t maintain a consistant grasp of reality. Eventually you’ll jump every time the phone rings, and that my friend, sucks.

-neo

John Davidson____ writer | producer | director____https://www.magicfeatherinc.com

[John Davidson]

This blog really points out how uninformed so many of us who migrate from Avid are. In my case, when I didn’t know how to do something I could do in Avid, I develop workarounds to make air. Later, I learned the right way, but even now I feel like an idiot when I learn a new feature and have to unlearn my hack method.

How great would it be to see a few Aaron Rabinowitz style tutorials (from the AE room) showing how to overcome the FCP issues the author of that comparison pointed out? Perhaps something like an “Uncle Walter’s Trimming Tricks for FCP” tutorial?

Not that Walter isn’t busy enough :-).

John Davidson____ writer | producer | director____https://www.magicfeatherinc.com

[John Davidson]

I skimmed a bit, but great work! Very strong understanding of producer/director/writer triple threat. This is an excellent package for every new client.

You might be a little low on the production budget of 10%, I would say at least 20% or 25%. Other than that, nice job! I’d certainly fwd new clients (and all those pesky “hey, what is it that you do” calls) to that page.

Best Regards,
Neo

John Davidson____ writer | producer | director____https://www.magicfeatherinc.com

[John Davidson]

Agreed. Network, let your friends know you’re looking for work, join groups like BDA/Promax, and whatever you do make sure you have a fantastic reel.

Good Luck!

John Davidson____ writer | producer | director____https://www.magicfeatherinc.com

[John Davidson]

I 2nd that emotion. Thanks as well. Can’t tell you how many times the herd has saved me from myself :-).

[John Davidson]

Actually, the project just got killed due to the limited budget of the client, which turned out to be a joke. I think I should be ok.

Cool, thanks again though David. I appreciate the offer!

[John Davidson]

Cool. Could be worse.

Thanks David!