Mark Raudonis
3
COW Coins
Forum Replies Created
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[Anders Haavie] “How big is big ?”
250 +. Yes, I agree that’s about the limit.
Mark
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[Anders Haavie] “Some of our editors have been complaining that multicam and xdcam hd is very buggy, and that fcp will randomly crash”
I’ll check. As for multicam, when dealing with LARGE projects, we’re finding that there seems to be a “theoretical limit” to the size of the project. Go over that, and you’re toast. What makes it worse is that if you want to combine TWO timelines in projects close to that limit, it becomes very dicey.
My bigger complain about XDCAM has nothing to do with FCP, but the codec itself. Images shot under dark conditions just have NO LATITUDE. Bringing up the level just brings out golf ball size grain. Very frustrating! (XDCAM HD 35vbr).
mark
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I’m not gonna be a spoiler, so… did you see the last page?
mark
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Anders,
We’re deep into XDCAM HD. Stability? Depends on what you mean. Not too much multicam with this format, but TONS of multicam with DVCPRO HD (12 camera). My guess is that your issues have more to do with multicam, than with XDCAM. What do you need to know?
Mark
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Here’s the easiest way to remember the difference between DF & NDF.
The knuckleheads that invented DF made a HUGE MISTAKE by naming it “Drop Frame”. If they only would have called it “Drop Number” they could have saved countless people days and days of frustration. No “frames” are dropped… only numbers. The misunderstanding that exists regarding this one technical concept is astounding.
When I’m interviewing new assistant editor candidates I offer them $100 bucks if they can successfully articulate the difference between drop frame and nondrop frame timecode. I still have the cash in my pocket… although one person did get very close! Everyone gets it wrong. Even people who should know better.
If you ever want to separate the wannabees from the “do it alls”, just ask them to explain to you the difference between DF & NDF.
Mark
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[Ian Johnson] “This is the part I dread. I can get some complicated multitrack trims going when cutting a :30 promo down to :15, or turning two :15s into a :30 combo. Or pulling up a few frames here and there at the beginning of a spot to free up 15fr at the end.
Mostly it’s like trying to learn to write left handed. The letters are the same shape but they are drawn differently, and I have remaster what I already learned with the right.
“Ian,
“Complicated multitracks”… this is where the “T. T. T. T” command shines. Avid just added this to their feature set and made a big deal about it. FCP has had it forever. Some timelines just defy your ability to do a “clean” trim. In that case, “TTTT”, move the rest of the timeline down, do your trim, slide back. It sounds harder than it is, but Avid wouldn’t have copied this feature if they didn’t feel it was helpful.
Finally, don’t underestimate the time it takes to successfully make the transition. It will be weeks before you feel comfortable on the new platform… months before you actually “understand” the logic behind why it operates a certain way.
Good luck.Mark
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[Mark Suszko] “We used to watch MTV’s Real World, but grew ever more frustrated watching the self-absorbed idiot kids waste all the opportunities the show presented them in favor of faking interpersonal drama. “
I know a little bit about this show…
All I’ll say is that it’s a reflection of our society at large. Don’t blame the messenger for holding up a
mirror to the face of some of our “less than altruistic” members. Over the years many people HAVE become more self-absorbed, melodramatic, and only interested in “what’s in it for me?”. You only need look at what’s happened to this country over the past eight years to know that it’s true.Mark
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Sean,
Developments in this area are very active with game changing new products hitting the market almost daily. You may want to check into JMR technologies (They’re an advertiser on the cow…look to the left).
You mention that you’re not an IT guy, but Mr. Zelin has written a very popular article on a DIY SAN.
Search for it here on the Cow.Finally, if you want a turn key, user friendly solution, you’re going to pay a premium. Check into Facillis Terrablock, Tiger Tech METASAN, or Apple’s X-SAN. A proper SAN with all of the switches, connectivity, etc. is not cheap.
Good luck.
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We use “ultimatte advantage” by ultimatte.
https://www.ultimatte-software.com/buy-ultimatte-software.htm?source=adw
It’s expensive: $1,500. But, it works with BOTH FCP and After Effects. It handles fine details like frizzy hair better than anything else we’ve tried.
Mark
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Eric,
Your problems won’t be about “starting” but more about “finishing”!
The first question to ask is, “Will you be going out to film?” If the answer to that is yes, or even maybe, then that dictates a different workflow compared to a video finish.
In my opinion, FCP is much more flexible on formats, but what you’re describing is a cluster F*ck. Pick one frame rate, resolution, and format and match everything else to that on the way IN to FCP. If you plan on dealing with these issues on the way OUT… then you’re in for a world of hurt.
It sounds like the bulk of your material will be at 24p. Again, if you’re going to film, do you mean 24p or 23.98? Frankly, since you’re already planning on having a mix of everything, there is no “correct” answer… only a guess as to which path will cause the least pain.
Good luck…. and budget extra time for the on-line process, you’re going to need it.
Mark