[Rory Keenan]

Unfortunately these are not going to be “whip pans”.
I wish they were……that would make this much easier.

These are going to me medium-slow, deliberate pans.

Is the “Storyblocks library” something I have to buy separately, or is it something that comes with AfterEffects?
(I only know the basics of AE).

[Rory Keenan]

Thanks for your advice Marc.
So at least 2gig of Video RAM?

It seems like the biggest hardware issues when dealing with video editing are:

1) Graphics Card (amount of VRAM)
2) Processor Speed of Computer
3) Speed of Hard Drive Connection (thunderbolt, USB3.0, etc)

It sounds like you are saying that the graphics card (and amount of VRAM) is the single biggest issue……do I have that right?

All the MacPros 2013 or later (the black “trash cans”) all have 4gig of VRAM.

What are everyone else’s thoughts on specs for an editing computer?

Does everyone agree 2gig of VRAM is now the minimum for professional editing?

[Rory Keenan]

They shot in 23.98.
The cinematographer was coordinating logistics for a new producer, so I’m guessing he shot that format based on the requirements for delivery.

I’m still waiting on word from the local station to confirm their specs for delivery. If they can’t take 23.98 then I’ll have to decide to transcode the footage. Or edit it native fps, then transcode the final output.

[Rory Keenan]

I went with your original advice Shane (I said: shoot a finished look)

I told the DP I’ve got too many other moving parts (getting a graphics person, music rights, nail down a work-flow, etc) all on a tight deadline and budget.
So I told him we don’t have the resources bring “Log Gamma” to a finish.

After the shoot he told me he shot a “90% look”.
I have an idea of what that means but do you have any insight on that term: “90% look” ???

[Rory Keenan]

I just spoke to the cinematographer.

He seemed to think that Gamma correction (in addition to 3-Way Corrector) in FCP applied to the whole sequence would work.
But I’m concerned that I’m hearing something different from a professional finishing editor (you).

The cinematographer was pushing the “Log Gamma” because he thought it would be easy to synch all 3 cameras.
He also mentioned a free plug-in for FCP by Red Giant called “LUT Buddy”
Have you heard of this?….If so is it a solution??

I told him that I’m a story editor, and anything high-end I’ve done has always been sent to a colorist.
He offered to create an LUT in the Red Giant plug-in, or in FCP to apply to the footage….then I can spot correct the things that need it.

This is kind of a judgement call but: is it worth dealing with the “Log Gamma” to have better synch between the 3 cameras?
I could take him up on his offer to create an LUT then make a pass with the 3-Way to finish.
OR
Should I continue to push him to shoot it in a finished look on set (I’ll synch the contrast between cameras in 3-Way Corrector)?

[Rory Keenan]

This is a local show on a budget.
So, I just have FCP (no LUT) and There is no colorist.

I’m pretty good at 3-Way Color correction, but that’s the only tool I’ll have…..and I’ll have 3 cameras to synch.
Does 3-Way color corrector do well finishing “Cannon Log Gamma” ?….and is it difficult to correct “Cannon Log Gamma” with the 3-Way corrector?

This may be a stupid question but can you apply a LUT through 3-Way Color Corrector?

Correct me if I’m wrong but applying an LUT is not finished color…correct??

Based on this (the fact that there is no colorist) I’m thinking I should ask the cinematographer to lock in a contrasty final-look in camera….(would you agree)??

[Rory Keenan]

I’m now running through an AJAioHD box.
(no luck going straight from deck to CPU).
Unfortunately I’m still having problems.

Physcial Connections:
The JVC deck is connected to the AJA box via HDMI cable.
I then have a Firewire 800 going from AJA box to CPU.

AJA Control Panel:
On the AJA control panel application, under “inputs” next to the HDMI radio button it says “720p 59.94”
“Format” tab- I select primary video 720p59.94
“Digital Out” I select Primary

FinalCut-“Audio/Video Settings”:
Sequence Preset – AJAIoHD 720p59.94 Apple Prores 422
Capture Preset – AJAIoHD 720p59.94 Apple Prores 422
Video Platback – AJAIoHD 720p59.94 Apple Prores 422
Device Control – Uncontrollable Device

I manually press play, and it plays normally for a few seconds in the preview window; but then the video scrambles to green flashing lines for a few seconds, then plays video normally for a few seconds again. It continues to go back and forth between normal play and green scramble.
FinalCut will capture this and create a clip that plays back exactly the way it previews (back and forth between normal video and green scramble).
Has anyone seen that before?

I have tried a number of different settings in AJA Control panal and FinalCut, and that is the closest I’ve gotten it to working.

Any ideas??

[Rory Keenan]

I tried that.
It’s not as bad if I go through compressor, but I still have the same problem.
Any other ideas (is there a certain codec of resolution that works better for QuickTime Player??

[Rory Keenan]

Fixed it!

While I was gone last month someone changed the “Playback Frame Rate” to Half.
Sometimes it’s the simple things.

Thanks for the tips Shane.

[Rory Keenan]

Hmmm, I deleted the prefs recently (with “Preference Manager”). I’ll do it again but I don’t think that’s it.

I also exported a 30sec portion of the film (1920×1080 PRORES), and played it off the CalDigit & the G-Drive……No Stuttering.
Does that mean it’s not the drives too full?
That might mean it’s something in the FinalCut settings or Final Cut Media…. does any one agree??