[Tony]

Keep up updated Rick,

Thanks for the answers.

Tony Salgado

[Tony]

Bob you are the best.

Now I owe you two drinks at NAB 2007.

Tony Salgado

[Tony]

In drop frame mode every minute except for the first and tenth minute will drop zeros at the start of each minute. The frames are not dropped just the zeros representing the first frame at the top of the minute.

If you primarily have done 30 and 60 seconds spots you most likely never noticed the drop of zeroes as you never got beyond the first minute.

Drop frame is used for broadcast applications where the timecode on tape must match actual clock time in terms of running time. The accuracy of when spots are inserted during a program is 100% dependent on accurate running time based on the timecode on tape and a countdown clock (real time).

Non-Drop frame tc is used for non broadcast non critical applications or where the user has no need for drop frame (or is just plain confused about where those missing zeros went).

So when in doubt if the program is meant for delivery to a broadcaster then use drop frame if not inquire if non drop or drop frame is allowed.

Tony Salgado

[Tony]

Mike,

Since it looks like the editor is dealing with the offline (original digitized footage from DVCAM) I offered my suggestion as a cost effective solution which could be handled in house or at another facility.

I speculate the production would spend the money on a high end suite after the online assembly is completed.

Tony Salgado

[Tony]

Are you interesting in buying a used dvcpro 50 camcorder?

16×9 and 4×3 aspect ratios, records in dvcpro and dvcpro 50 (which is ideal for chroma key work since it is 4:2:2)

If you are interested provide me your email address and I’ll send additional info.

Tony Salgado

[Tony]

Looks like you got the last punch in afterall.

It’s great you did were able to resolve this without having to go to small claims court.

That scumbug client realized you were holding all the cards with his tapes.

Thanks for the update.

Tony Salgado

[Tony]

Why not find a facility that can do color correction from quicktime files.

Applications such as Color Finesse 2 or Final Touch would be ideal.

Tony Salgado

[Tony]

A net over the lens would not make the footage look dark unless it was underexposed.

First question to ask the “film” DP is did they have a qualified DIT on set who calibrated the reference HD monitors?

Did the DP shoot in film rec mode if so what were the specific settings?

Assuming they shot in film rec mode you need to do color correction to the footage to “restore” the footage to what the DP may have been viewing on a monitor which has “film rec” gamma settings on it.

If you do not do color correction to footage shot in film rec mode it will look dark. Tell the DP un color corrected film rec footage is like a one light xfer which has no color correction applied.

I highly recommended never to release non color corrected film rec footage back out to clients or the DP as the confusion will create chaos.

Did the camera department provide you with any verbal or written notes regarding the specific camera setup mode for the shoot?

Most of the time problems which you describe are a result of a severe lack of communication between the field crew and post production.

In such a case you need to make it your responsibility to seek out and find the information you need.

Good luck,

Tony Salgado

[Tony]

David,

Could the producer I assume it is a “he” be involved with the female prior editor? Does he have more than an emotional bond to the person?

If so don’t expect anything to change.

I would be more concerned about getting the proper payment for your services as you can’t take screen credit to the bank to deposit.

You can also put your real title in your resume as no one ever hires you based on your screen credits but rather your actual experience.

Tony Salgado

[Tony]

If you are watching the letterboxed version on a native 16×9 widescreen tv then you have in essence double letterboxed the image. Try setting the 16×9 monitor to view 4×3 or center cut area only.

Letterbox images are meant to be viewed on 4:3 tv. Letterbox allows viewing the full widescreen image on a 4×3 non widescreen tv.

If you desire to view 16×9 native on a 16×9 native tv then you need to create a 16×9 anamorphic timeline and output to DVD as 16×9 anamorphic.

Tony Salgado