File Based Acquisition Seminar 28th & 29th January , London

I just wanted to let you know that I’ll be hosting some seminars with Televisual Magazine later this month at Envy Post Production in Rathbone place, Soho, London.

I’ll be joined by on the 28th & 29th of January by 2 very special guests who have been using ‘tapeless’ camcorders for the last six months with great results

In addition we’ll be discussing the following topics in an informal tutorial style workshop

Why go tapeless?

Increased efficiencies with ingest and data transfer. We already edits with files. File based camcorders essentially ‘digitise’ in camera while filming. This reduces ingest time and speeds up conform times. HD done properly is created 50% on location and 50% in Post that means grading and 5.1 considerations. savings made in digitising can be used to offset additional finishing costs - More money spent on screen.

Shoot HD or SD?

Shoot a variety of formats on the XDCAM HD PDW-700 camcorder shoots on optical disc and is hailed as the ‘new digi beta’ of the HD world. Cheaper to buy than a Digi-beta and shoots in SD at DVCAM and IMX formats and in HD. It’s been widely approved by the UK HD broadcasters for unrestricted acquisition. With the EX-1 and EX-3 then you shoot in 2 HD variables. This is a compact handheld camcorder (similar to the Z1 style of camcorder) Shooting on solid state media, the SxS card. This format offers transfer rates of around 6 x faster than real time ingest and delivers outstanding resolution at a very keen price point. The Ex range shoot HD only but producers are moving towards HD acquisition and down converting the master to SD leaving an HD master on the shelf, thus future proofing your archive in High Definition.

Which media is right for me?

Solid state or Professional disc differences & benefits of each. Illustrations of both workflows. Off speed recording, time lapse and other creative tools that file based camcorders offer the programme maker.

Workflow Rules!

Transfer>Backup>Verify. Plan your workflow and test it prior to shooting for real. Involve all stakeholders at the pre production stage. Define your naming conventions and clearly map your file based rushes flow. Seek advice from productions and experts who have done it before. It is different to tape however careful planning prevents disasters.

Managing media on location> backing up & verifying >Archiving.

Dispelling the myths about how risky working with solid state media is. It’s safe and robust. Examples of extreme shooting environments.

So in summary, is tapeless right for you? Come along and find out for yourself

Faster than real time ingest of rushes and faster conform times will allow your HD budget to go further. However be prepared to adapt your working practices. File based production will rapidly become the norm. It not a question of if , rather when it will be as mainstream as tape.

I don’t think registration has opened yet but I’ll post here when it becomes available.

Also please leave a comment and suggest questions you’d like answers to.

It’d be great to see you there!

- Den