http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Videomaker Forums » Tag: final cut - Recent Posts en Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:21:54 +0000 http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/did-i-waste-4-years/page/2#post-50607 Sat, 05 Sep 2009 23:27:08 +0000 grinner 50607@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>You did not waste 4 years if you had a good time, man.<br /> I've seen many get a degree in this field thinking that would some how entitle them to a high-paying job, or even help with that. Then they get a chip on their choulder when they see they have to do the same legwork as the guys who just made a reel and started networking. Your reel gets ya gigs, don't think a degree does. It doesn't.<br /> While I have three degrees and have never used one, man college was no waste for me. The parties alone were worth the time. If you have the opportunity, you should go. If you just want to get to work in this industry, create a great demo reel, cold-call every production facility in your market, take what is offered (yes even if that is working for free) and climb the same ladders we all had to climb.<br /> Enjoy it. It's pretty freakin' fun. </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/did-i-waste-4-years/page/2#post-50448 Sun, 30 Aug 2009 15:00:43 +0000 gldnears 50448@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Zeta, Schools which teach " creative " subjects seldom teach more than the mechanics. I don't know how one goes about learning the creative instincts associated with film and video other than by exposing themself to many, many hours of their chosen craft. </p> <p>Do you really want to be a successful editor? I would suggest that if you could, you should jump into the fire in LA. See if you can weasel your way into an internship at a major studio. See if you can somehow crash the gate at the Editor's Guild and find employment as an assistant. Most top line editors are technologically handicapped and embrace assistants who can fight the computer wars and keep everything in the editing room organized and workflow uninterrupted. Being an assistant will expose you to more creative aspects of the craft than 100 years in school. Assisting should provide a living and client contacts which will ( hopefully before too long ) lead to an editor's chair.</p> <p>A career as an IATSE member will provide excellent benefits and retirement!</p> <p>RWC </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/did-i-waste-4-years/page/2#post-50394 Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:19:22 +0000 flogonojo 50394@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I haven't read all the posts, but I want to post my two cents since I graduated a year ago from college with a degree in Television/Radio. I have felt a similar way, not that I wasted 4 years (otherwise I wouldn't have discovered that I like video), but I could have gotten a lot better education if I went to the right school. Let's just say our communication dept. was/is in dire need of some help. I feel as if I've learned as much or more after college working solely freelance video jobs.</p> <p>Like everyone else has said, don't victimize yourself...pick up a cam and start making videos. Even if it's just going to the park and shooting random people. What I've found is that if you want to be in this line of work you really have to love it. I'm a Christian, and I really believe that no matter what your line of work is that God will provide what you need if you trust in Him. He has me! Anyways, I hope you find what you're looking for zeta1983. (Wow...I didn't realize that this thread was started 1 year ago. That's when I graduated!) </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-to-get-started-making-videos#post-50392 Thu, 27 Aug 2009 21:28:37 +0000 mdasb 50392@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>thanks for the advice guys, it helped a lot in my understanding what we need. </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/did-i-waste-4-years/page/2#post-50306 Sun, 23 Aug 2009 05:28:32 +0000 MazdaMan 50306@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Although I have absolutely no training or education in audio/video I do have a direct personal experience in another equally competitive field, professional racing. I spent $25,000 for a 1700 hour automotive tech school program 900 hours of that was NASCAR training, fabrication, chassis apps, aerodynamics, dyno operation, engine building, safety systems, the works. All of my instructors were either retired from nascar or currently employed on a team. The curriculum DID NOT teach enough to get you onto a team getting paid and probably 90% of the graduates couldn't even get on a team as a volunteer. The way I saw it I payed all that money to pick the brain of every instructor I had for every second of the 6 hours I saw them every day. I asked them questions until they started running out of answers. I graduated with honors, top 5 of my class and started knocking down the doors of every race team in charlotte, craftsman truck teams, busch teams, grand american series, daytona prototype teams, winston cup. 1.5 years of being turned out the door and even watching them throw my resume in the trash in front of me, finally I got into a machine shop paying minimum wage, I had a heart beat so I was qualified, after all machine shop skills are required in racing...</p> <p>I kept pounding down doors, it took me 2 years to get my first interview, I didn't like the way it went but 2 weeks later they called me back for a 2nd interview and another 2 weeks I get a call that I've been declined. A while longer goes by and one night I get a call from a guy, he tells me his name but not who he's with and wants to know what my ambitions are. I tell him about what I want to do in racing and he asks if I would be willing to take a janitor position on a team until they had an opening. I said yes without hesitation, we arrange for an interview, he says not to waste my time with making up a resume for him to see, they'll learn everything they need to know in the interview. Come to find out the director of operations was personal friends with one of my instructors at school and asked him to send over his recommendations for 3 of his previous students. After a 6 hour interview they hire me into their engine program with a few major deciding factors, first was that I completed the school program I was in and therefor showed dedication, 2nd was because I asked them just as many questions in the interview as my instructor said I did in school lol, and lastly they felt I was capable of learning any tasks needed and was humble enough to learn lesser things first. At the time the team was Evernham Motorsports, our top driver was Kasey Kahne.</p> <p>Might be a bit too much detail but I wanted to paint the clear picture that I would have never gotten there without the school and my instructors and as you can guess every nut who has ever turned a wrench on a car is knocking on their door for a dream. However a second point I would like to make is if it was worth it? After working with that team for a year I learned that if I spent that 25 grand on a mechanical engineering degree at UNC Charlotte I probably could have walked right into most of the teams without much resistance and may still be in racing now. When the economy started going south and sponsors started backing out the guys with the ME degrees kept their jobs and I didn't. The choise of what and were you go to school might be the bigger question to ask than if it was worth the time.</p> <p>Sorry for the long post. </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/did-i-waste-4-years/page/2#post-50097 Fri, 14 Aug 2009 14:05:21 +0000 composite1 50097@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>On your poll I chose 'other' as your first choice wasn't specific to my answer. I think if you can swing it, go for 'training' (i.e. certifications), a 'degree' (BA, MA, MFA) and work in the field. Why? Because if you're 'in this to win this' you'll constantly need to update your info and refine your techniques to stay current. I would like to think that ultimately you would like to produce larger and larger productions as you go along. Going to conferences, training seminars and attending university grade courses will not only keep you abreast of the latest gear and techniques, it will allow you to network with other industry pros. My company's latest film went into production from a chance discussion at a conference with reps from a large production equipment firm. Had I not attended the conference, the project never would have happened.</p> <p>Another reason to follow such a course is your competition. Every six months new college grads with shiny new degrees in production get turned out into the marketplace. You're going to have to compete with them, all those who came before you and all of the one's coming up behind you. Quiet as been kept, the days of 'just going out and working in the industry' are over. The trend now is to use these shiny new grads as unpaid interns. Yeah, they don't have full capabilies as production personnel but they have the higher end basic skills I mentioned earlier in the thread. Who do you think is going to get picked for internships? Some schmoe off the street with no background in production and no secondary skills or the schmoe fresh out of college with the basics? Additionally, you may find yourself not wanting to have your own outfit and want to work for a studio or production house. When you go up for those kind of gigs you'll be up against razor sharp competition. In today's economy, the comp is sharper than ever. The more knowledge, training and practical skills you've acquired will give you more opportunities to work.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/did-i-waste-4-years/page/2#post-50080 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 21:09:04 +0000 TDedmonSBP 50080@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>It's a popular radio-friendly catch phrase of one of the talk radio guys I listen to, I love it.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/did-i-waste-4-years/page/2#post-50078 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:50:54 +0000 composite1 50078@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>"Bovine Scatologic"</p> <p>HA! That's a good one and I shall add it to my personal lexicon.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/did-i-waste-4-years/page/2#post-50052 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:34:10 +0000 NormanWillis 50052@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p><em>&gt;&gt;If something is your passion, you need to pursue it and you need to know that what you are doing is something that you enjoy. I once heard that "if you love what you do for a living, you will never work a day in your life," and I believe this wholeheartedly which is why I am now less than a year from a business degree with emphasis on the entertainment industry with hopes to get a hybrid film/business masters after that.</em></p> <p>Amein.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/did-i-waste-4-years#post-50026 Wed, 12 Aug 2009 18:08:33 +0000 TDedmonSBP 50026@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>When I started in this industry I was also going to school to be a chiropractor. I was trying to figure out along which line to plan my life's journey. One thing that I kept hearing was, "Finish your chiro and then you can always make movies/do video on the side as a hobby." Let me tell you that this is absolute bovine scatology in terms of advice. If something is your passion, you need to pursue it and you need to know that what you are doing is something that you enjoy. I once heard that "if you love what you do for a living, you will never work a day in your life," and I believe this wholeheartedly which is why I am now less than a year from a business degree with emphasis on the entertainment industry with hopes to get a hybrid film/business masters after that.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/did-i-waste-4-years#post-50022 Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:52:20 +0000 Digital Arts Center 50022@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>UC San Diego Extension offers a ONE YEAR Professional Career focused program in Video, Sound and Motion Graphics. </p> <p><a href="http://dac.ucsd.edu">http://dac.ucsd.edu</a> or call 858.622.5750</p> <p> </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/did-i-waste-4-years#post-49962 Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:46:36 +0000 composite1 49962@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Zeta,</p> <p>There's a good deal of solid advice and anecdotes already so I'm not going to elaborate on any of them. Thing is, unless you're already loaded or your parents are well connected or blind luck causes the rainbow to end in your lap, no matter what you've gotten your degree in the only person able to make a place for you is you. Colleges and Universities are notorious for only giving students the 'academic' basics of an industry. Most curriculums are based upon being 'accredited' which is the college version of a 'seal of approval'. Unfortunately, to be academically accredited has nothing to do with being 'practically trained'. Colleges figure you'll get your real training when you get out on the job. All they are required to do is teach you the basic terminology and techniques of a given industry.</p> <p>Now, is having that knowledge a bad thing? Absolutely not. If you can get an education, get it. Your degree will give you other highly valuable skills like writing for example and depending on what other subjects you studied a reservoir of knowledge that will come in handy when you least expect it. Those are the only real advantages of having a degree. You'll still have to get your 'hands dirty' and do grunt work like fetching coffee, logging footage and carrying gear. There's not a whole lot of opportunity to get out of doing that. While you're doing that stuff though, keep your eyes and ears open, ask questions whenever you can and make yourself available as you can. You'll find that having those additional skills will come in handy and get you work though it may be an indirect path to what you want to do. </p> <p>Also, there are many different aspects to filmmaking as it is a collectively created artform. Yeah you can do it all yourself with your own gear these days, but it's hard and if you want to do large projects, you're going to need other people. Others have suggested you figure out what it is you want to do, that's a damn good suggestion. Scriptwriting is the genesis of any project, producing (despite what some may say in these posts) involves far more than just 'finding money' and is an artform in itself and no film gets made without it, directing (other than acting) is the most glamorous portion but carries the greatest weight of responsiblity as it gives the project it's visual and audio direction. After those you have Director of Photography which is the most critical part of the production and carries a similar weight as the Director (no pictures, no movie), Camera Person, Sound Designer, Grip, Gaffer, and Editor in my view the most difficult, thankless and most important position as the Editor 'crafts' the movie into its final form. Outside of those, there are tons of other supporting gigs that can be applied to the smallest corporate video to the biggest Hollywood production. So again, whaddaya' wanna' do?</p> <p>I got into this biz indirectly. I had an art degree and when some set up gigs to work as an illustrator tanked, fortunately I had other skills to fall back on. Eventually, I joined the service as a photographer and then became a videographer. When I got out of the service, I was back at square one just like when I got out of college. Despite having terriffic skills and experience, nobody wanted to hire me. So I chewed the bullet so to speak and started my own company which I had intended to do when I trained as a videographer. Starting your own freelancing gig may be your best option and it may not. Whatever you decide, you best be prepared to roll up your sleeves and be prepared to 'throw some bows' because nobody's going to give you anything. There will be people who will help you along the way, but only because they see you bustin' your butt.</p> <p>You are in this at a good time though. If you can lay down a 'regular gig' to keep a roof over your head and put food on the table, if you tighten your belt a bit you can save enough scratch to get gear. That's how a lot of us did and do it. At least you're not in the era when a videocamera cost $40,000.00 just to look at it (unless you're looking at a RED ONE!) Do not despair young one. If this biz is what you really want to do, you'll find a way to do it and that's for certain.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/did-i-waste-4-years#post-49954 Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:14:26 +0000 NormanWillis 49954@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hi Zeta.</p> <p><em>&gt;&gt;"What should I do?"</em></p> <p>If you ask me, if you are asking whether or not to pursue video editing as a career based on whether or not you can make a living at it, you are asking the wrong question.  Not that you don't need to make a living, but the main question is, "What do you feel called to do?"</p> <p><em>&gt;&gt;"Did I waste 4+ years?"</em></p> <p>If any of us look back on our past, we can always spot the negatives: I'm sure even the best of directors can do that:but it is irrelevant.  The Spirit has led each of us to be where we are today (and who we are today).  Regardless of whatever has happened to us in the past to us, each day is a new beginning.  We have to take stock of where we are today, right now, and then play the hand we have been dealt.</p> <p>So you have a degree, and you need experience before you can get a good paying gig?  That is not surprising.  Video editing is, essentially, art: and all of the maxims about starving artists apply.  However, the question remains, this what you love to do, or is this what you feel called to do?  If you love it, then pursue it; and find a way to put bread on your table however you can (so long as it is ethical, and legal).  If not, then find something that you do love, or something that you feel called to do, no matter whether it pays or not; and then find a way to put bread on your table.  In the end, the money is far less important than doing what you love, or what you feel called to do, because you love it, and feel called to it.  </p> <p>No matter what you do, there will be a ton of work involved: that's just life.  So if you don't want to wake up each morning and dread the thought of going to work, you need to find something that you either love, or else have a burning desire to do.    For each one of us, what that is, is different: but the old saying goes, "Do what you love, and the money will follow."</p> <p>Best of success, and please keep us posted on your progress.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/did-i-waste-4-years#post-49934 Sun, 09 Aug 2009 14:27:05 +0000 peachydingo 49934@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>It all boils down to this:<br /> A: Find a career you like.<br /> B: Try to make sure it is not too competitive or easily sent to a cheaper labor market.</p> <p>I remember bragging to my Dad 10 years ago that with my computer skills, I would be in demand for the rest of my life- sure to have a job no matter what the economy did.</p> <p>Fast forward to today. The Baby Boomer managers that are running the show could not care less about employee loyalty, the American economy or even the future of this country. As long as they can make a profit RIGHT NOW, who cares about tomorrow?</p> <p>Our economy is in the state it is because of greed, pure and simple. Whoever you work for will be figuring out first and foremost how they can pay for their big house and luxury cars. Your needs and loyalty do not matter, so it is best to look out for yourselves. </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/what-is-the-difference-between-consumer-video-editing-software-and-real-nles#post-49909 Fri, 07 Aug 2009 14:49:05 +0000 videoguys 49909@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p><strong>What is the difference between consumer video editing software and 'real' NLEs (Non Linear Editing)?</strong></p> <p>Inexpensive Consumer Video Editing programs like <a href="http://www.videoguys.com/Brand/Pinnacle+%28by+Avid%29.aspx">Pinnacle Studio</a>, Adobe Premiere Elements, <a href="http://www.videoguys.com/Search/Search.aspx?Query=vegas+movie+studio">Sony Vegas Movie Studio</a>, Apple iMovie, Windows MovieMaker are easy and fun to use. In fact, I think they are pretty amazing. While these products can be purchased for less then one hundred dollars they deliver a level of performance and features that would have cost 10 times as much just 5 years ago!</p> <p> While these products allow you to edit your video, create slideshows, author DVDs and export them to the web, the actual features are limited and if you want to do some serious vide editing, you will find you can outgrow them pretty quickly.</p> <p>Consumer video editing products have trouble with long format productions. One of the biggest complaints we hear from consumer video editing software is that after 15 or 30 minutes the video editing become sluggish and the software can become erratic. Go even longer and more issues come up - the audio starts to become out of sync; the playback jitters; or worst of all the video and then the app just freezes up.</p> <p><img title="Advanced NLE's" alt="Advanced NLE's" src="http://www.videoguys.com/Images/Blog/BlogEntryImages/collage.jpg" /></p> <p>Advanced NLEs will all deliver perfect playback, regardless of the length and complexity of your production. If you are editing HD footage some formats and settings may require rendering before they will playback in full speed, but you will be able to adjust your playback settings in order to achieve a level of real-time that meets your needs.Ã?  Most importantly they are extremely stable and reliable.</p> <p>If you are running into any playback issues with an advanced NLE it is probably caused by data throughput bottlenecks in your computer. We have several articles on our website which can help you tweak and optimize your computer for NLE. If you take the time to optimize your computer for editing, you will find that you can edit for hours and hours without any crashes or performance issues.</p> <p><strong>Why do I want to invest in a "real" NLE for Video Editing?</strong></p> <p>Buying an advanced NLE like <a href="http://www.videoguys.com/Item/Adobe+Premiere+Pro+CS4+for+PC/1333930323035363.aspx">Adobe Premiere Pro</a>, <a href="http://www.videoguys.com/Item/Apple+Final+Cut+Studio+2/23353464.aspx">Apple Final Cut Pro</a>, <a href="http://www.videoguys.com/Brand/Sony+Creative+Software.aspx">Sony Vegas</a>, <a href="http://www.videoguys.com/Item/Grass+Valley+EDIUS+v5+Editing+for+the+Digital+Generation+/630333634363.aspx">Grass Valley Edius</a>, or <a href="http://www.videoguys.com/Item/Avid+Media+Composer+35+-+1%2c995+extended+thru+7-15/1303D20303030323D203035373.aspx">Avid Media Composer</a> will not give you better video quality or make editing easier; what they will  give you is a far more powerful set of tools that will allow you to be more creative and produce video content that is better and more entertaining to watch. The reason to buy one of these more expensive advanced editing programs is simple: to be able to tell your story better. That's what the heart of video editing is, taking a collection of media, video clips, audio, images and graphics - then putting them together to tell a story. The longer the story you want to tell, the more important it is to use more sophisticated tools to keep your audiences attention.</p> <p>Once you decide to graduate from point and shoot productions and simple slide shows into storytelling you will want the right tools for the job. In this article we will go into some of the most important tools found in our advanced NLEs and their superior workflow.</p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.videoguys.com/Guide/E/What+is+the+Difference+Between+Consumer+Video+Editing+Software+and+Real+NLEs+Non+Linear+Editing/0x5ba89e5673caa709967ac4699dbd7dc7.aspx">Read the full guide here <br /></a></strong></p> <p>Gary<strong><br /></strong></p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-to-get-started-making-videos#post-48252 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:29:55 +0000 NathanBlair 48252@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Oh okay, that's a good point, but my statement still stands true that HD would not be compatible with Express. HDV would, however, be compatible, which I had never realized before.  So Mario, just be sure your camera is shooting HDV, not HD if you plan to go with Express.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-to-get-started-making-videos#post-48236 Mon, 22 Jun 2009 20:50:42 +0000 The shooter 48236@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Nathan, I think you are wrong. FCE4 Can edit HD film. As you can see on the box, it's written HD on the top corner. Also, it's  written "powerful video editing for DV, HDV ans AVCHD. The only reason why Mario's media couldn't be edited in HD is if it's on a hard drive camera. (or other than HDV and AVCHD)</p> <p>Antoine<img src="http://images.appleinsider.com/finalcutexpress4-071115-2.png" /></p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-to-get-started-making-videos#post-48226 Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:42:50 +0000 NathanBlair 48226@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Final Cut Express will not accept HD footage.  Since Final Cut Pro doesn't exist as a stand alone program any longer... you're pretty much stuck with Final Cut Studio if you're going HD.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-to-get-started-making-videos#post-48224 Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:07:21 +0000 The shooter 48224@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hi Mario,</p> <p>I' don't think it would be possible to capture video from 2 cams in final cut. However, I suggest you to record your media and then capture it in final cut. You are taking a huge step from movie maker to final cut Studio. If you don't need Motion or other apps offerd in Studio, I suggest you to buy the express version. It has the same power, and can edit from 2 camera once they are in the computer.</p> <p>Good luck with your projects, </p> <p>Antoine</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-to-get-started-making-videos#post-48203 Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:16:02 +0000 mdasb 48203@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hi Guys, I am new to this thing but what I need to do is have a 2 camera setup to make Product videos.  what I have right now  is a Cannon OPTURA 600, mics.  we have been doing some videos and editing it in Movie Maker.</p> <p>I just want to move forward right now.  I have a MAC PRO and I was thinking of buying FINAL CUT STUDIO.  </p> <p>can I do this???  have 2 HD cameras an connect it directly to the MAC PRO vis video capture card and have the mics go thru an interface and go into the MAC.  Is this possible?</p> <p>can I do this with the cheaper FINAL CUT EXPRESS?</p> <p> </p> <p>Thanks you for your help and time</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/capture-video-shot-on-hvr-a1u-with-hdr-hc9#post-46163 Sat, 25 Apr 2009 05:55:18 +0000 GBA_video 46163@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I've been shooting video with a Sony HVR-A1U for a website. I don't have the money to buy a deck for capturing to Final Cut and I could use a spare camera for catching B-roll. Is the HDR-HC9 compatible enough to do both of these jobs well? If not can anyone suggest an affordable alternative ($500-$900)?</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/digital-conntent-creators-to-host-digital-media-workshop#post-45076 Mon, 23 Mar 2009 19:56:42 +0000 digitalct 45076@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p><strong>DIGITAL CONNTENT CREATORS <br />TO HOST DIGITAL MEDIA WORKSHOP</strong><br /><strong><br />Connecticut Production and Post-Production Group <br />Kicks Off Relaunch with Major 2-Day Event</strong></p> <p>Meriden, CT (March 23, 2009) -- Digital CONNtent Creators (DCC), Connecticut's first and only digital video and cinema post-production user group, today announced plans for a major 2-day workshop event for post-production artists. The event will be held at Tripeg Studios in Hamden, Connecticut on September 15-16, 2009.</p> <p>The September workshop is DCC's premiere re-launch event following founder Keith Larsen's reinstatement as President on June 1, 2009. Larsen returns to the leadership role, following a year-long absence, with plans to bring major events to the Northeast digital community and introduce a new workshop-style meeting format appealing to production/post-production artists and aficionados with expertise on platforms including Final Cut Pro, Avid, Adobe, Media 100, and more. A member newsletter, regional film-festival, and Digital CONNtent Creators broadcast are also in consideration for development. </p> <p>"I'm thrilled to be relaunching Digital CONNtent Creators with the September workshop, marking a new direction for us as we enter our 7th year," said Larsen. "Creative production artists are a small and specialized niche. DCC strives to provide an interactive forum where members can come together in a casual setting to explore new products, learn from industry-leaders, and share experiences. I look forward to bringing fun and informative hands-on events to the digital media community.</p> <p>The DCC workshops will continue to offer the quality staples members have come to know such as attendee raffles, refreshments, and engaging presenters. Leading industry experts featured at past meetings include Philip Hodgetts (Intelligent Assistance), Frank Capria (Avid), Steve Martin (Ripple Training), Wes Plate (Automatic Duck), Ramy Katrib (Digital Film Tree), Stephanie Joyce (SmartSound Systems, Inc.), Todd Prives (GenArts), Gary Adcock (AJA, Panasonic), Jim Kanter, Aharon Rabinowitz and Tim Wilson (Creative Cow), and Anne Renehan, Don Peebles and Michael Wong (Apple). </p> <p>Members can expect to see newsletters and website updates/changes over the next few months in addition to presenter announcements for the September event. To sign up for the DCC mailing list, or to see more information about Digital CONNtent Creators, please visit <a href="http://www.digitalct.org">http://www.digitalct.org</a>.<br /><strong><br />About Digital CONNtent Creators</strong><br />Digital CONNtent Creators, the first and only digital desktop video and cinema post-production user group in the State of Connecticut, was established to build professional connections between editors, motion graphics artists, independent filmmakers, students, and video professionals who embrace the digital desktop media revolution. </p> <p>DCC originated from the Connecticut Final Cut Pro User Group, which was founded in 2003 by Keith Larsen, an award-winning editor, videographer and director dedicated to the artistic growth and community network of video professionals in the Northeast. In 2006, the group evolved to include a wider range of focus for post-production professionals using a variety of media. DCC strives to share ideas, creativity, and user concerns related to the use of both Macintosh and Windows-related software and provide interactive forums for end distribution of digital content for broadcast, broadband and DVD. </p> <p>Now in its sixth year, DCC boasts over 500 members reflecting the diverse production community in Connecticut. In addition to remaining part of the Final Cut Pro User Group Network (FCPUG), DCC prides itself on also being an equally interactive forum for users of Avid, Adobe, Media 100 and more. </p> <p>For more information about Digital CONNtent creators, visit <a href="http://www.digitalct.org">http://www.digitalct.org</a> or email <a href="mailto:info@digitalct.org">info@digitalct.org</a>.</p> <p>###</p> <p> </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/which-platform-dilemma#post-44235 Thu, 26 Feb 2009 17:53:53 +0000 EarlC 44235@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Cute.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/which-platform-dilemma#post-44233 Thu, 26 Feb 2009 17:02:52 +0000 composite1 44233@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>If you've got the time and cash to spend on getting and learning a new platform from scratch (also remember you'll have to get new mac compatible software to run on your new unit) then by all means get one and go with FCP.</p> <p>But, if you are like so many of us who are working unimpeded by platform save your money and time. All pro grade NLE software is more than capable of outputting footage to quicktime whether cross-platform or not. Adobe Premeire CS3+ can export a project's EDL (edit decision list) to FCP without much difficulty. With cross-platform software you can do your 'offline edit' on a mac or pc and then export your EDL and media clips to a 'finishing' NLE on a mac or pc. It gets done like that constantly and is not hard. 'Pipelining' can be less stressful, but what happens when you change camera people or editors and they use something else? Are you going to freeze up because they don't use exactly what you do?</p> <p>With the amount of software compatiblity these days, there should not be any 'er, uh, issues.' If you plan to collaborate with someone who suddenly falls into 'er, uh' mode, run like hell 'cause they don't know what they are doing.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/which-platform-dilemma#post-44224 Thu, 26 Feb 2009 01:37:42 +0000 EarlC 44224@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Generally speaking it is better if everyone in a "same studio" or on a "same project" basis is working with mutually compatible hardware, software and equipment. Although there are plenty of workarounds, simple or complex, it is always better if these issues don't have to be, er, uh, "issues."</p> <p>Outside that, whatever works. There are literally hundreds of arguments for and against any particular hardware/software/equipment approah - all of them worthy of debate. Believe me, the debates have been going on since time immemorial.</p> <p>Common sense says, if it doesn't matter THAT much to you, go with what the rest of your production people are already invested in.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/which-platform-dilemma#post-44204 Wed, 25 Feb 2009 16:48:02 +0000 JodieQNNtv 44204@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I'm going to being shooting short segments for our Web video channel, plus pickup footage for a show that is professionally produced. (I'm the talent. These will be little woman-on-the-street pieces. Short and sweet, and some small pieces from my studio, little how-to's and messages to our viewers.)</p> <p>Currently I have a PC and am going to buy a new desktop for the light editing I'll be doing. My videographer uses Final Cut Pro.</p> <p>My question is, should I go the Mac route so I can use FC Express? Will that make it easier on Ivan, my editor? I was told that it doesn't matter since I have to save the files as quick time anyway, that I could go the PCm Adobe route. But another reputable source said life will by much easier for both of us if I go the Mac route.</p> <p>I have to substantiate this to those who hold the purse strings. Help!</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/which-hd-format#post-42579 Sun, 28 Dec 2008 02:05:53 +0000 NormanWillis 42579@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <blockquote><p> Yea, "decompressing" is pointless. It doesn't do anything but give you larger files sizes. The reason it does not increase quality is because when you compress anything, you throw out information to achieve a smaller file size. Once data is thrown out, it can not be brought back. So don't bother "decompressing." All you will do is tax your hard drive and CPU.    Brandon, Your experience with using a different camcorder to capture is strange. Is this with HD tapes? Is it the HDV codec? I still shoot SD with a miniDV camcorder and I use a deck to capture. I've never had a problem. I would assume doing the same with HD would be fine as long as you stay in the same codec. </p></blockquote> <p>I have a raft of stuff to wade through before I start shooting, and I'm still trying to figure out what's what, but when I finally get to film, I will try feeding the tape in using the old camera-switcheroo, and if that does not work I will have to move the workstation to the camera.  If this thread is still living at that point (hmmm) I will try to let you know what happened.  But in the mean time we will try it, and hope for the best!  Thanks.  Norman </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/which-hd-format#post-42578 Sun, 28 Dec 2008 02:02:29 +0000 NormanWillis 42578@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <blockquote><p>One decompression side of things I can't help.  But will give you a word of caution. If you record something on one camcorder then take the tape to a different camcorder to download to the computer, be ready for the the captured footage be choppy.  Not 100 % of the time but much of the time the capturing device with do something just a bit differently and only that cam can read it correctly. I recently bought a camcorder soley to capture the footage to the computer so I wouldn't wear my heads out.  Unfortunately the footage looked (and more importantly) sounded like crap.  Then when I put it back in the original cam it worked fine. I finally just took the camera back to the store. Just be aware this may happen.</p></blockquote> <p>Thanks Brandon.  Good to know.  Norman.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/which-hd-format#post-42370 Sat, 20 Dec 2008 23:36:24 +0000 brandon0409 42370@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I still shoot in SD.  I use Sony DCRvx2100 to shoot.  I tried a couple different cheap cameras (brand new $150) to transfer the tape to the computer so I would not wear out the heads.</p> <p>Each different camera gave me the bad audio.</p> <p>oh well.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/which-hd-format#post-42339 Fri, 19 Dec 2008 17:54:31 +0000 robgrauert 42339@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Yea, "decompressing" is pointless. It doesn't do anything but give you larger files sizes. The reason it does not increase quality is because when you compress anything, you throw out information to achieve a smaller file size. Once data is thrown out, it can not be brought back. So don't bother "decompressing." All you will do is tax your hard drive and CPU. </p> <p>  Brandon, Your experience with using a different camcorder to capture is strange. Is this with HD tapes? Is it the HDV codec? I still shoot SD with a miniDV camcorder and I use a deck to capture. I've never had a problem. I would assume doing the same with HD would be fine as long as you stay in the same codec. </p>