Specifics/Technology

Talk digital technology – you’ll need to know specifics in order to set up a robust workflow, and the editor is the critical centre of the workflow, receiving all footage into one platform, and distributing to many platforms. Editorial is the skinny bit of a Victorian corset and it can get very uncomfortable in there if it hasn’t been fitted well.

Use the Technical Bible Template as a guide and fill it in as you go.

Technical Bible Template for Producers

Click image to download (XLSX 495KB)

Deliverables

Producers – you’re responsible for setting the specifics in the Tech Bible, which will produce the required end products you must provide. Here’s an example of deliverables for a typical NZ feature (PDF 35KB).

Once you’ve got some specifics, talk through your deliverables with Online Post – deliverables will affect the budget. Your Online Post will map out your workflow with you.

Use the following Workflow Bibles as a guide:

Data Workflow Avid Example

Click to view and download
(JPEG 139KB)

Courtesy of Halcyon Digital / edited by Annie Collins

Data Workflow Premiere Example

Click to view and download
(JPEG 107KB)

Courtesy of Halcyon Digital / edited by Annie Collins

Online Post may have File Structure maps for your DIT and Handover Specifications, which will help you set up your systems. If they don’t, you will find DigiMag DataStructure Notes 2015 (PDF 110KB) (for the DIT) and a Guide to Conform Pkgs v1.4 (PDF 620KB) with the Park Road Post listing in Resources. Check out also any *starred* post house listing – they have supplied us with their Workflow and Handover specs, which can be referenced when talking to your Online Post house about Workflow and Handover.

DIT

That’s your Digital Imaging Technician. Think of them as the film laboratory: they are the first line of defence on set for camera/file problems – so they’re important. It’s not a job for a student, or a mate. Here’s why:

Your DIT

Respects the camera data – makes sure camera settings are correct according to production specifications
Ensures metadata
Copies files from camera & sound cards onto the Master drive and backup copy according to agreed directory with Online Post
Applies LUTs if requested from Editorial
Maintains consistency – they don’t change the agreed system
Checks no duplicate file names, ensures incremental camera card numbering
Checks data integrity, spot checks QC (full QC at real time is a separate budget item)
Makes MD5 Checksums
Feeds takes into onset monitor for Dir/DOP to check
Produces transcodes for Avid Editorial and Vimeo uploads if agreed and advises cost-effective drives
Produces data-wrangling log
Organises audio into separate folders with agreed structure

A DIT gear cart on location (Courtesy of Halcyon Digital)

Metadata

TEST the flow before you agree to it. Lost metadata means huge hours and lost budget. Do not use the DIT to sync rushes unless you have instructed them on what you require and what Online Post requires. It is safer to keep syncing and logging inside Editorial.

Producers – do not agree to a package deal from a post house without consulting your Editor.

Common Pitfalls & Mistakes:

Shot in correct frames per second (fps), editing in wrong fps or vice versa
Camera and audio location timecode incorrect, can’t match
Source filename metadata removed
Wrong resolution – shot SD for HD, or HD for 4K
Drone or pickup camera – incorrect settings
Archive – not enough time for high res, conform issues
Credits late – waiting on music details or logos
Music licensing – using incorrect music/SFX library
Sourced music that is scripted should be cleared before the scene is shot
Add your own to this list…

and have a look at the Quick References below

Aspect Ratios*:

Television
4:3
16:9

Theatrical
1.85:1
2.39:1

4K vs UHD*: Comparative Resolution Chart

Television
UHD
(3840 x 2160)

Theatrical
4K
(4096 x 2160)

Camera Colour Space & LUTs*:

Arri
LogC

Panasonic
V-Log

Sony
S-Log3

LUT converts from camera colour space to working colour space:

rec.709
rec.2020
Linear

*See Glossary for explanation of terms

< Previous

Next >

Last updated on 25 September 2020

Top Image: DIT gear cart on location (Courtesy of Halcyon Digital)

© Directors & Editors Guild of NZ 2020. We grant permission to reproduce the content in this guide for personal and educational use only. Commercial copying is prohibited. We retain the right to be identified as the author of this work; please credit ‘Directors & Editors Guild of NZ’ whenever quoting from or reproducing this guide.

Our Supporters