Apple - Final Cut Pro No comments yet

Baselight to Final Cut Pro

By on April 10th, 2011

On Saturday the news broke that Filmlight is releasing a full featured Baselight color correction plug in for Final Cut Pro. On their website they clearly show the plug in running on Final Cut Pro 7 but the release date is not until Fall 2011. Baselight to FCP Of course we all know now that Spring 2011 has floated by numerous reliable sources as the release date for the new Final Cut Pro (8? X? iMovie Pro?).

So this got me to thinking on whether this means Filmlight knows something the rest of us don’t know yet about the new Final Cut Pro, or its simply a realistic business decision to get into the emerging “color correction for the masses” market.

At first I really thought it was the former. After all, this isn’t merely a plug in ala Final Cut Pro’s 3 Way Color corrector tool. From what I can see on the website, it’s a fully featured color correction tool based on the Baselight main product line. So this would require a lot of time and effort on Filmlight’s part to get this plug-in ready. I could not see the company putting that much time and effort into a product that is already going to end of life with a supposed major interface and operational change to be revealed on Tuesday.

Then in talking to some folks with a good working knowledge of Baselight, I came to find out that a Mac version of the software already existed. It’s an assistant type of application that appears to be where the plug-in came from. Many of you, like myself, may have never heard of this software because it was ONLY available to owners of the full Baselight systems. So unless you had the full on, hardware rig, you could not purchase the software. So now I know that Filmlight already had a lot of work already into the application and it appears that they’ve been able to to modify that software into a full fledged plug-in for Final Cut Pro.

So Filmlight is making the business decision (and I believe a smart one at that) to get into the same market that Apple Color and Davinci Resolve have opened up. The millions of independent editors, boutique post houses and smaller shops that could not afford or didn’t want the “heavy iron” color correction systems, but welcome the idea of high quality, lower cost color enhancement software.

While I initially thought this decision was an opening sign of things to come in the big reveal on Tuesday night, now I’m not so sure. I figured with so much time and effort to put together such an incredible tool for FCP, surely this must have been planned with some sort of inside development for the new FCP. But since it’s been around in a form for a while, it’s not quite so earth shattering.

Filmlight’s decision is not so much a potential insight on the “pro direction” that FCP might be taking so much as it’s just good business. Whatever Apple reveals to us on Tuesday, one thing is absolutely certain. All FCP users suddenly have yet one more tremendous color enhancement tool coming soon.

For those of you at the NAB Show, Filmlight is in SL7920. Apple is…. well you know.

Apple - Final Cut Pro 1 comment

Apple’s “All In” move: Big Win or Epic Fail?

By on April 7th, 2011

So by now it’s a known fact that the FCPUG Supermeet on April 12 in Las Vegas has been abruptly taken over by Apple. Yes, it says “special presenter” on the Supermeet Website but it’s a known fact now that it will be Apple showing off the new Final Cut Pro and most likely the entire new Studio suite.

Now we know that Apple has already broken with policy by allowing Larry Jordan to publicly make a few comments about a Final Cut Pro event in Cupertino a few months ago. This was a remarkable change and I definitely took that as a signal that Apple would be making an appearance at NAB. Allowing Larry to speak publicly was certainly a marketing ploy designed to drum up some interest in the product for the show. After all, we’ve been waiting two years to see something, anything, from Apple and of course Larry called the new FCP “jaw dropping.” I expected Apple to do one of its patented Sunday afternoon events so we’d all be talking about Final Cut Pro during the show and be able to pester Adobe and Avid about their responses to what Apple was going to offer. Or perhaps Apple would be the final presentation at the FCPUG SuperMeet. But to suddenly demand essentially a total takeover of the event? Nope, even I didn’t see that one coming.

Regardless of whether you applaud this move or not (I’m in the “or not” category) let’s take a look at what this means for Apple and Final Cut Pro. In the parlance of Las Vegas, Apple has gone “All In” for this one event. There is no Apple booth on the show floor. There is no Sunday Apple Marketing event. There is no ANYTHING from Apple other than a complete takeover of one of the largest paid gatherings of video editors at NAB. In other words, just one shot in front of an audience of the very people who will make or break the product and presentation.

This isn’t an iPhone, iPod, iPad, iAnything launch where the general public ooooohs and aaaaaahs and the latest slick Apple offering. Extensive press coverage of Steve Jobs giving one of his patented presentations including the “there’s one more thing” line dropping that one thing we can’t live without.

No, this is a product launch that directly affects the bottom line of those of us in Post Production make a living. Apple has been quietly working for two years to supposedly re-invent Final Cut Pro. They’ve now gone all-in to give us one look, one presentation in front of a crowd of post production professionals to make or break that two years of work.

So what does Apple now have to deliver? Quite simply, everything..

Forget the interface which seems to take up so much of the discussion, “will it be iMovie Pro or not?” Who cares? If it’s an intuitive interface and makes the application more efficient that’s fine. If it’s a crappy interface designed more for the iMasses and not a professional video editor, well then…….

I’m looking for the changes under the hood. Just a few of the things I’m looking for:

Media Management: No more files mysteriously going offline that I have to reconnect when I open a project. No more files just going off into the ether.

Offline / Online Workflow: We do documentaries with 200 to 500 hours of raw materials, would be nice not to have bring it all in as ProRes until the very end and do it in a very easy, efficient manner.

Format Integration: Native Format integration of H.264, MXF and others across ALL the applications. Does no good if Final Cut Pro can edit with something you can’t send into Color natively.

Project Settings: All settings remain with the Project, not global to the application. An editor should not have to constantly re-set Format, Capture Scratch, etc… each time they open a project.

TimeCode output: Timecode output via SDI like pretty much every other NLE out there.

On Screen Text Tool: Type and control your text on the Canvas, not in the Viewer.

Full Integration of the Suite: Adobe CS5 is the model, Final Cut Studio has to meet or exceed that level of integration across all apps.

There’s a lot more I could mention, but those are some of the top things I’m looking for and each of these items has to do with efficiency. At the end of the day, that’s what editors are looking for. The most efficient workflow to get my job done so I can spend more time on the creative and less time on the technical. Right now Adobe quite honestly had the lead on that one.

You know a while back I said this was basically going to be the make or break year for me with Final Cut Pro. Apple has made that decision pretty easy for me now.

Do we see the best Pro Non-Linear Application ever or do we get a watered down, single screen Prosumer level editing tool geared towards the iMasses and not Professional Post Production? Is Apple so confident they have the best product on the market that it’s worth taking over the entire SuperMeet? Or have they made something that’s really more prosumer targeted that won’t stand up to following demos by Avid / Premiere and will take 2 hours to convince us it’s the best product?

Two years in the making.

One Presentation.

All-In.

Apple’s Biggest Win ever at NAB or one of the most Epic Fails of all time?

Tune in Tuesday, April 12th to find out.

 

Biscardi Creative Media 1 comment

Casting Call: Female Host for weekly series

By on April 7th, 2011

Atlanta, GA: Casting Call. Female host for weekly series.
When: Monday, April 18th at 1pm.
Location: Buford, GA (address will be emailed to applicants selected from submitted materials)

New environmental PBS series seeking energetic, female host in the Atlanta area with a passion for nature, the outdoors and wildlife.

Age range: 20 to 40.

It’s preferred the applicant have an educational or reporting background in environmental / science reporting, though not required.

Season 1 (13 episodes) to begin taping in May in and around Atlanta.

Please submit headshots and related materials to: [email protected]

No phone calls please. No walk-ins. We will contact the appropriate applicants to come in for the auditions.

About the series:

Timely, compelling stories from the front lines, engaging viewers with fast-paced outdoor adventure and science
- it’s conservation with a kick.

Stories widely unreported by mainstream television news, taking viewers to places and issues they’ve never known.

In-depth, entertaining magazine-style reporting that lifts the spirit, opens the mind and inspires resolve.

Created and produced by veteran environmental journalists.

Final Cut Pro Tutorial, Tutorials No comments yet

FCP Tip: A Better Text Tool

By on March 21st, 2011

The basic Text Tool in Final Cut Pro is very weak so why limit yourself to that one tool?

In this quick Final Cut Pro tip, Walter Biscardi, Jr shows you where to find a much better font tool.

Final Cut Pro Tutorial, Tutorials No comments yet

FCP Tip: Control Your Fonts!

By on March 21st, 2011

Are your fonts out of control, too many on your system, you have no idea what’s what?

In this quick tip, Walter Biscardi shows you a quick and easy way to start organizing and controlling your fonts.

Final Cut Pro Tutorial, Tutorials No comments yet

FCP Tip: Use Full Size Scopes

By on March 21st, 2011

Why use a single Video Scopes window to display four tiny scopes? Use full sized scopes!
In this quick Final Cut Pro Tip, Walter Biscardi, Jr. shows you just show simple it is.

Technology No comments yet

New Flanders Scientific LM-2461W revealed!

By on March 18th, 2011

So about a month ago I ordered a new LM-2460W from Flanders Scientific and while waiting patiently for it to arrive, Dan, Bram and the rest of the gang at FSI were working up a surprise. The surprise arrived at our doorstep today, the brand spankin’ new FSI LM-2461W. I was so excited about all the new features I wanted Dan to describe them to you.

Ok, ok, ok, all we had in the shop today was an iPhone so please bear with the video and audio quality. But there are so many GREAT new features I really wanted Dan to tell you all about them. So without further delay, may I present the Flanders Scientific LM-2461W!

Biscardi Creative Media No comments yet

Biscardi Creative Media Opens new 6,000 square foot Post Facility in Gwinnett!

By on March 13th, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GWINNETT COUNTY CHAMBER

BUFORD, GA

Business Development Contact:

Nicole Wright, technology business development / [email protected] 678.584.2259

Media Contact:

Lisa Sherman, Gwinnett Chamber Marketing & Communications / [email protected] 678.584.2267

 

Digital Media Firm Celebrates Grand Opening in Gwinnett

Biscardi Creative hosts Digital Entertainment Industry at New Facility Opening

Gwinnett County, Metro Atlanta, Georgia (March 5, 2011) –Biscardi Creative Media (BCM) celebrated the grand opening of its new 6,000 square-foot production studio and digital media fulfillment house tonight. The event brought over 200 industry professionals together to share in the expansion of both company and industry in the Metro Atlanta region. The expansion, announced last July in partnership with Gwinnett Chamber economic development, demonstrates an increasing trend for digital entertainment growth in Georgia.

Located in Buford, Georgia, this new building features eight edit suites, color enhancement suite, 5.1 surround mix suite, client theater, game room, kitchen, conference room, a 1,400 square foot multi-use room and over an acre of open wooded area for employees and their pets to roam.

“Our new facility provides more convenience and the space needed as our business continues to grow,” saidWalter Biscardi, Jr. Creative Genius of Biscardi Creative Media. “The property is in an ideal location, providing our team with access to a great quality of life environment near big-city amenities. Not to mention a relaxing alternative for our clients just a short drive north. You usually don’t find a facility situated on nearly 2 acres backing up to nature. We think we’ve found the perfect creative location and we’re thrilled to be staying in Buford and Gwinnett County.”

Gretchen Corbin, Deputy Commissioner for Global Commerce at the Georgia Department of Economic Development added, “The digital entertainment industry is absolutely booming in Georgia. It’s great that Biscardi Creative is growing here and we hope it continues to do so for a long time to come.”

Recognized as a top professional in the world of media creation, Walter Biscardi, Jr., leads Biscardi Creative to not only meet, but exceed consumer expectations. Emmy-award winning programming, episodic television, commercials, feature films and corporate presentations are some of the projects Biscardi Media brings to the screen every day. Leading the way in High Definition, BCM supports all formats from DV to HD to RED 4k in-house. Since 2001, BCM has consistently achieved regional and national award-winning recognition, including five TELLY awardsin 2008 for editing and production work in animation and over a dozen Emmy Awards in the company’s history.

Digital media is one of five targeted industries in Partnership Gwinnett, the community and economicdevelopment initiative led by the Gwinnett Chamber, to bring jobs and investment to the Greater Atlanta region. In April 2010, the Gwinnett Chamber released its first –ever digital entertainment white paper, touting the emerging mega-industry in metro Atlanta and the State of Georgia.

“Biscardi’s expansion is a classic example of the type of growth digital entertainment businesses can experience in Gwinnett,” commented Shirley Lasseter, Vice Chair for Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners. “And with technology being one of Partnership Gwinnett’s target industries, we consider this growth to be more than just positive economic news; it’s a strategic win for our community’s long-term vision.”

“The City of Buford embraces this ‘creative class’ company, which fits in with the quality of life we strive to provide,” said Buford City Manager Bryan Kerlin. “The momentum we’ve created in our historic downtown is spreading to other areas of the city. We’re happy they chose to locate here.”

Nicole Wright, technology business development manager for the Gwinnett Chamber, said, “Biscardi’s expansion in Gwinnett adds tremendous value to an already stellar industry of digital media and application in Gwinnett and Georgia. It is both a testament and tribute to the claims of growth and sustainability that the white paper shares about this industry.”

For further information on Biscardi Creative Media, please visit www.biscardicreative.com and for more on digital entertainment in Gwinnett, go to www.gwinnettchamber.org/technology.

 

 

Apple, Apple - Final Cut Pro, Final Cut Pro Tutorial, Tutorials 1 comment

FCP Interface: One Window Layout does not fit all

By on March 13th, 2011

A recent thread at the LAFCPUG website asked folks for opinions on how to use the Final Cut Pro Interface for best use. Well the honest truth is, there is no ONE layout that is the most efficient for FCP. In my case, I use up to a dozen different interfaces depending on the task at hand. I’ll literally switch layouts over the course of the day depending on what I’m doing.

Here’s a few examples to get you guys started thinking on using your layouts more efficiently…..

Now first off, I’m on a 27″ iMac for these images since it’s useless to try to grab screen grabs of dual monitors, but you get the gist. So here’s your Standard View. Not bad but gives you too much room for everything.

 

Now here’s what I call Full Screen Timeline. Typically the Viewer / Canvas and Browser is on my left screen and the entire right screen is only the timeline. Notice how large I can make the timeline and how easy it is to go in and tweak edit points, transitions, audio fades, etc….. I use this layout a lot after I’ve done the rough cut and I’m starting to massage the timeline. I also use this for all final mastering working before it goes to tape or digital file.
Now here’s my Color Correction layout. I have my three primary scopes up and at the ready, Waveform, Vectorscope and Parade. I have a smaller timeline since I’m only working with one shot at a time, so I don’t need to see the entire timeline, just the shot I’m working with. The Canvas is extremely tiny because I don’t care about that, I’m looking at my Flanders Scientific reference monitor. The real key to this layout is the elongated Viewer that fills the screen vertically. Notice how I have access to every single control of the FCP 3 Way CC tool without even having to scroll? It’s the same with Colorista. When I’m color correcting what I NEED to see are the scopes and CC tools. So by laying out the windows this way, it makes for a very efficient color correction session if I’m doing the work in FCP.
This is my Rough Cut layout. Maximum space for the bins and thumbnails where I want them. Tiny timeline because for the most part I’m just straight cutting and putting in dissolves with little or no attention to audio. I use this layout so I can see as much of my raw footage at a time and quick drop shots into the timeline for flow and timing. Typically my viewer / canvas are on the opposite screen since I’m not really referring to them much at this point, I’m looking off at my FSI monitor.
And finally here’s my Audio Mixing layout. It’s a variant on Apple’s own layout. Now on my dual monitor layout, the timeline is actually full screen with the audio meters on the other screen. Again, makes it easier to control the audio tracks by enlarging them in a full screen layout. I make the viewer wider to give me more control up there if I need to do some fine tuning of fades and pans.
So there’s a few of my layouts, hope that’s helpful to some of you. Stop trying to find that “one perfectly efficient window layout” because it doesn’t exist. Set yourself up multiple layouts and simply switch between them as you’re working.
Apple, Apple - Color No comments yet

Should be an interesting NAB for Apple Color

By on February 13th, 2011

So NAB is rapidly approaching and as par for the course, we know nothing about Apple’s plans for the event. We know they don’t have a booth planned but will they announce anything at all?

Last year we had a completely underwhelming (you might say embarrassing) presentation by Apple at the SuperMeet. What will we see / hear this year?

In particular I’m curious what is going to happen to Color. Apple has really done zero to promote this application since it was acquired. When it was purchased I felt strongly, and still do, that it was a mistake to roll a $25,000 application into the $1,000 price of Final Cut Studio. By doing that, it created a lot of confusion with the end users who:

1 - Complained it doesn’t operate like other Apple products
2 - Didn’t take the time to learn the proper workflows.
3 - Complained the application doesn’t support all the codecs / workflows of FCP.
4 - Complained the application was too hard to use.
5 - Compared it to Davinci, Baselight, Scratch and others, many of whom could only say that the others were realtime while Color was not.

There are many more examples of what the over 1 million end users who suddenly had this $25,000 color grading application complained about. Not to mention a lot of Colorists who felt threatened that 1 million plus users suddenly had a very powerful color grading application dropped into their laps.

Add all of this together and what you end up with is a very negative net value for Apple Color. People didn’t even want to try it because of all the negativity associated with what is a very easy application to use and works brilliantly so long as you follow the proper workflow.

If Apple had kept it a stand-alone product priced at $999 or even $499 the people who wanted to use it would have had to make an investment into the application. When you make an investment into an application, you generally take the time to learn it properly. When it’s simply an add-on to a major editing system like Final Cut Pro, it’s just a freebie throw-in that I’ll open up and if it doesn’t work in a few clicks, well then it’s trash and I won’t bother.

The silence from Apple on the future development of the overall Final Cut Studio Suite in 2010 was deafening and no more so than with Color. NAB 2011 will be the point at which I will have to make the decision for our company as to whether we continue with the Apple suite of products or transition over to either Avid or Adobe CS5. We’re essentially using the same software that was released back in 2009 and the production world has changed greatly in those two years, particularly with tapeless workflows and codecs that are not supported natively in FCP.

One of the big reasons we stick with Studio Suite is because of Color and the ease of use in moving projects in and out of that application. We literally run hundreds of projects each year through that app. Yes we have Davinci Resolve now as well because it makes sense to have both with the new pricing, but Color is still our primary color grading app.

I’m very curious to see whether Apple intends to keep the development of Color moving along. When Apple purchased it, we were ready to start beta testing Final Touch 3.0 which was scheduled to have some really nice features that have yet to appear in renamed Apple Color. April 2011 will be a very interesting month.