Tiffen Digital Filters @ NAB 2012
Thursday, May 10 ,2012
ProVideo Coalition - Tiffen Digital Filters - NAB 2012 from RHED Pixel on Vimeo.
Richard Harrington interviews Michael Cassara about Tiffen's digital filters for NLEs at NAB 2012.
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In-Depth Interview About All the AJA New Products
Sunday, April 22 ,2012
ProVideo Coalition - AJA Video Systems from RHED Pixel on Vimeo.
Richard Harrington interviews Bryce Button about exciting new products from AJA.
A Sneak Peek at Pluraleyes Version 3
Friday, April 20 ,2012
ProVideo Coalition - Pluraleyes & Singular Software at NAB 2012 from RHED Pixel on Vimeo.
Richard Harrington interviews the founder and CEO of Singular Software about Pluraleyes version 3.
Syncing with DSLR Footage with DualEyes
Wednesday, November 23 ,2011
In my tests, DualEyes was significantly faster than Final Cut Pro X's automatic syncing (but it will set you back $149).
Here is a quick overview of how DualEyes works.
1. Launch the DualEyes application.
2. Click the New Project button.
3. Give the project a descriptive name, and select a location where you want to save the project. I suggest saving in a media folder related to the project you are syncing because DualEyes does create new media and temp files when it runs. The application also generates a report file that you can peruse to determine any problem clips.
4. Drag in the video and audio files that you want to sync or click the Add Media button (the plus symbol).
Officially, you can add multiple video files, but it is best to stick with only one good audio file. This is not multi-camera prep, so you should only put video in from one camera or camera angle. Don’t throw everything in at once. With that said, I dumped in the sound track from a concert and every video angle (even a few random clips), and it did an excellent job of matching the sound.
5. Click the Options menu and choose from the following options:
- Replace Audio for MOV and AVI files. DualEyes will create a new file that contains the video from the original clip and the synced audio for MOV and AVI files. Make sure you select this option, or you won’t get a new self-contained movie file with clean audio.
- Correct Drift. Cameras can record at 24P, 29.97i, and so on. Audio devices like to keep rates at 30 frames per second. These timing differences between the audio and video can sometimes cause drift, which means audio and video could be perfectly synced in one segment of the video but unsynced in a different segment. The Correct Drift option corrects this so that everything is in sync all the time. This problem tends to show up in very long recordings.
- Level Audio. Before DualEyes, the creator of the software had a great product used by podcasters worldwide called the Levelator. This product did a wonderful job of smoothing out variations in sound. Well, that’s built into DualEyes. If your audio levels vary a lot between clips, DualEyes can normalize the audio levels. If you’ve recorded from a professional soundboard at a venue, this might be overkill, but for interviews and most other situations, it works great. It’s almost always safe to use this option, but it will take a bit longer to process.
6. Click the scissors button to start synchronizing clips.
7. You can monitor progress within the app and view the Output column to track progress. When it’s done, you will see a new clip that contains the good audio and the good video (minus the bad audio). You will find this movie in the same folder as the original movie with the bad audio. Its name will be appended with “_from_” and then the name of the good audio file you referenced.
8. Simply import it into Final Cut Pro X, Adobe Premiere Pro, or Avid and you are good to go.
DualEyes is a popular choice with those who need to prepare footage to hand off to clients or other team members. It’s popular because it’s fast and it saves several steps at the editing stage (which often get screwed up due to poor communication). I recommend you download the free demo and try it out.
Want to Recharge Your Video Editing Mojo? Join Me at Editor's Retreat 2012 (Discount Code)
Tuesday, November 22 ,2011
Editors Retreat from Editors Retreat on Vimeo.
Now in its fifth year, the Editors Retreat has become an annual gathering for the post-production elite. Highly experienced editors from the worlds of film, TV and video come together to network, exchange ideas, share tips and of course, have fun! To ensure that only the best of the best attend, participation is subject to an application and screening process.
The Editors Retreat is an intensive, interactive environment for TV, video and film editors that fosters creativity and the exchange of ideas at the highest level.Now in its sixth year, the Editors Retreat has become an annual gathering for the post-production elite. Highly experienced editors come together to network, exchange ideas, share tips and of course, have fun! Running for 5 days and 4 nights, the Editors Retreat offers advanced sessions on post, visual and audio techniques and features valuable insight into emerging trends and technologies.
Keynote attendees have included such names as Alan Heim, Sally Menke, Geoffrey Richman, Dan Lebental and Maysie Hoy. Retreat attendees are known to walk away with incredible raffle prizes and swag, often worth more than cost of attending!
For more info visit : EditorsRetreat.com
Special 10% Discount Code : ERRH12
Final Cut Pro X App Store Scores Rise
Sunday, July 31 ,2011
The App Store scores for Final Cut Pro X continue to rise over time. In the strictest sense, the app is no longer failing.
Here are a few observations I'd like to share:
- The App has fallen off the Top 10 list of selling apps (down to 11). This is largely due to initial demand being satiated and Apple removing it from the home page (except for a little button below the fold).
- The App is firmly entrenched in the #2 spot for Top Grossing. This means Apple is making good money of the application and it can b considered a success financially.
- The user community remains fiercely divided. I've spent the last few weeks entrenched in user group events and industry functions. Apple, Adobe, and Autodesk are certainly gaining new users.
- The next dot release update is going to be a watershed moment. MANY (and I mean many) are taking a wait and see approach to see how much Apple can put back in.
- I heard from a reliable source at the Atlanta Cutters Event that the XML resources will be released to developers in the next two weeks. This will open up new opportunities for FCPX to participate with other professional applications. No word on cost implications however.
- I have heard from many people switching (or thinking of switching) to Adobe Premiere Pro how surpassed they are at its performance and features. These same people love After Effects and Photoshop, yet seem surprised at how good the integration is between the three. Dynamic Link, Native Editing, and Adobe Media Encoder continue to please.
- Hardware companies like AJA are broadening their support to all the manufacturers. Avid, Adobe, and Apple are all seeing new products and new support with drivers.
- Several major places are adding in or strengthening their use of Adobe and Avid tools. I've spoken to folks at Discovery, CNN, Turner, American University,
- The DSLR crowd (including Vincent Laforet, Phillip Bloom, and Shane Hurlbut) are now using Adobe Premiere Pro. The RED community is quickly switching too.
- The industry got a quick shot of evolution. "Everything just changed in post" rings true. It's just that a lot more shuffling is occurring than anyone expected.
NY Post Conference Returns October 11–13
Sunday, July 03 ,2011
Just a quick reminder to SAVE THE DATE: October 11 - 13, 2011. The New York Post Production Conference in New York City. The show features dozens of expert training sessions for video, TV, film and new media professionals.
3 full days of expert training in multiple tracks
Sessions taught by industry experts
Certification prep class & exams for Final Cut Pro & Avid Media Composer 5.5.
Browse the Show floor with hundreds of exhibitors at the Content & Communications World Expo
See the full schedule here.
For more information visit the NYPPC website.
REGISTER NOW by early bird date to save!
A Public Statement on My Relationships and Recent Writings
Sunday, June 26 ,2011
Due to my recent writings, my thoughts and activities have come under much greater scrutiny. I think it is important that I fully disclose my involvement with technology companies as well as much of my day to day existence.
Our storage networks are primarily Drobo. We use mostly Panasonic cameras and shoot to P2. We do use a lot of DSLR equipment (both from Canon and Nikon). We use AJA hardware for the most part. We are 80% + Mac shop, but we do have some Dell computers (as well as Windows installed on several Macs).
The bulk of my training has been around teaching video pros and photographers. I have an obsession with slide presentations (and a passion for Apple Keynote). My goal with training has first and foremost been to help people. My secondary goal has been to earn money to support my family. It is an economic reality that I need to make money for my teaching as it takes me away from my company.
Over the last ten years I have written approximately 30 books. These have been predominantly on Apple and Adobe software. I have also written about web video, DSLR video, workflow, and even PowerPoint.
I have made money as a podcaster for Creative COW. I have also been paid to blog by ProVideo Coalition. I have been hired to write for DV magazine, Creative COW magazine, Photoshop User, and Mac Design.
In 10 years, I have been fairly visible. The revenue I make is sufficient (although I certainly cannot quit my day job if I wanted to support my family). I have rarely been supported by advertisers or sponsors. I have made enough money from my training efforts to justify the time and effort (as well as to release hundreds of free podcasts and thousands of blog and forum posts).
I have been approached by several others. I have turned down advertisements on my blog.
I have received products from many companies through the years. This ranges from software to review, to products to test. This list is not complete (as I cannot remember everything at my age). These groups have supported my efforts and training with equipment loans, not for resale software, etc. Most of these items are loaned, and have to be returned upon request. Again in alphabetical order.
I started with Final Cut Pro on version 1. I still use it a whole lot (and it is the most popular application with our clients). My company did 90% of its editorial work in Final Cut Pro last year. We are migrating new projects to Adobe Premiere Pro in most cases, but have many clients and existing projects that will need to stay in Final Cut Pro 7.
I decided to get over my snobbishness and learn Adobe Premiere Pro about 2 years ago. I struggled, I whined, I complained. Then it got better. I used it for all my DSLR workflow starting with CS5. I’ve now switched to using it about 50% of the time for my work, and I am excited by the growth I see.
My own company is in the middle of being retrained. Like many things related to video workflow, I wrote it down and sell it as a book. If you buy it... I make 50¢. Let’s just say I live off my client work — my book writing is a bad addiction spurned by being bred from a family with 14 teachers in it.
If you freelance... know all three (more money). If your job requires you to learn a new tool, do so. I regularly post links to great trainers, conferences, and educational products (not just my stuff).
I use what the job or the client demands. Do I like Adobe... yes I like where they are going and find it reassuring that they lay out a clear roadmap. I also commend Avid for being much clearer about where they are going and opening up support for AJA hardware, etc.
What I would like Apple to do is communicate its vision with words (not just software releases). I’d like to have time to transition and see both roads stay open while the bridge is under construction. As a pro, I cannot accept dramatic interruptions in my workflow. It saddens me that it is easier to migrate to other manufacturers and keep my Mac computers and AJA hardware working, than it is to migrate to the shipping version of Final Cut Pro X.
To this day I use both heavily. If you have any doubt.... look at the Final Cut Pro podcasts on Creative COW. I think it's a great tool for some users, really. But its not what I hoped for as it stands now.
I am currently working on training for photographers who want to edit DSLR material in FCPX. I am happy with it for that use, as I know it will be approachable to many photographers who find “traditional editing” confusing. If you like FCPX, I am genuinely happy for you. Getting new software should feel like birthday presents for a six-year old.
This advance access lets me figure out problems. Some companies use this feedback and make their products better. I also can work on training products so they can be ready when the application ships (or as close to possible). These agreements are entered in so I can create a product that is ready when you need it.
My opinions have never been bought. I have never been told what to say. I have never colluded with a company to change the opinion of the market. I have been hired by companies to help them understand the end user. I have written and produced as well as reviewed and commented on efforts that impact the professional video industry.
My opinions raised through my writings and podcasts on the Final Cut Pro X release have been from the point of view of a facility owner who now has to retrain his own staff. I am also frustrated that my investment in hardware and training is currently being wasted by a product that seems to ignore both.
I am vocal because there has not been a clear public statement about the issues many pros are raising. I am vocal because there is not a shared plan to address migration. I am vocal because ten years of my company’s work is frozen to an application that may or may not run in the future.
As a trainer and author... these are good times. Lots of work and consulting to do.
These are challenging times. The economy is rough and competition is high. Please continue the debate with respect and integrity. Choose what is right for you. My opinions are not very important, I will be here to help in whatever way I can with the knowledge and skills I have built through the years.
Richard M. Harrington, PMP
What is Your Primary Job?
The primary focus of my activities is as the owner of a production company in the Washington, DC area. I started the company in 1999. I have built my company’s infrastructure around Final Cut Pro and have used Adobe Photoshop and After Effects extensively. We also use a lot of other software tools as well.Our storage networks are primarily Drobo. We use mostly Panasonic cameras and shoot to P2. We do use a lot of DSLR equipment (both from Canon and Nikon). We use AJA hardware for the most part. We are 80% + Mac shop, but we do have some Dell computers (as well as Windows installed on several Macs).
What Other Jobs Do You Hold?
I come from a family of teachers. I have taught university. I have taught online. I have taught at conferences. I usually get paid to teach, but I have spoken and done several free events. I have spoken at Apple stores (both paid and for free). I have worked at Apple’s booth at NAB. I have spoken at Adobe’s booth there too. Both of those positions were unpaid (though Apple covered my expenses, lodging, and airfare).The bulk of my training has been around teaching video pros and photographers. I have an obsession with slide presentations (and a passion for Apple Keynote). My goal with training has first and foremost been to help people. My secondary goal has been to earn money to support my family. It is an economic reality that I need to make money for my teaching as it takes me away from my company.
Over the last ten years I have written approximately 30 books. These have been predominantly on Apple and Adobe software. I have also written about web video, DSLR video, workflow, and even PowerPoint.
I have made money as a podcaster for Creative COW. I have also been paid to blog by ProVideo Coalition. I have been hired to write for DV magazine, Creative COW magazine, Photoshop User, and Mac Design.
In 10 years, I have been fairly visible. The revenue I make is sufficient (although I certainly cannot quit my day job if I wanted to support my family). I have rarely been supported by advertisers or sponsors. I have made enough money from my training efforts to justify the time and effort (as well as to release hundreds of free podcasts and thousands of blog and forum posts).
Which Companies Have Hired You Recently?
I have been hired by the following companies to produce training or do video production services. This list is in alphabetical order for ease of use.- Adobe
- Apple
- Creative COW
- Drobo
- Focal Press
- Kelby Training
- Pearson Education
I have been approached by several others. I have turned down advertisements on my blog.
I have received products from many companies through the years. This ranges from software to review, to products to test. This list is not complete (as I cannot remember everything at my age). These groups have supported my efforts and training with equipment loans, not for resale software, etc. Most of these items are loaned, and have to be returned upon request. Again in alphabetical order.
- Adobe
- AJA
- Apple
- Artbeats
- Dell
- Digital Anarchy
- Drobo
- G-Tech
- Hoodman
- Matrox
- Redrock Micro
- Red Giant
- Singular Software
- Wacom
- Zacuto
What Do You Edit With?
I started on Avid at KCCI television in Des Moines, IA. Paid for my own classes out of my own pocket and learned it. I actively edited on Avid for about 7 years. I was an Avid editor at dhg Productions and PCI Communications. Also freelanced using Avid for several years (and still have a respect for the product today).I started with Final Cut Pro on version 1. I still use it a whole lot (and it is the most popular application with our clients). My company did 90% of its editorial work in Final Cut Pro last year. We are migrating new projects to Adobe Premiere Pro in most cases, but have many clients and existing projects that will need to stay in Final Cut Pro 7.
I decided to get over my snobbishness and learn Adobe Premiere Pro about 2 years ago. I struggled, I whined, I complained. Then it got better. I used it for all my DSLR workflow starting with CS5. I’ve now switched to using it about 50% of the time for my work, and I am excited by the growth I see.
My own company is in the middle of being retrained. Like many things related to video workflow, I wrote it down and sell it as a book. If you buy it... I make 50¢. Let’s just say I live off my client work — my book writing is a bad addiction spurned by being bred from a family with 14 teachers in it.
Do You Have an Agenda?
Heck no. I consider NLE choice like religion. That’s up to you. Except when it’s not. Like a client demands, or the shop you work for switches. I helped a lot of Avid editors learn Final Cut Pro (I mean A LOT). I’ve also started helping Avid and FCP users learn Premiere Pro. Use the tool you like if it’s up to you.If you freelance... know all three (more money). If your job requires you to learn a new tool, do so. I regularly post links to great trainers, conferences, and educational products (not just my stuff).
I use what the job or the client demands. Do I like Adobe... yes I like where they are going and find it reassuring that they lay out a clear roadmap. I also commend Avid for being much clearer about where they are going and opening up support for AJA hardware, etc.
What I would like Apple to do is communicate its vision with words (not just software releases). I’d like to have time to transition and see both roads stay open while the bridge is under construction. As a pro, I cannot accept dramatic interruptions in my workflow. It saddens me that it is easier to migrate to other manufacturers and keep my Mac computers and AJA hardware working, than it is to migrate to the shipping version of Final Cut Pro X.
Do You Hate Apple/FCPX?
Absolutely not. When I launched my company I was faced with taking out a second mortgage for an NLE or trying Final Cut Pro. I have been there since version 1. I built my company using Apple hardware and software from Apple and Adobe.To this day I use both heavily. If you have any doubt.... look at the Final Cut Pro podcasts on Creative COW. I think it's a great tool for some users, really. But its not what I hoped for as it stands now.
I am currently working on training for photographers who want to edit DSLR material in FCPX. I am happy with it for that use, as I know it will be approachable to many photographers who find “traditional editing” confusing. If you like FCPX, I am genuinely happy for you. Getting new software should feel like birthday presents for a six-year old.
Do You Have Agreements with Companies?
I have multiple non-disclosure agreements and I honor them. I have never disclosed details about one manufacturer to another. I have (to the best of my knowledge) never disclosed anything improper to end users. This agreements are a necessity as they give me advanced access to the tools we all use.This advance access lets me figure out problems. Some companies use this feedback and make their products better. I also can work on training products so they can be ready when the application ships (or as close to possible). These agreements are entered in so I can create a product that is ready when you need it.
My opinions have never been bought. I have never been told what to say. I have never colluded with a company to change the opinion of the market. I have been hired by companies to help them understand the end user. I have written and produced as well as reviewed and commented on efforts that impact the professional video industry.
Why are You so Vocal Now?
I have always tried to be fair in my opinions. And I always try to give software developers helpful feedback about their tools. I have been blogging for more than 5 years and release approximately 5 posts a week. I’m also active on Facebook and Twitter as well as contribute to several photography and Photoshop blogs.My opinions raised through my writings and podcasts on the Final Cut Pro X release have been from the point of view of a facility owner who now has to retrain his own staff. I am also frustrated that my investment in hardware and training is currently being wasted by a product that seems to ignore both.
I am vocal because there has not been a clear public statement about the issues many pros are raising. I am vocal because there is not a shared plan to address migration. I am vocal because ten years of my company’s work is frozen to an application that may or may not run in the future.
As a trainer and author... these are good times. Lots of work and consulting to do.
- I recently released a book on Premiere Pro for migrating editors. I had no inside knowledge on Apple’s plans. I decided to diversity my company and cross-train my employees.
- I am currently writing two books on video editing for DSLR photographers. One is on Final Cut Pro X while the other is on Premiere Pro. I truly believe that both are great products for this segment of the professional workforce.
- I have had lots of demands from both Apple and Adobe users to help them with problems. If you look at the training products I’ve released in the last 3 years you will see my focus has always been on collaboration. Helping pros and emerging pros to get their jobs done has been my goal.
- I also weave business ethics and best practices into most of my content as I genuinely want to see our industry succeed.
In Conclusion
I hope this post does three things.- First, I have a legal obligation to reveal my professional relationships.
- Second, I hope it helps readers and listeners understand my motivations.
- Third, I would like the industry and Apple to engage in meaningful and professional conversations to ensure the long term health of the professional video industry.
These are challenging times. The economy is rough and competition is high. Please continue the debate with respect and integrity. Choose what is right for you. My opinions are not very important, I will be here to help in whatever way I can with the knowledge and skills I have built through the years.
Richard M. Harrington, PMP
Useful Videos About Documentary Editing
Sunday, March 20 ,2011
A colleague of mine, Steve Audette has posted some useful videos about the art and theory of documentary editing. Steve is a lead editor for WGBH public television and a very talented editor. Be sure to check some of these options out.
Here's one on After Effects:
Here are three more:
"Thoughts on Documentary Editing part one"
http://vimeo.com/13853751
"Thoughts on Documentary Editing part two"
http://vimeo.com/14002312
An Overview of After Effects for Documentary Editors
http://vimeo.com/18281019
Avid ScriptSync for Documentary Editors
http://vimeo.com/17502817
Here's one on After Effects:
Here are three more:
"Thoughts on Documentary Editing part one"
http://vimeo.com/13853751
"Thoughts on Documentary Editing part two"
http://vimeo.com/14002312
An Overview of After Effects for Documentary Editors
http://vimeo.com/18281019
Avid ScriptSync for Documentary Editors
http://vimeo.com/17502817
