Correct Color on-set every time

To take a video (non RAW) image and manipulate it, is in fact tearing the image. This is the test we did back in the day. Open a fresh unaltered 8 bit jpeg image in PS, look at he histogram. The histogram has continuous information, now tweak it, crush the blacks, lift the highlights, alter the color, and finally check the histogram again, now you see a histogram, but with a less than perfect flow of color (missing data) information, the comb effect. Here is an example of a badly exposed 8 bit image and it's histogram, and attempt to correct it, with the resulting histogram, notice the difference in the two. This effect happens as a result of image manipulation with an 8 bit non RAW image. If a color meter was used to dial in the temp, the results would have been much better, that said the girl is still very cute.

Now if you shoot underexposed, if you shoot without proper (correct) white balance settings on non-RAW cameras (Canon C300, Sony F3, Arri Alexa Log C), and have to adjust later in post, your image will be damaged to some degree. The ability to dial in your exposure as close as possible, and to dial in your white balance will insure less damage to your image, resulting in better image quality. I notice this when I DIT non-RAW cameras. So how do you make your files better? First, expose correctly, try to avoid under exposing (for the look), this will not give you the best image quality. Did you know most all you color fidelity information is in the top third of of the exposure range. By under exposing, you throw that info away (you can't get it back in post). Second, use a color meter, like the Sekonic C-500. It will give you accurate color temperature measurement, and now you don't have to stretch the file to pieces to correct the color in post. I also suggest you shoot an 18% reflective gray card as a reference. Today I used the Sekonic C-500 ProDigi Color Meter on set. This is a job shooting car accessories for Nissan Motors. Typically the color balance is guessed, but not today, it was dialed in because I had an accurate color measurement device. Once this was applied to the Canon C300, the results were predictable, perfect neutral image color. Now I can quickly grade, not try to find the normal color, but by being creative, and applying a beautiful grade quickly. Von

My DIT article on Creative Cow

I wrote a comprehensive article for Creative Cow, and it was published today.

The link is, A DIT Tells All.

I hope you enjoy it.

Von

Cart-Spresso

Cart-Spresso

Having a fully loaded cart adds production value.

I love the smell of Espresso in the morning...

DIT CART with Bling

I recently began a feature film as the DIT. The DIT position is evolving, where once you set looks only to and managed the cameras, to full on pre-post organization and workflow. The tools needed to accomplish this task are also evolving, and after much research, study, and investigation, I've come up with my own flavor of on set cart.



While this is a work in progress, and with elements from Big Foot Carts, Eizo, Maxx Digital, Matrox, Black Magic, Teradek and RED making it a ideal workstation, an it's convertible, from one Mac Pro to two when needed. It's a definite head turner, and the with the custom pistachio green color, it's a one of a kind.

This does it all, and with style.

I'm almost happy with this configuration, just need to figure out how to add an espresso machine to it.

Von

Teradek Cube

I love technology, it always amazes me, and improves my quality of life, and that extends to the work area as well. Intro the Cube 120, a device for on set streaming of live video to iPads and H.264 files to a laptop or computer.

As a DIT, I produce dailies on set, this is done by creating 720P H.264 files from my RED R3D RAW files, and Alexa files. This is a process, and it takes a bit of time, the Cube, eliminates this process, and gives me on the fly dailies produced in REAL TIME. For a more custom look to your dailies, create a LUT in camera, and voil a your streaming dailies will have a very welcoming look.


For those using the new RED Epic, on camera playback is not yet functional, so the Cube will solve that problem. Check more out at http://cube.teradek.com/.

Von

Hard Drive Shortage due to flooding in Thailand

http://www.bit-tech.net/news/hardwar...d-disk-produ/1, http://playstationlifestyle.net/2011...hdd-shortages/

The two links above serves as a shot across the bow. I was in Melrose Mac today in LA, they are saying they will runs short of hard drives, and they have had to raise prices in the last 72 hours, and the price hike will not end there. I've already sent emails to clients letting them know to buy now for their upcoming productions, as they could face higher prices and/or drive shortages all together. I just spoke to the owner of a large LA based server farm, he put in (weeks ago) an order for more than a month worth of inventory for bare enterprise drives, he predicts it will get worse before it gets better.

Sorry my first post in ages, had to be a bit of a downer.

Von

The Daily for iPad Now Available for Download

News Corp. along with the Apple announced their interactive papers for iPad today at 11 a.m EST. The app has been made available for download soon after the event ended.

The app has made debut at 99 cents a week or 39.99 USD an year. The first two weeks, however, will be free. Thanks to Verizon for the sponsorship.

To Download , CLICK HERE