Production in 2.5 weeks, will have red, is it ready?

[Cal Brunker]

Hey guys, Cal here, long time reader, first time poster...

A question to the guys who've been shooting RED:

I'm directing a short in 2.5 weeks, originally planning on shooting HDX-900, but we'll have our RED in time for the shoot (I think it's #63), getting it the 19th, shooting on the 27th.

We're recording sound to an HD recorder, has anybody worked with syncing camera timecode yet?

We're shooting outside, 1 location, 3 days but the schedule is tight, we don't have time to lose on set, lots of setups, extras etc.

Of course we'll do our own camera tests etc. BUT, before it gets here, I'd love to know how you RED shooters feel about dropping it into a production that we're funding out of our own pockets?

The production value increase from RED will be significant, that's why I'm considering it, but there's no chances for reshoots/pickups etc. Is the RED ready to go?

Advice would be wonderful.

P.s. this forum is amazing, Jim you're a genius, Yeeehaw Red.

[Kevin Halverson]

Its always a bit risky to drop anything new into the chain when its not fully tested, particularly when you can't get a second chance. But, as long as you have a bit of time to do some advance testing of your full work flow, I don't see any reason not to shoot your project on the RED. As for double system sound, even without jam sync, you shouldn't have any problems unless your takes are very long, but assuming that your recording to CF, this won't be a problem at all. Just use a slate with sticks and you should be good to go.

[Evin Grant]

Has anybody worked with syncing camera timecode yet? Is the RED ready to go?

You're best bet at this point is a timecode slate. That will give you the most reliable reference for post syncing your dialog. Most pro sound people have one. I do think the camera is ready to go.