REDucation

[TedRed]

Hello Everyone,

I'm just on the way back from a great week in Vegas... great to read all the comments and feedback... more than anything this tells me that we are on the right track, so keep it coming, and don't worry if it's on the critical side of things, I want to see the pros and cons from everyone's perspective.

Just like everything else at RED, nothing about REDucation is set in stone, or will be set in stone in the future. We will learn, modify, enhance and better the program each time it's taught.

It is interesting to me that there is much discussion on a "certification" after completing the class successfully. We have had much debate from the team creating the program on this topic as well, and see the both sides of the argument pretty clearly. What we have come up so far (subject to change of course) it that we would issue a certificate of completion, so that those that have taken the course can use it as needed, for whatever reason they see fit.

This does not instantly mean that all that complete the course will be great at doing RED production and post work - there is much more to that, that is only cultivated by doing successful jobs, and building experience. I would suggest that as much as possible, those working in the RED production and post field spend some time and energy gathering completed projects they have worked on as a reel of work, and recommendations from producers, directors, UPMs DPs, Ist ACs etc. This holds more weight to me than a class completion certificate.

One of the things we will be focusing on as part of REDucation, is on set practices, and set etiquette for creating a positive environment - the tool is still relatively new, and sometimes the RED tech knows more about exposure and overall best sweet spots for image creation than others on the set - navigating the on set teaching of others to get them comfortable with what's going on with on set monitoring, exposure choices, lighting color temp choices, etc., etc. can be a challenge (but that's what make the gig fun right?)

We will be posting the curriculum overview when we are ready for that stage (a few more long meetings and internal testing sessions till we are ready - NAB kind of got in the way of that progress for a bit)

The biggest reason for creating REDucation, so you all know, is a constant reach-out to RED, that there are not enough qualified RED techs that really know this new tool and the proper on set practices to make the best pictures on the gig, and not enough people know enough about all the various options and best practices for RED post production. Our goal is to help that along in a fun, immersive, fully hands on way for those that are interested. The RED techs that have that unique combination of really understanding the camera, the on set viewing and file prep options for post are in extremely high demand, the industry clearly needs more of them.

We are excited to see the level of initial interest, and will be working on this as much as we can (along with all the other interesting things happening at RED that keep us up working, while you are all on the set shooting!)

Thanks

+ Ted

[Vince K]

I realize there is still more planning ahead for this, but I was wondering if this was something that would start in early fall, or early 2010?

[David Battistella]

I realize there is still more planning ahead for this, but I was wondering if this was something that would start in early fall, or early 2010?

Vince,

I think the spirit of RED is to share information. I think that anyone who is good at what they do will only extend those skills to a RED package on a shoot. You are still going to prep, etc. the way you would.

As a camera owner I have had the same attitude since day one. It's in everyones interest to see every single RED shoot succeed. Early mix-ups and misinformation created havoc an unnecessary panic. When clients are shown the quality of the image, the workflow and all of it's advantages (even though many have "dissed" the workflow) they can see it all as a positive experience.

I think that establishing a set of standards is a good thing and I think that is what REDucation is going to be about (although I am not involved in it).

To me REDUCATION should establish a GLOBAL industry standard that can be applied between cities, countries, trade unions, etc. I believe that RED needs to establish and formalize a basic methodology that takes every precaution to ensure the integrity of the digital information, how it is captured, stored,etc.

By completing a course it tells producers, bonders and insurers and anyone involved in production that a base level of knowledge has been attained, the rest is up to the individual.

How this is executed is completely up to RED, but I also believe that they should also take this opportunity to have CERTIFIED REPAIR CENTERS in KEY LOCATIONS WORLDWIDE (I know they are planning a London office), this would probably be much more extensive, but as the company grows so will the need to have these types of centers.

I hope in some way this can be a helpful post.

David

[Michael Grugal]

That seems really expensive

[David Battistella]

That seems really expensive

How?

It just really means setting standards and best practices established by RED. What's expensive?

David

[Andrew clemson]

Im looking forward to getting more details. Not least so's I can book my vacation without double booking the dates!

[Sally Shamas]

Expensive but definitely worth it .

[Andrew clemson]

Out of interest, any chance of a show of hands as to who's going in for this?

[Christian Edwards]

may be a good opportunity for a comprehensive official training dvd aswell ,which would help reach a broader market/geographically challenged ... just a though

[Vince K]

Out of interest, any chance of a show of hands as to who's going in for this?

chalk me up.

....and I'd buy a dvd as well. :)