Current and Near Future Possible Workflows

[R Fogg]

Trying to wrap my head around all possible post workflow options for finishing 1080p through 4k. After milling through many posts here I have generated a matrix or possible workflow options. I realize the matrix is overly simplified and my understanding of post, especially the various finishing options is limited, but if any post wizards have feedback or additions I will update the matrix and perhaps it can become a useful reference. (If not for others, at least for myself)

***also indicates near future implementation

Thanks in advance
Ryley

[Ed van der Kruijssen]

Hi Ryley,

This is at least the smoothest workflow for longform programs that we could figure out.
At least if you need to have an "what you see is what you get" on set realtime playback in HD 1080P,shot selection, possibities to make dailies, Autoconform in 4K and processing to 2K DPX or 4K DPX.
Scratch is unfortunately the only one right now that can offer this. You don't need IQ offcoure for finishing and grading, all kind grading systems will do the job for you Smoke, Lustre, FCP etc.
We happen to have an IQ thats why it's in our workflow diagram.

[Mike Zinner]

You forgot the Cineform solution which will give you realtime 2K playback with realtime effects from 4K online files without the need for any proxies or offline workflow. See here for details http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?t=6412

[Ed van der Kruijssen]

Hi Mike,

Has the Cineform workflow been tested already? What does it qualitywise when you convert from one compression standard (R3D) to another (Cineform)?

[Ed van der Kruijssen]

And how long will it take to convert 3RD to Cineform?

[Mike McCarthy]

And how long will it take to convert 3RD to Cineform?

A high end workstation is currently about 2-3sec/frame to convert from R3D 4K to Cineform4K. Cineform2K has been around for about 2 years, and been used as a DI solution, and the lower resolution CineformHD is even more popular.

The current working workflow is to convert to Cineform in RedCine, edit in PPro, import that project into AE, and export 4K Cineform or DPX files. If you only need a 2K master, that can be exported right out of Premiere if desired. No need to conform on Scratch, etc. You do have to do the processing up front, to get your data into Cineform compression to work with.

[R Fogg]

Dip, thanks for the feedback. I notice you list Avid as an option in your workflow diagram. Would the approach with avid be to go redcine/scratch -> offline with DNXHD proxies -> EDL to scratch to conform with r3d files in Scratch? Or do you use the Redcam generated QT proxies?

Mike, I had the cineform codecs listed but have now added a notes section detailing the caveats of going the Cineform route.

[David Newman]

Import update for the CineForm workflow. IRIDAS Speedgrade DI and FrameCycler now support CineForm media directly. See the press release http://studiodaily.com/main/news/8848.html

[Ed van der Kruijssen]

Dip, thanks for the feedback. I notice you list Avid as an option in your workflow diagram. Would the approach with avid be to go redcine/scratch -> offline with DNXHD proxies -> EDL to scratch to conform with r3d files in Scratch? Or do you use the Redcam generated QT proxies?

No the approach would be to make off line DV/cam copies (or Digibeta even HDCAM/DVCproHD) and capturing these tapes into Avid. Make your offline and Scratch will do the autoconform according the generated EDL. Nothing wrong with the proven conventional tape based off line workflow especially for longform edits. All other approaches are quite time consuming.

[R Fogg]

Thanks Dip,
Is this the same approach you would use in FCP or will the redcam QT proxies work here?