60-Second Q&A With SCHY GLEASON

(From HD Studio Magazine)

QUESTION
What's the biggest misconception about HD post-production?

ANSWER
At last count, there were 18 different "flavors" of HD.
This makes for an almost countless number of variables that can affect each project.

The process that is closest to being truly easy is conforming of broadcast TV programs. This system has rigid guidelines in place that make it possible to keep a smooth workflow and get those shows out on schedule. Every other HD project I have done had at least one custom twist and required consultation between the finishing facility and the originator of the material.

So, the HD post process is anything but easy.

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QUESTION
Many people think you can finish an entire feature film on APPLE'S FINAL CUT PRO HD. Is this true?

ANSWER
The most common problems we encounter with FINAL CUT jobs is that the initial rough-cut edit is often done by a person who is underqualified to do the work. Just because they can afford a FINAL CCUT system, they assume they are qualified to edit on it. That's a little bit like buying a race car and assuming that this means you can automatically drive like JEFF GORDON.

This is a frequent problem with small-budget independent films.

The result is that the EDL the filmmaker delivers to us for conform is not clean, and often contains a myriad of time-code, format and frame-rate problems.

Fixing the problems takes time and costs money.

SCHY GLEASON is the Senior Editor for VICTORY STUDIOS
in Seattle, WA.