Preparing for Post-Production
Preparing the audio and video footage
Step 1: Creating a project folder
- - In AV3, AV4 or Prod 3, find the external hard drive icon mounted on the desktop of the Mac.
- - Using Mac's Finder, go to the folder bearing your name within the In Progress folder.
- - Create a new folder (right click or use apple/shift/N) and title is according to this standard: IT-friendly date (year-mo-day) + Band name (+ in the Stage)
- Example: '2017-03-01 Tift Merritt or 2017-04-17 Beth Bombara at the Stage
Step 2: Moving video data from the DSLR and GoPro to external drive
The video files need to be transferred to the hard drives for verification and then prepared for editing.
- - Replace lens caps on DSLR(s) and GoPro(s).
- - Remove all cameras from tripods and bring them to an A/V editing room.
- - Make sure that the DSLR camera is powered OFF before removing the SD card.
- - Remove the SD card from the camera by opening the compartment and pushing it in slightly, which will cause it to pop-out. Put the SD card into the memory card reader that is attached to the computer. After a moment, the SD card icon will appear on the desktop. (If cards fail to mount, it is recommended to disconnect the card reader from its USB cable, place all cards you intend to dump into the reader, and then re-insert the USB cable)
- - Double-click on the SD card icon to view the file contents.
- - Locate the video files in the DCIM -> 100CANON folder, and drag these files to your project folder.
DO NOT rename data on the Card. Copy the video data folder intact to the root of your new project folder. As the cameras differ, their folder names will differ, which allows copying from multiple cards simultaneously.
NOTE:
Step 2 1/2: Post shoot clean-up
- The quantity of data may require a little bit of time to transfer, so while copying, it would be a good time to re-join the rest of the team (audio engineer and band) for clean up.
- Move all camera tripods near each together, against the walls and out of the way of workers and band members.
- Assist the band in moving themselves and their equipment back to their van, as needed.
- Assist the Audio Engineer in straightening up the studio by winding cables, picking up trash and discarded beverages, etc.
- - After the files have finished copying to the project folder, dismount the SD card by dragging its icon over the trash can.
- - VERIFY that each clip transferred in it's entirety; the original file and the copied file should be the same exact file size and length. The easiest way to handle this is by clicking on the individual files or folders and pressing the space bar. It will calculate total file size within a folder, and/or play an individual file in preview mode. If a video or sound file will not play in preview by pressing the spacebar, it is safe to assume the file is incomplete, corrupt, or unusable.
This verification is critical, as our next step will be re-formatting the card within the camera. This is not something you can undo, so verify your footage before proceeding.
- Important: Do not re-title data or delete files while the flip cameras or the SD are mounted. The SD card should be re-formatted within the DSLR, using the camera's menu functions.
Step 3: Formatting the SD card
- - press the Play button on the back of the camera.
- - use the keypad to navigate to the first yellow screen with a wrench icon.
- - use the wheel or keypad to scroll down to Format.
- - press the Set button.
- - a dialogue will appear asking you to confirm that you would like to format the SD card. Using the arrow keys, navigate to OK.
- - press Set once again to confirm.
Post-production camera maintenance
After the cameras have been cleared of video data, they must be recharged for the next session.
- - The DSLR has a removable battery pack which must be removed from the camera and plugged into the charger that resides in the locker.
- - Flip the DSLR viewing screen to face the camera, protecting it for storage.
- - Place the DSLR in its bag - the lens should stay attached, should have the lens cap on, and can be stored in the bag face down - and put back into storage, with tripod mounting plates left attached.
- - GoPros should be left on the top shelf of our storage cabinet - recharge by plugging into the USB power cables found there.
Obtaining audio files
Audio recorded in the studio must be matched to the video footage. The audio from the cameras will be muted in the final product, but will be helpful when synchronizing the video clips and adding remixed audio to the video images.
The remixed files will be accessible from the LIVE at KDHX volume of our server, filed according to location and year. Do not expect these to be ready immediately, but instead, review the Smartsheet for deadline. Our engineers will want to revise their mix, and will sometimes require a few days or even weeks to get things just right and deliver final tracks to this server location. If you're not sure when to expect the audio data to be ready, feel free to communicate with the appropriate engineer via Smartsheet communication tools.
- - Connect to this server volume by choosing the Finder menu, then Go -> Connect to Server, or use the hotkey: Apple K.
- - From this list, choose flamingmac/production, and Connect.
- - Locate the folder from your session, and copy it to your project folder. Re-title the new folder as 48K audio.
- - Find the text (rtf) file in the 48K audio folder and open it to find the song and credit information.
Updating Smartsheet
The Smartsheet "Live In-Studio Master List" tracks sessions, scheduling, volunteer engineer assignments, and publishing progress. This document is a complete listing of all information regarding the status and detail for every Live at KDHX performance we host. You will be granted access to review and edit this sheet during an initial training appointment. More details of use are here: Using_Smartsheet:_Live_In_Studio_Master_List
If you wish to participate in shooting performances in The Stage or at a KDHX event, you will also need access to
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