PAL versus NTSC....what you don't know will limit

[Alex]

If you plan on internationally distributing your film via video and you will be editing your film on video,

...YOU MUST TRANSFER your Film to PAL and edit in PAL.

You can transfer to both PAl and NTSC formats directly from your film...

....but if you ONLY transfer your film to NTSC and edit in NTSC...be aware that...

....PAL TV Broadcast stations all over the world will not accept an NTSC transfer/conversion to PAL.

Please plan accordingly BEFORE you edit your film project.

-Alex


[This message has been edited by Alex (edited April 18, 2001).]

[Nigel]

If you have an NTSC BetaSP there are a few places that will make a PAL dub for you. But they get a bit expensive. Plus I have heard some talk from Europeans that they will start shooting 24fps for broadcast HDTV and for broadcast in Europe. Maybe Pedro can help on that one????

[Alex]

"PAL" Broadcast Markets all over the world are growing stricter over NTSC to PAL conversions....no matter how much money you spend.

So any film transfer work you do strictly to NTSC....even if it is Digital BetaCam ...stands a greater chance...(probably over 90%) of having any PAL conversion be rejected for Broadcast in PAL countries.

Please think about this when determining the distribution potential you want your movie to have.

-Alex

[mattias]

one way of doing a proper conversion of ntsc film originated material to pal is to use after effects. create a pal sequence and import your footage with pulldown interpretation, then speed it up from 24 to 25 fps, add it to the sequence and export (i use pro tools to stretch the audio for better quality). same thing for the other way around basically. i've done it several times, and although i never had the converted stuff broadcast by anyone it looks great.

[Nigel]

I was working for a guy who shot some stuff for Wild Discovery. I know that it was broadcast in Europe before it aired here. I can't remember if he shot 24 or 25 fps. I will talk to him and report back.

Alex--Your point is well taken. Venues outside the USA should be kept in mind whilst shooting.