Super 8 music video questions???

[Kurt]

Hello!

I'm coming to the States in a few weeks to shoot a music video for a friend's band. I was just wondering if anyone had any thoughts on my setup and possible problems that could arise.

Elmo 1012 S-XL crystal synced to 25fps

Rank transfer to Beta SP (PAL)
Copy to miniDV
or
direct transfer to my HD using the Workprinter 2

editing on Avid DV 3.0
miniDV (PAL) to Beta SP (NTSC) for US release

I know that the miniDV copies are not optimal, but I'm only set up to do DV editing on my computer and don't want to have to pay for studio time.

My basic questions are about sound levels and other technical things. It looks like the video could be released to a local music video station. Are there any requirements about where the audio levels should be set etc.? Should color bars be put on the tape? Are there any guidelines that have to be followed to make sure that the tape meets the stations specifications for broadcast?

Thanks in advance!

Kurt

[rollemfilm]

you will have some problems with the audio because of the pull down from the rank transfer. if you are shooting sync, you'll ethier have to have a special CD made or slow it down in post production. at 25 fps, this will add to the confusion also. the best set up for music videos is to shoot at 30 fps (29.9...) transfer at the same rate without the pull down. then your audio need not be changed. since you are shooting 25 fps, you should talk to the lab that will transfer your video and tell them your set up. they will guide you best as to how to keep everything on the right track. also, when you edit, make sure you edit for broadcast. there are special time codes that work better for broadcast. this is the drop frame/non drop frame issue which can be a nightmare if you are not prepared. check also what broadcasters are using these days. Beta-SP has been the standard for years. as far as audio goes, this really depends on if the original recording was "mastered" or not. the band should spend the extra
$300-$500 to have a broadcast master of entire CD. check with the recording studio to see about any "TV" requirements. you may find all the answers you want by contacting: www.super8sound.com they do this type of thing all the time. they are the super8 music video specialists.

[Nigel]

There is no Pulldown issue. This is problem is strictly an NTSC or North American issue. You are shooting at 25FPS and it will go straight to 25FPS PAL perfectly.

Good Luck

[rollemfilm]

true about PAL. if you decide to broadcast your music video in the states however, you will have to deal with the conversion.

[Kurt]

Nigel, thanks for confirming that there is no pulldown issue when going to PAL video. This is exactly why I got my camera synced to 25fps. This makes everything so much easier for us PAL users.

Kurt

[Nigel]

Even if you choose to air the video in the US you still won't have a problem. This is because you will take your PAL master tape with its synched sound and then just have that tape duped to an NTSC copy. All, will stay in synch and be happy. Good Luck

[rollemfilm]

although you can dub the video, you may not be able to get it aired because of broadcast standards. there may be artifacts that show up from the conversion. yes, the audio will stay in sync. it just may not look as good, preventing broadcast by major market stations.

[Nigel]

I have dubbed some stuff from both PAL to NTSC and from NTSC to PAL. I have never seen any sort of artifacts. I actually worked on a shoot for the Discovery Channel--We shot NTSC then went to PAL for European Broadcast without any sort of problems at all. Then I shot some stuff for a short film that was aired in Melbourne Australia and we went from NTSC to PAL without any problems. I would go for it. You know what you are doing.


Good Luck

[rollemfilm]

these are just common concerns. do the research and know what you're getting into. PBS has standards information that you can get online. this may help with any other questions.