Finishing Post Creative
Glossary
What is off-line editing?
Off-lining is the initial stage of the editing process, where the raw footage is turned into something resembling the finished programme. The rushes are 'digitized' into the edit suite at a lower quality than originally filmed at, and a rough cut is put together. It is here that ideas can be worked on and developed, and so this tends to be the most creative stage of editing. Once the off-line is complete, the programme can 'on-lined' to create the finished programme.
What is on-line editing?
Once a final cut has been created with an off-line edit, the complete programme can be conformed at full resolution along with titles, effects and fully mixed sound. Creating an acceptable on-line edit requires considerable technical ability and knowledge of broadcasting standards, something which our experienced editors can provide.
How are 3D computer animations made?
In the case of 3D animation, the object being animated must first be modelled using computer modelling software - we use Lightwave 9.0. The actions and movements of the virtual model can then be created according to what is required for the animated sequence. Finally, to get the animation to video, each frame must be individually 'rendered', a process which can take some time depending on the complexity of the model. But with a 'render farm' - multiple computers sharing the task of rendering between them - this can be achieved at a much quicker rate.
What is a virtual set?
Modern colour separation overlay (CSO) allows location scenes to be populated convincingly with presenters and actors filmed independently of the background that will eventually be displayed behind them in the finished programme. While such a technique has been available for some time, the recent development of the 'virtual set' has opened up whole new possibilities for this type of filming. A 'virtual set' is an environment generated totally inside a computer, which can then be used as the background for people and props being shot in the studio.
As your actors and props are being filmed in front of the Ultimatte background (the 'blue screen' or 'green screen') in the studio, special software technology is used to track the movements of the cameras so that subsequently the computer-generated environment can be superimposed and synchronised with the subject. When filmed by an experienced team, the illusion that your subjects are genuinely inhabiting the virtual set is created.
What is MPEG2 encoding?
Video and audio must be encoded as an MPEG2 file before it is usable on a DVD, and this can be done at a variable level of data compression. Lower (ie, less) compression results in better picture quality, but mean less content can be included on the DVD. Compatibility is also an issue, as some older or cheaper DVD players may have trouble reading disks if insufficient care is taken in their creation. Fortunately we have the technical expertise and experience to ensure that such issues are anticipated and minimized.
What is the difference between duplication and replication?
Duplication is the copying of DVDs or CDs on a smaller scale, burning each disk in a bank of CD burners. If you require a limited quantity of DVDs this is probably a more cost-effective solution than replication, in which a master disk is produced and used to 'press' copies in a factory. Generally, replication becomes more cost-effective if you require 200-250 copies or more. Replication produces disks which have a better compatibility rate with older players, although this has become much less of a problem as the technology has matured. Needless to say, Finishing Post can handle both options with ease. We also provide custom-designed labels and inserts, and can offer any packaging option, from simple PVC wallets, through jewel-cases and clamshells, to single or multi disk DVD cases.
Contact Us
Finishing Post Creative
Giltbrook Studios
10 Gilway
Giltbrook
Nottingham
NG16 2GN
Tel: +44 (0)115 945 8800
Fax: +44 (0)115 945 8801