Fix It in the Mix

This expression I have to attribute to one of my senior video editors. This mind-set comes from when she worked with a producer who wasn't overly concerned with doing things correctly during the production phase and said that they would just "fix it in the mix." Well, it's not always that easy. Fortunately, computer-based editing systems have made it more feasible to correct a number of elements during the project's postproduction phase. The one that I seem to encounter most, especially when working with nonprofessional equipment, is image correction. Image correction encompasses several areas, including adjusting image levels and color correction.

If you're going to edit any video (which I assume is why you're working with Premiere), make sure you work with as many of the following as possible:

  • Properly adjusted monitors

  • Highest-quality source footage (Beta SP and DV CAM versus VHS at SLP speed)

  • Vectorscope

  • Waveform monitor

Vectorscopes and waveform monitors are test instruments that precisely measure video signal levels (see Figure 6.20). Professional external vectorscopes and waveform monitors tend to be expensive. However, if you are planning to do any editing for broadcast or other high-end uses, these items are a necessity. Fortunately, several companies are coming out with third-party plug-ins that bring the control and accuracy of adjusting video signals to your computer. If you're going to buy one plug-in product, I highly recommend Video Finesse by Synthetic Aperture (see Figure 6.21). Synthetic Aperture has created a software package that gives you precise control over and complete customization of your video imagery while working directly in Premiere. Not only do you have an easy-to-read waveform monitor and vectorscope on screen, but you also have full control to adjust just about every little parameter related to a video signal. Check out the web site at www.synthetic-ap.com to get more information about this application or to download a demo version.

Figure 6.20. Vectorscope and waveform monitor displays.

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Figure 6.21. Synthetic Aperture's Video Finesse software.

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Whichever route you choose, having these test tools available helps ensure that you are working with and, more importantly, distributing the best-quality video image possible. If you are editing for your own personal enjoyment, you probably don't need test equipment, but it sure can make the difference between your footage looking amateurish or looking professional.

note

Networks and other broadcast stations will most likely reject your program if it is not set up with the proper levels.




Premiere 6. 5 Fundamentals
Premiere 6.5 Fundamentals
ISBN: B000H2MVO4
EAN: N/A
Year: 2006
Pages: 219

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