DIT training material

[sbrookens]

In two weeks I will be on set for a commercial shoot as the DIT/data workflow guy. I have been reading a lot about how this works, but I really want to enter into that situation knowing everything that there is to know... That being the case I was wondering if someone could point me in the direction of some material that can help me prepare/teach me some things that I might not know?

Thanks!

 

[Simon Baechler]

Hi

Your job is not that complicated. Make sure you have everything you need before getting to the set. If you need power tell the production. If you need a table or a tent, tell the production or bring it yourself.

You will be closely working with the first AC. Call him in advance. Maybe you can be there during the prep of the camera. This is normally done the day before the shoot. You can get your hands dirty there.

When you download the material make sure it you save it on two different drives. Personally I use R3D manager because it checks the file after the copying. And it is fully automatic. This gives you time to help the first AC out.

On the set, set up your station where it's quiet and where you have room for yourself without being in the way of someone. Ask the best boy electric where you can plug in your station.

In case you replace a second AC you will have to help the first AC on the set. When the crew changes location or sets up a new shot, make sure you are on the set to help out. You might have to help the 1st AC with focus marks or move equipment out of a shot or change lenses. Manage your time. This is the most difficult part, to know when you are needed on the set and when you have time to download. You'll figure it out soon. If you are not needed on the set it is better to stay out of people's ways. But keep an eye on what's going on.

Keep your stuff organized and labeled. Write readable.

The best thing would be to do a camera internship on a shoot so you get to know everything but have no responsability. The position of a loader on a film shoot is not much different than a DIT.

 

[sbrookens]

Thanks for your reply- it is much appreciated. The things you listed are helpful but I think I have a handle on most of that stuff already. What I was really looking for was materials on how other productions are handling the data once the card is ejected from the camera. I am planning on taking the data and copying it on to three separate passport drives- but is there an easier way to do the data transferring? I have heard of some software that can automate that process. Does anyone know where I can find it?

Also, I found a website that had podcasts on a lot of topics related to RED. I lost the link to that site and can't find it back. On that site was an episode that had a lot of discussion about the role of the DIT- does anyone know what site that might be?

I was also interested in how other people are handling doing Dallies. I have read a lot about the process, but haven't found anything that has satisfied me for Dallies with FCP...

Finally, Simon mentioned R3D manager in his above post. I have not heard of this software... Is this provided by Red? If anyone has any information about it that would be very helpful!

Thanks!

 

[Simon Baechler]

R3D Manager: http://www.r3ddata.com/
For the Daylies use Red Rushes.
And keep in mind: If a clip is not playable in camera it is corrupt and will not be usable in post.

 

[Andrew Young]

Also, I found a website that had podcasts on a lot of topics related to RED. I lost the link to that site and can't find it back. On that site was an episode that had a lot of discussion about the role of the DIT- does anyone know what site that might be?

Here's the link:
http://www.fxguide.com/redcentre
Episode 10 has the DIT discussion. Good luck.