Workflow with RED on FCP and everything else

[Chris Woods]

Hello, I have a few questions about working with RED footage on the Final Cut 6 (Final Cut Studio). I'm new to working with RED footage. I'm editing a film that was shot in the RED so I just need a step by step instructions on workflow.

First off, here's my specs: MAC Pro 2.66 GHz Quad-core Intel Xeon with 6GB of RAM. I have a NIVIDIA Geforce GT 120 card and I'm working with G-Tech G-speed ES 6TB Raid (ESATA) drives, 0 Config.

1. Just wondering if I have the best computer to work with RED footage.

2. Do I need a video card like Kona LH or Blackmagic to work with this footage or do I just need it for viewing on an output monitor. Also, will a video card help the speed and performance of the computer when editing and most important rendering the footage when it's done. I heard if you don't have the right stuff for your computer, when you export it would take days. Just wondering if that's true. Also is 6GB of RAM good enough?

3. Right now I'm editing on the proxie files by just dragging and dropping them into FCP. This seems to work for now, but just wondering if I should be working with the other higher files or does it matter? Also, should I be importing the OT files that way or should I use the Log and Transfer window to get those files in?

4. I have no idea have to export my final product to full quality. From what I've been told I export the files to an EDL and it will contact to the Hi-res Master file of the RED. Just wondering how do you do that on FCP and do I have the right specs to do it? Do I need any plug-ins?

5. I have downloaded a few plug-ins from the RED site. Whitepaper, RED ALERT, and RED FCP REDCODE. Do I need to go into RED ALERT with the files before I edit to FCP? I also can't see the REDONE codex in FCP in the Log and Transfer preferences. Do you have to add it or something?

6. Working with the proxie file in FCP, I can't put any kind of effects on the clips like dissolves or fades or even keyframes. It just comes up gray. Does it just do that in the proxie mode and will it show up when I export it to the higher file or is there a setting somewhere I have to adjust.

Sorry for so many questions and I appreciate any help you can give.

Chris

 

[Vigen Vartanov]

1. Yes your computer is good for FC
2. You can not output signal from RedCine or from RedALers , If you will use Apple Color better to get Kona 3 for out to HD Monitor .
3. Just drag and drop files on time like , no problem with it .
4. Read Red WorkFlow on Reduser , there is many solutions for it . First is to use Crimson , Export XML from FC , then with help of Crimson just make XML for RedCine . ANd then Render out from RedCine to any resolution . Second way is just "send to color" from final cut , in project settings change resolution to 1920x1080 and grade it and then render out .
6. Log and Transfer is also solution .
6. If you will use Crimson Workflow you can not add effects and etc in FC . Also you can not change speed . But with FC to Color workflow you can do everything you like.

Final just go to http://reduser.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=18 , and you will found all answers for you questions.

 

[Chris Woods]

Thank you for your replying to my post. I have another question about the Log and Transfer plug-in. From reading white paper and talking to someone who edits RED footage, Log and Transfer seems to be the best way to go. I installed the RED Final Cut Studio Installer that says includes Log and Transfer plug-in, but when I go to the L&T window in FCS the RED L&T opition doesn't show up under Import Pereferences. I believe I installed it the right way. Is there more than one installer when downloading the RED FCP Installer. Just wonder if anyone can help.