Workflow with 4k files. editing on FCP 6, VFX with AE, and grading with speedgrade di

[JoeS]

I'm going to be working with 4K red footage for the first time. I'll be using FCP 6 to edit, AE CS4 for simple compositing, and doing color in speedgrade DI. My boss at my internship is allowing me to use Speedgrade for the color, but that is something I'm unfamiliar with as well. My output will be SD DVD and blu-ray DVD. Can anyone help me figure out the best workflow for these programs in order to get the highest quality output. Please be as specific as possible.

 

[BigLu]

Id like to understand a big more of what you are working with.

youve got 4K RED footage.
Editing in FCP 6 aka studio 2 for your editorial.
Dome some simple composting whats simple like a lens flare or multiple mattes, or perhaps some green screen?
and your color grading in a Speed Grade by Iridas.
How long is your project and your output at its higest quality will be Blu-Ray DVD 1080p
does that sound about right?

 

[JoeS]

That's right. I haven't even started the compositing yet, because I want to make sure I get everything right, but it's gonna be mainly some paint and roto work. My final output's going to be just under 30 minutes on Blu-Ray 1080p.

 

[BigLu]

There are several ways to go about doing this.

1. option thats pretty stable assuming that Speed Grade sees and works with ProRes 422 files is.

Transcode all your footage before you begin and you asked to be specific.
so here it is
Find the tutorials on REDALERT and REDCINE do all the tutorials on them they dont take long, get familiar with a 1 light color pass and do a good job.
trascode to 1080p ProRes422 HQ BUT. If you have a raid array and can handle Uncompressed codecs then go UC 10bit
So ProRes422 HQ or 10Bit UC codec you will not be working from the R3D at this point anylonger.
Then you edit with that codec
and send to AE for your composites
and finish in speed grade.
Straight threw once its in ProRes422 or 10 Bit Uncomprssed then your golden with a good 1light color pass using RED Alert and or REDCINE you must read and learn what those are all about.
Once you learn REDAlert you can use RED Rushes for doing multiple clips.
Hope that helps

again thats only 1 of the many ways but it is useful and can be a solid solution for you.

 

[JoeS]

thanks man... I'll have to look into it

 

[Kwan Khan]

Nice .....

 

[Noah Kadner]

I'd highly recommend an upgrade to FCP 7/FCS 3. That gives you much better access to RAW color correction in Color 1.5, not to mention improved editorial RED performance within FCP.

Noah