FCP user new to Avid - what do I do?

[Anders Carlsson]

I'm usually working in the FCP world, but for an upcoming job we're going to use an Avid. Unfortunately, I know nothing abot RED workflow in Avid systems.

My current workflow:
- Render ProRes files for offline edit in Final Cut.
- Export FCP XML to Redcine (using Clipfinder for example to reconnect the R3Ds)
- Grade in Redcine or export plates for grade on other system or VFX.

Would this be a good workflow for the Avid as well, or should I change it?

I've read that Avid supports R3Ds nativly. Is this an option even if you're not working on a "super" computer?
What format should I convert to for offline edit? DNxHD?
Is it possible to export XML or EDLs that I can use in Clipfinder (or other program) to reconnect the R3Ds for online rendering and grading? I want to grade in Color, preferebly with R3Ds.

I know it's a lot of questions, I would be very happy for a little help!

 

[Bruce Allen]

Definitely Check out:
http://www.avid.com/US/solutions/workflow/RED

1. native R3Ds are only in the next version (coming in a month or so?). We don't know how fast it'll be. I presume the answer is "as fast as the Red SDK allows"

2. DNxHD is perfect for offline. DNxHD36 = ProRes 422(Proxy)
For 24/23.98 fps - DNxHD115 for medium quality, or DNxHD175x for high quality online (or you can finished uncompressed now - 422 currently and 444 in a month or so with v5)

3. Avid is great at exporting EDLs and can do lots of nice things like conform with custom handles etc. Very flexible in that regard - but of course, more complicated.

Be aware with EDLs you want a custom export type because the standard EDL only specifies an 8-character name, and that sucks because RED clips have longer names than that (and you need all 16-characters to properly identify the file sometimes).
http://www.avid.com/static/resources/documents/solutions/16Char.zip

3. There is a workflow for doing the Redcine thing - you export an ALE and then use some free scripts to make an XML that Redcine can read.

Personally since Redcine is kinda EOL I'd look into a workflow with Redcine-X. People have some Avid scripts going and it's obviously the future.

BTW Monkey Extract has worked for a lot of people in the past. Check it out with the demo.

I also agree that Clipfinder is cool stuff.

Bruce allen
www.boacinema.com

 

[Igor Ridanovic]

Another option is to use MetaFuze (free) to create DNxHD 36 media for Media Composer. The idea is conceptually similar to creating ProRes clips for FCP. MetaFuze is relatively fast and it also can run with Redrocket card if you have one.

The files include metadata necessary for finishing. When you're done you can export an EDL, AAF or AFE for the finishing boxes. Actually, you can even export an XML but not in the same formatting that FCP would use.

There are other workflows as well. Media Composer 5 which is out soon will be able to import 3RD files directly but I don't imagine this process will be any faster than what you can accomplish with MetaFuze today.