how many R3D GB is = to 1000ft of film?

[C.H.Haskell]

Hey folks,

I am working with a producer to calculate the amount of data we will be shooting on his next couple of features and trying to come up with some accurate numbers.

I figured a 1000ft was equal to about 1x 16GB RED CF card but not sure this is accurate, anyone know exactly what 1000ft of film would equate to in GB?

This is all assuming RC36 at 24fps, 4k 2:1

Thanks for any feedback.

Cheers

Haskell

 

[David Mullen ASC]

1000' of what film? 3-perf 35mm? 4-perf 35mm? Are you asking what the shooting time is on a 1000' mag? Is this producer trying to calculate his shooting ratios? Because generally anyone who switches from 35mm to digital, any digital, tends to shoot more footage. So if a low-budget producer is used to budgeting to shoot 100,000' of 35mm for his feature, which is roughly a 10:1 ratio, he should plan on a higher ratio if he's going to make a digital feature.

 

[C.H.Haskell]

Hey David, yes I am trying to figure out what a 1000' mag equates to in GB of R3D. I am going to guess this is 3-perf, not 100% sure but I will find out...he did mention 1000' mag was roughly ten minutes of film. We are calculating 5000ft a day and I was assuming 1000ft was about 1x 16GB Card on RED...trying to make sure my numbers are not insane here. Thanks for the feedback David.

 

[David Mullen ASC]

1000' = 10 minutes is a good rule of thumb because it gives you some waste and it's easier to calculate, but the truth is that in 4-perf 35mm at 24 fps, 1000' is a little over 11 minutes and in 3-perf at 24 fps, it's nearly 15 minutes.

But honestly, I'd double the shooting ratio figures for shooting digitally, it's very hard to break directors of the habit of shooting more footage with a digital camera. In fact, film shooting ratios have risen in the past few years as more directors come to a film shoot with a video background.

 

[Manuel Wenger]

Reds Bitate is variable and does 36MB/sec max. which is 2.1 GB per minute max.
So the minimum you´ll get is 7,6 min on 16GB however, i shot a long take of clouds moving by on a blue sky on 4K 16:9 25fps RC36 and was able to get arround 13min on a 16GB Card. I think if you calculate with 10min, thats a good estmiate.

David is right with factoring in a higher shooting ratio. Directors tend to rehearse less and let the camera roll instead.

Manuel

 

[Colin Hubick]

here are some cost comparison charts that Ted S. did some time ago

cheers
Colin

 

[Darren Orange]

Not to attack and this is not the thread for this, but frankly I think shooting more is just a sign of lack of preparation. I agree 16GB CF is about 1000'.

 

[NormLi]

Hi everyone,

I shot a 2-perf Super35mm feature in last month with Panavision cameras, Fuji Filmstock, and Technicolor doing all post. It was about $50,000 cheaper to shoot on film than with RED.

The post costs of RED from Technicolor all the way from HD dailies, 2K DI, and 35mm print, was more expensive than renting the Panavision package, buying all filmstock (50,000'), processing all film, DVCam/DVD Dailies, the upcoming HD DI on the Davinci 2K (5 days), and a 35mm release print.

Don't get me wrong, I love (and own) RED and I love 35mm but this film called for a 35mm look and feel. Shooting 2-perf allowed me to shoot 35mm cost effectively, and believe it or not, less than it would to shoot on RED.

I hope I'm not flamed for saying this but the above charts aren't very accurate...especially saying $556,000 to shoot on 35mm. Our cost was about $120,000 total for camera package, filmstock, and all post costs involved until a 35mm release print with a reputable post house like Technicolor.

Again, I love my RED and endorse it but I think each project has it's own purpose and tools and the last one I was lucky to shoot 35mm for the look and also for the production to be able to afford.

Norm

 

[Jerrod Cordell]

Not to attack and this is not the thread for this, but frankly I think shooting more is just a sign of lack of preparation. I agree 16GB CF is about 1000'.

It depends on how the director shoots. Some people do prepare and just do a simple 5:1 shooting ratio, but some, like David Fincher for example, want to shoot 20 or more takes just so he's sure he has the perfect shot somewhere in there. Also, this gives the actors a chance to try different methods in a scene to find which one is best.

So there isn't really a problem with shooting more as long as there's a good reason for shooting more.

 

[Patrick Tresch]

Some are ready to overprice the R3D post Path (are they able to grade the R3D?) and cut the 35mm processing/film cost just to get their business rolling.

I've seen Kodak selling their film stock at 1/2 price just to keep a client.

R3D DI in 4K can be very cheap and good... now depends where you do it.

My 2 cents.

Pat

 

[C.H.Haskell]

This will be the director's 1st digital feature and I believe the producer as well, I am dealing with incredibly talented filmmakers with a history of 35mm film which is why I am trying to bridge the gap for those heading into this journey.

Great feedback folks, I do appreciate it.