Is REDucation worth it?

[Steven Dean]

Yes, yes, and yes!! I just attended REDucation in Burbank, August 2-6.

I was not sure what to expect, but in the end was more than happy with the knowledge and experience that I gained while in attendance. Before attending, I had never had my hands on a RED ONE, and had only experimented with R3D files that I had downloaded here. I had some knowledge of REDCINE-X and workflow, as well as incessantly trolling the forums here for every bit of knowledge that I could gain on all things RED. I left REDucation with a great basis and understanding of the entire process- from camera operation, exposing, shooting, formats, data storage, on set practice, programs, and workflow, just to name a few.

Getting to work with the RED ONE was my favorite aspect of the program. I am an instructor at Madison Media Institute in WI, so I am experienced with many things digital, but ultimately I am coming from a fine arts background- oil painting specifically. This camera, and the footage that it produces is like nothing else I have ever touched, and it feels like a digital paintbrush to me- something that is very unique.

Ted, Michael Cioni, and all that are involved in instituting the curriculum of this program have done a great job in assembling and condensing an unbelievable amount of information into a 5 day class. The hours spent in class are about 11 a day, it is very intensive, but I would not have it any other way. A great group of TA/instructors round out the program with practical professional experience and a wealth of real world knowledge. Everyone involved in this program was more than happy to answer any questions, and went above and beyond with all students whether the question was large or small. This aspect of the program is great, you will work with and have access to people in the industry that do this everyday, on large projects.

Am I now magically a RED expert, no, far from it. As we all know, the digital landscape is ever-changing, and if you think that you know it all, you will not survive. I still have a lot to learn, but REDucation left me with a very strong base of information and practice to build on. The information gleaned here is coming straight from people that live it, and there is a big difference between learning from someone that has been totally immersed in this, and attempting it on your own, or trusting the opinion of random people. Believe me, I am very D.I.Y., and ultimately could have gotten to this point on my own, but given the choice to go it alone, or be educated by RED, I think the choice is obvious.

Thanks to everyone involved in REDucation!!!

 

[Donald Revolinski]

I Concurr

I Concurr

Yes, I was also at the REDucation course in Burbank last week, and I agree with everything Steven just said. Ted Schilowitz, and Michael Cioni were two of the most camera savvy and knowledgeable people I've ever met. They answered every single question posed to them. The course is great for beginning Red users as well as experienced professionals who want confirmation or more understanding on what they know. We spent time on proper workflows from the camera to mass distribution, as well as how to expose images properly without letting metadata lead you astray (a problem, from what I understand, that people around the world had/have). Since the camera is so cutting edge, it is changing the way people shoot, which can be exciting to some, but intimidating to others. Like with anything, people want to stay on top of the latest technology to further help and develop their cause. The Red is the fastest growing and evolving piece of machinery in cinema right now, and Ted and Michael will at least get you up to speed with it, and probably ahead of the game.