Lost in the DARK. Red Files and FCP

[NewbieNewson]

Okay, I'd like to apologize from the start.
I have never shot on Red before and my editor left town for a family issue.
I'm a pretty decent editor, but completely clueless with the workflow regarding the raw red files from my hard drive, and converting them into something I can work with in FCP.

My DP suggested I download Red Alert and use Red Rushes. I downloaded the application earlier, but I have to admit, there are so many different output options, I really don't know how to get started to begin converting these.

I hate to be that guy... I REALLY do, but I am against the wall here, and must get this finished in 6 weeks.

I am here, asking if someone could possible explain in lamens terms, how to take my raw red files, and convert them so they're FCP ready.

Most of the footage was shot 2k, with only a few in 4k.
I just want to begin converting my files so I can edit ASAP.

Please help if you can.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

 

[Uli Plank]

There is no single best workflow, but rest assured, there are a few good ones. So, first a few questions:
What will be your final product?
What is the shooting ratio?
What's your machine (CPU, GPU, RAM)?
Will it be mainly straight cuts or many effects, trasitions etc. in FCP?
Will you use Color or are you handing grading to another facility?

 

[NewbieNewson]

- this is a 12 minute short film. mainly for small film festivals.
- 2:1
- I will be editing on a Mac G5
- It is mainly straight cuts.
- Color correct will most likely be done using color.

I still want it to look great, so I don't know if I will cause too much downgrading if I try to export to a 1080 setting...
Also, from what I've been reading, it seems it's difficult for FCP to playback your images in 2k anyway...

Thanks!

 

[Uli Plank]

Will it be screened from an electronic source or are you aiming at a film-out?
My question about shooting ratio was referring to the length of footage you have to the final product. What about that ratio?
Unfortunately, a G5 is insufficient. You'll need an Intel machine. Do you have at least temporary access to one? You could do an offline edit on your G5. Is it the quad core?

Sorry for so many questions, but we need to work out a complete workflow for you.

 

[NewbieNewson]

- Most likely an electronic source.
- As far as length of footage to final product... probably 4:1. I've already made not of which shots will not work.
- As far as an intel machine, I don't believe I will have access to one.
- the G5 I believe is quad core. I can check for sure tomorrow.

Isn't there a way I can just convert it to a high quality quicktime and go from there? The workflow seems to be much heavier than I anticipated!

Thanks again!

 

[Uli Plank]

Well, we are not talking video here…

No chance without Intel, the decoders simply don't work without it. You'll need to find some service provider to convert all the original footage to ProRes and do a first-light on them (assuming that your G5 is quad, a dual doesn't cut it at all).

 

[NewbieNewson]

hmmm okay.

I converted a clip in Red Cine to a 1080 clip.
It seemed to work okay, I have yet to bring it into FCP.
Maybe the Mac is intel based after all. It's an office machine I'm using, so I do not own it.

It seems I may have bitten off more than I could chew.

 

[NewbieNewson]

making progress

making progress

So the mac is intel based, so I'm fine there. I just converted a clip using RedRushes but for some reason the clip is just a white screen... still trying to figure it all out, but I don't feel completely hopeless.