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Scarlet and Epic Release Reality

Stelios Kokotos

Stelios Kokotos

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www.mysticalguides.com
I have started this thread because I have a dilemma. This is a dilemma that I believe others in my position may share. The dilemma is this:

I have an independent feature scheduled to shoot in about 2 months. I have an allocated camera budget (for the body only) that is not far off the cost of the scarlet S-35 body. I also own a 15-50mm Red lens which I plan to use as the main lens for the shoot, renting a longer lens only when it is absolutely needed. I own nearly everything else I need to execute the production (ie, backup, support, monitors, grip, lighting gear, etc). For post I have just built a CS4 based workstation which I have tested with R3d footage and found to work well. I have prepped, checked and double checked the necessary components and from an equipment point of view I am pretty much near ready to go. There is only one problem. I do not have a camera.

I have been patiently waiting for the release of the scarlet S-35 since last year and planning this feature project based on what I interpreted as a realistic release date for the scarlet s-35 camera. If the Red One was in my budget range I would have purchased it and upgraded to the Epic-X when it is released. I do actually believe that in the next two months we will hear news about the Scarlet s-35 release. My dilemma is not so much the release date of the Scarlet/Epic but the ‘release reality’ for someone who does not already own a Red One. If the cameras were hypothetically released tomorrow, how long would it take for a non-Red One owner to receive his/her camera? If the new cameras are released in a month’s time, would it be realistic to expect a non-Red One owner to receive one a month after the release date? Or should I just book a Red One rental and be done with the uncertainty? I know this is a pretty open ended question as Red may not be able to anticipate exact demand numbers, but it is safe to guess that the Scarlet will be a high demand product. From the specs the Scarlet s-35 will be more than adequate for my production and naturally owning the camera has certain future advantages.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.
 
Thanks for the feedback Kevin.

If the rental is from an established rental house cancellation with reasonable notice is a good solution. However, the best rental offers locally are from owner operators and I prefer not to commit to a rental from an owner operator unless my intention is to follow through with it.
 
Even if the S35 Scarlet is available in the next month or two, you may want to give it a little while to iron out the kinks/bugs before committing to shooting a feature on it. You're probably better off renting the R1 for this project (unless they announce the Scarlet tomorrow...)
 
it's alright to be an optimist on this forum but you can't afford to be optimistic as a producer.

even if your shoot was 6 months from now, i wouldn't expect to see any scarlets being used before that. i don't expect to see scarlets shipping in real quantities and semi bug-free until nab in april. there's no good reason for red to rush this product out now. they would only be trying to meet some imaginary deadline they made a year ago. everything has changed and will continue to change...for the better.
 
I'd say don't even consider shooting with anything but redone until there epics/scarlets are shipping, just isn't gonna happen this year, I can't wait tho to get my fixed lense, gonna rock.
 
Depending on your location R1 rentals are so cheap, it's really a no brainer. Like most I doubt we'll see Epic/Scarlets out in 2009.
 
Yeah don't blow it- there's way too much competition to mess around with a gig like this. Personally I think you're too early in the timeline to promise a gig on this camera.

Noah
 
Hi Stelios ! I second the other posts, get your hands on a Red One, that way you'll be sure to finish your project with a camera that has is already proven itself. I may be wrong but chances are the S35 will take a few months to ship and sort out minor teething issues.
My one wish for the S35 and FF35 is that all the accessories will ship the same time as the camera. This would cut down on import and customs costs for non US customers; as it is easier to arrange with customs for one payment on a delivery rather that several.
 
Even if Scarlet is released tomorrow you won't get first dibs (like the Red One owners will) so you still won't have much chance of buying one in time
 
All your replies really drive the reality home! I think perhaps I have been a little optimistic and should focus on delivering the project and not worry about camera ownership at this point. I have already spoken to a couple of owner operators in Australia and expressed my dilemma and they have generally been understanding of the predicament. The rental houses on the other hand have been a little more rigid in their rental policies.

Thanks again to everyone who replied! It's so helpful to have a forum with feedback like this…Like your own little personal think-tank! :cheers2:
 
I agree with the others. Shoot on the R1. Heck i'm planning on a feature a year from now and as much as i'd love some prep time with a Scarlet, i'm going to plan as if i'll have to shoot on a R1 just in case there's a delay or I end up not being in the first 10,000 scarlet line-up.
 
Brian,

It's really amazing the demand Red has created for their Scarlet cameras. When they do finally arrive, it should be interesting to see how they cope with the demand. In the meantime, you are right; it would seem the best thing to do is simple plan on shooting with the Red One.

Thanks for the feedback!
 
I've been in the same boat. I think finally I have said screw it and I'm getting a P2 camera for my upcoming events. What kind of annoys me is that I'm going to be spending the money twice because I'm sure once Scarlet does drop I will not be able to get nearly as much for my P2 camera.
Of course the P2 camera may be fine for what I do and I won't be in the market for a couple of Scarlets anymore.
 
jaadgy akanni said:
Read my lips:
There, Won't, Be, No, Scarlet, or Epic Cameras, Released, This, Year.
Click to expand...

Disagree, add 1 or 2 months to RED.com release dates. Add in Mark Pederson's first hand account...

My money is that we WILL see Epic X this year and the 2/3" Scarlet.

Jannard said:
We are still having too much fun. But spending massive amounts of money in overtime to make a schedule that falls on deaf ears... just doesn't make sense. We will delay our program only by the amount of overtime we are paying.

I'm OK with the new plan. Probably more OK than what the rest of the world is facing. This probably means a month or two delay.

Jim
Click to expand...

Besides. Red Rocket (total surprise) and Red Pro Primes , New Redcine... sure seems to me they are laying the groundwork
for the new cameras... 5K etc. Especially as Jim stated this past week "YES RR will do 5K)

lots and lots of hints in every post to counter your "lips"
 
Hi Stellos! I'd add my voice to the others. They are giving very good advice. The camera rental will be well worth it. Good luck with your project.

I doubt Red, with all the best of intentions, even when expected delivery is announced, will know for sure because there can always be a glitch with suppliers. Remember Jim's mantra warning us that the only completely predictable element is change itself. In general not a good idea to built a shooting schedule around a guess when a piece of gear will be available.
 
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