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Author
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Topic: Advice needed regarding equipment. (long)
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om1
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posted 04-30-1999 12:20 AM
Hi, I've been lurking a while and I truly believe that this is the group that can help me!
I work at a museum that is currently upgrading a video production "studio" that is currently comprised of just linear video editing equipment and a chromakey. We are hoping to go a bit higher tech. where we could do more in the special effects department rather than just put people in front of different backgrounds using the blue screen. (The room is primarilay used now for showing kids how the weather is done on tv)To get to the question: Having to stick to a budget of about $25,000 (if we are lucky!), what type of equipment should we be looking at that might enable us to do some higher order special effects. (Interested in things like stop motion animation, computer generated animations combined with real life, and just overall basic movie production.) Is this realistic?? What things would be on the "need" list as opposed to the "wish" list? Please forgive the broad questions, but I am just hoping to get some ideas. ANY help or suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated!! THANKS! |
Jay
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posted 04-30-1999 02:50 AM
Okay, let me start out with two assumptions from your post. 1) You do not need to upgrade cameras with this money, just editing and effects equipment. 2) This will be used primarily for demos, as opposed to heavy duty production. If both of the following are true, you should have enough money to get set up with a fully loaded Media 100 system or a trimmed down Avid Media Composer system. If you are trying to demonstrate to the kids how television and movies are made, this is the way to go because these are the two main industry standards. Both outperform other products because they are cross-platform compatible, meaning files can be traded to and from Macs and PCs. They are both fast and offer a clear upgrade path as future technology develops. In fact they often let you choose the features you want to pay for in "option" hardware. Avid systems can get more expensive however, because they surpass the broadcast market and head into actual film editing. And since they are the only company that does this, they use lots of proprietary hardware. So there is a little background. My advise would be to check out both their websites (add .com to their names), speak to sales reps from both companies, make sure to buy a pre-assembled turn-key system with a service plan (it will cost more and save you more) and read this article http://www.avid.com/news/publications/whitepapers/how_to_choose.html . However be aware that it is an disguised advertisement for Avid systems. Hope this helps.Jay |
om1
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posted 04-30-1999 08:36 AM
Thanks for the info! You are correct in your assumptions. We are not looking to upgrade cameras just yet, just the effects equipment. And we do use this primarily for demos, occasionally offering a "production"-type class for kids that teaches about the equipment. It is really for these classes that I want the really neat stuff! I like the thought of the kids taking home a video that they have helped put together!Thanks again for the information! I can't wait to take a look at that site. | |
