March 25, 2024

CAUTION: Based upon what I'm reading, please avoid upgrading to macOS 14.4 until Apple releases an update. If you've already upgraded, keep your eyes open for a new version. Contact Apple Support if you are having problems.

Last week's webinar had over 40 demos of different color tools inside Final Cut. Naturally, as soon as it ended, I thought of one more - one I've never demoed.

The days of analog video are long past, which means that the need for the Broadcast Safe effect - or Video Limiter in Premiere - is also gone. Except, they have a very useful function in color grading that I only realized two days ago. Regardless of which NLE you use to edit, this effect can be created in all of them - and it will benefit all your color grading.

Link: The Broadcast Safe Effect Isn’t Just for Broadcast

Further down, you'll find three video excerpts from last week's webinar.

In the news: 

We are three weeks from the 2024 NAB Show. Announcements are flowing in.

Blackmagic Design released Cloud Store 1.2 which provides greater security, better syncing to Dropbox, displays a warning when files will exceed the Dropbox size limit, as well as improved sync speed to Google Drive.

Link: BMD Updates Cloud Store to Version 1.2

BMD also released a new 16TB model of the Blackmagic Cloud Store Mini network storage solution. In addition to increased RAID 0 storage, it features a high speed 10G Ethernet connection and four internal M.2 flash memory cards for extremely fast file access.

Link: BMD Releases Updated Cloud Store Mini

JVC’s main focus for NAB is its PTZ cameras and remote production tools, with a continued emphasis on affordability. Included among the solutions JVC is presenting are the five new advanced auto-tracking features for its KY-PZ510 PTZ cameras.

Link: https://www.jvc.com/usa/pro/professional-video/

FXFactory released Keyper 2.1 for Final Cut, Premiere, After Effects and Motion. This update isolates foreground objects from backgrounds without requiring green-screen. This new version allows selecting user-defined subjects as well as people.

Link: https://fxfactory.com/info/keyper/

Calrec is showcasing Argo Q and the Argo S audio mixing control platforms. These represent a new approach to audio mixing yet maintains Argo’s everything-from-anywhere flexibility and multi-user workflows in a form factor that will fit in tight environments.

Link: https://calrec.com/shop/broadcast-audio-consoles/argo/

Hedge announced new releases of OffShoot, FoolCat and EditReady. OffShoot now supports "Stop & Resume" transfers. FoolCat improves camera reports and EditReady adds improved performance on Apple silicon systems. 

Link: https://blog.hedge.video/all-good-things-come-in-threes/

Miller Tripods will unveil the Professional Solo-Q Pod. Designed to be robust and long-lasting, it employs the same technology and materials used in Miller’s popular Solo-Q tripod but in a monopod configuration.

Link: https://www.millertripods.com

Richard Day wrote to tell me about Negative Solutions. They provide custom aftermarket negative and film holders for various brands of flatbed film scanners. Their unique, and patent pending, design provides a variety of custom options.

Link: http://negative-solutions.com

Strada has published two YouTube tutorials on how to make an iPhone shoot video like a cinema camera. Strada was co-founded by Michael Cioni. Part 2 shows how to shoot using anamorphic lenses.

Part 1 Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjFVV47CUfU

Part 2 Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-k9AVhcIsLA

Telestream will introduce how their cutting-edge, AI-powered solutions are engineered to transform the way we ingest, enhance, and deliver media content. 

Link: Telestream Introduces AI-powered Software at NAB 2024

Next week's webinar, "Color Tools in Adobe Premiere Pro" starts with the basics of color, video scopes and color correction, then provides an extensive tour of the tools in the Lumetri color panel. As with all my live events, registration is free.

FREE Registration Link: FREE Registration - Larry's Weekly Webinar

Last week's webinar, "Color Tools in Final Cut Pro 10.7," had over 40 demos, including three tools that I haven't demoed before. I start with the basics of color and reading scopes then went deep into the application to show what's possible. If you want to improve the look of your images, this webinar will take you a long way there. Plus, SAVE 25% if you purchase in the next few days.

Link: Webinar: Color Tools in Final Cut Pro 10.7

Last week's webinar also showed how to use LUTs (color Look-Up Tables). These can instantly change the look of a video clip without rendering. This tutorial shows how to create your own custom LUTs using Adobe Photoshop. This technique works for Adobe Premiere Pro, Apple Final Cut Pro or DaVinci Resolve.

Link: Create Custom LUTs for Final Cut, Premiere and Resolve Using Photoshop

I have three highlights from last week's webinar:

Link: Use Shape and Color Masks to Change Video Colors Using Final Cut Pro

Link: How to Use Shape Tracking and Broadcast Safe in Final Cut Pro

Link: Use Hue/Saturation Curves to Change the Color of Objects Using FCP

One of the challenges with visual effects is the time it takes to render. This guest post looks at integrating cloud-based render farms into VFX workflows is a strategic process that requires careful planning and execution. Here’s a detailed guide to ensure a successful transition to either in-house or third party solutions.

Link: The Revolution of Cloud-Based Render Farms in Professional VFX Workflows

In three weeks, the NAB Show will provide a review and reset on the trends and technology that are buffeting our industry. We'll get a better look at the impact of AI, the "creator economy," industry consolidation and the rise of outside-the-industry competition that make forecasting tenuous at best. It is foolish to ignore these trends, but premature to panic. The trait that has always supported us is our creative ability to respond to change. The times, they are a changin' - and like all the industry disruptions in the past - we'll change right along with them.

Until next Monday, stay hopeful, stay healthy and edit well.

TUTORIALS & REVIEWS

» The Broadcast Safe Effect Isn't Just for Broadcast (Tutorial)

   » There is a BIG benefit to using this when you have a lighting problem to solve.

» The Revolution of Cloud-Based Render Farms for VFX (Guest Post)

   » A detailed guide to ensure a successful transition to the Cloud.

» Create Custom LUTs Using Photoshop (Tutorial)

   » This technique works for Final Cut, Premiere or Resolve.

» Use Shape & Color Masks to Change Video Colors Using FCP (Video Tutorial)

   » Masks hide things. Here's how to use them to change the color of objects.

» How to Use Shape Tracking & Broadcast Safe in FCP (Video Tutorial)

   » Create and motion track a shape mask to change the color of objects.

» Secondary Color Correction in Final Cut Pro (Video Tutorial)

   » Change the color of a single object in a frame using Hue/Saturation curves.

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