How you shoot the show and edit

[mbrownell-comcast-net]

Hi guys,

I really do love the show, and think it is one of the best shot and edited shows outside of network shows.

My questions are, what kind of cameras do you use?

What do you use to edit the show (software, and Mac or PC).

And who did your lower thirds and animations and with what software?

Thanks
Marty

[haanzz]

Hi guys,

I really do love the show, and think it is one of the best shot and edited shows outside of network shows.

My questions are, what kind of cameras do you use?

What do you use to edit the show (software, and Mac or PC).

And who did your lower thirds and animations and with what software?

Thanks
Marty

Hi Marty,

We use the Panasonic DVX100 for most of the show, but in some portions (the more colorful stuff) we use the Sony HVR-Z1U in standard definition. Both are set to letterbox/wide screen, but that presents an editing issue cause one is true 16:9 while the other is just letterbox. John Mason, the editor, has come up with a way to get around that problem. When all of us are on camera we use a combination...lately it's been 2 DVX100's and the HVR-Z1U. I'd like to move everything to the Z1U (in HD), but I can't afford 2 cameras right now. Actually, 4 cameras would be ideal since we have 3 people, but that's just aiming too high right now.

Editing software is Final Cut Pro 5 (it's the studio suite actually) on a MacBook Pro. We digitize everything for the editor and for that we use a MacBook Pro and sometimes a Mac Mini and a bunch of external hard drives.

The show open and the lower thirds etc was created by a couple college students (at the time, now graduated). I don't know what they used, but I got the files in MOV format, so I assume they used After Effects on a Mac.

Don't even ask me the total cost of the gear...that'll just make me cry. You can't ask me a simple question cause I tend to ramble! :-)

Hahn

[lupin]

I didnt ask the question but thanks for that info. Its always nice to know what goes into making these shows.

[alexsk8ca]

Is that the Panasonic DVX100 A or B. I think I am going to get one in the next month and was just wondering how you like them. I'd like to hear some info about them from people who use them before I drop $2000 on a camera. ( I'm buying used)

Also, you guys should do a show reviewing some prosumer camcorders, since there are multiple threads all over the forums about the camera equipment used in filming the various shows.

MOD NOTE: Combined your double post into one post, making it easier to read. -Shane

[mbrownell-comcast-net]

Hahn thanks so much for replying, I really appreciate that, and rambling? Heck no that was exactly what I wanted.

I really enjoy the show for content and for production as well. I know you don't always get alot of positive feedback on the things that take the most time, like editing etc. Since I started working on my own video podcast I have a much greater appreciation for that. Just shooting a show with one or two cameras and editing takes forever, and I was shocked how much of a difference lighting makes. I have spent weeks playing with different codecs and compression rates to try and get a good balance between size and quality.

Take care and thanks for the responce, I really appreciate it.

Marty