Toronto Video Production Blog

Is high-definition footage taking over Canadian video production?

2010-05-06T13:29:00.004-04:00

Is high-definition footage taking over Canadian video production?

The first official high-definition public television broadcast took place in the United States in 1996, after several test runs. Since then, the HD market, including video-production products and media available, have only been increasing.

High-definition in the beginning

Did you know that in Europe, HD television was introduced as early as the late 1930s? It wasn't HD television as it’s seen today, but it was better than what anyone had previously. In 1949, France introduced a high definition system that actually would be high definition by today's standards, at 768i. HD televisions as we know them today first hit the market in 1998.

HD television is broadcast digitally, as opposed to other signals that are broadcast analog. THe signals broadcast digitally have greater lineal resolution, allowing for more detail, smoother motion as well as bright colours.

You may have previously seen commercials for television stations in the United States that were trying to get consumers prepared for the switch to a digital signal as opposed to analog. In Canada, the switch is dated for the end of 2011, when analog televisions will be obsolete without additional hardware, like a digital converter. When HD signals are broadcast to analog televisions, they don’t offer the same quality as the digital signal. However, as more people switch over they’ll begin to notice a stark difference.

High-definition is far more than just television broadcasting

High-definition is far more than merely television broadcasting, as there are numerous other formats for it as well. It can be used for video recording and distribution, as evidenced by Blu-Ray DVDs and systems. HD recording devices such as HD-capable video cameras are also becoming more readily available and affordable.

HD video recording as also rumored to be available on the next iPhone system and HDV (the format for recording HD on tape) is set to make HD recording more available for the average video producer, whether they are professional or amateur. This digital format also makes it possible for original content to be reproduced without loss of quality or degradation.

Another important issue for professionals in the film or television making industry or those who need to create marketing videos or educational videos, is that HD works far better and is much more compatible with surround sound systems, similar to what you'd experience in a movie theatre. High-definition will provide those watching any video footage with an optimal experience.

High-definition is certainly poised for global domination. However, this is hardly a bad thing because of the affordable and widely available video production options that are developing within the industry. As the technology becomes more familiar, the costs of these options, as well as HD televisions, will come down even more.

Click editing, duplication and video transfers services for more information.

The Importance of Video Editing

2010-04-22T10:22:00.004-04:00

Editing is one of the most important components of the entire film industry and professional video production. It is no coincidence that there is an Academy Award category for editing, and it can drastically alter and improve the quality of the whole film in question. Editing, or how the video is finally assembled and put together, can make all the difference in any video production.

The difference editing can make

Imagine videotaping a wedding with no editing whatsoever. You'll have a finished product that looks like any home movie and can’t become much more than something to amuse family members with. It might be all over the place with no flow at all and that starts and stops anytime the event calls for a change in location or angle.

Now imagine you've had a professional editor have a go at the wedding video. After the video is properly edited, it flows, doesn't waste time panning from shot to shot because it cuts to different shots and locations seamlessly and it even might include voiceovers and separate interviews with family, who can reminisce about the couple and how they met. Now, it’s a keepsake that can be offered to anyone who attended the event for a small price. And, thanks to the professional video editing - they’ll be happy to pay for it.

Imagine what this editing process can do in the professional film production industry or for those producing videos for eventual distribution. The editing process allows for the best possible outcome of a film or professional video production, and it allows the creators to ensure that the finished product is as it was intended.

Editing also serves to preserve continuity throughout a shoot as well as help strengthen the integrity of the story.

Professional film editing

The film editing process has come a long way and is no longer done by people sitting in a dark room cutting and slicing film together. Much more efficient and valuable editing can be done now on computers where unwanted shots can be removed, audio retouching is completed, transitions are added and effects, credits and titles are incorporated.

Professional video editing will add a serious sense of professionalism to any project and turn your video production into a valuable product, whether it’s an instructional video, an interview, a seminar, and educational video, a marketing video, a testimonial, a presentation or a theatrical video.

Why have video tape transferred to digital formats?

2010-04-13T12:56:00.009-04:00

It's time - video tapes are no longer relevant
Technology is constantly changing and evolving. What was once the norm - like video tapes - are continuously being replaced by new technology that’s smarter, higher-quality and more versatile. Digital format has become the new norm and will be here to stay for quite a while.
Very few retail stores are selling video or cassette tapes anymore. And if they do, it’s very likely that in just a few more years no one at all will be selling them or the devices that play them, such as VCRs.
Individuals are switching to using digital formats to record their own home movies, and video tape is becoming outdated and unusable for professional video producers.

Video tapes deteriorate

Despite the fact that you may have a large collection of video tapes and a device on which to play them, this won’t always be the case. A video tape may appear to look and work just fine, but one day you’ll likely pop it into the VCR and find that it no longer works at all.
On average, a standard video tape has a lifespan of only ten years. This lifespan is just mere age from sitting on a shelf, and is not dependent on the amount of times you watch a video. When you actually use and watch the video, this lifespan is shortened and it can wear out the tape faster.
A lot of skill and attention is needed to properly preserve film or video tape. Finding the means to repair them or replace portions of the video cassette or device on which it is played is currently difficult and will eventually be impossible.

Digital formats offer so much more

For individuals, it means protecting those once-in-a-lifetime moments forever and being able to watch them again and again in the highest quality format available.
For professionals, it means producing work of a far superior quality as well as the higher ease of multiplication and distribution. Reproduction of digital formats also does not result in a loss of quality as it does with video tape.

Video tape is:
• easily damaged, ripped and worn out.
• constantly losing quality just by sitting around.
• degrades as it is watched, rewound and fast-forwarded.
• erasable and can be recorded over accidentally.
• technology from last century.

Digital video is:
• Smaller, easier to handle and much more convenient to store.
• doesn't lose quality ever - not over time, and not after being watched thousands of times.
• Lasts essentially forever.
• Permanent and cannot be recorded over accidentally.
• The new and standard technology of this century.

By transferring your video tape to digital format, you increase its lifespan indefinitely and make it much easier to share it with those who matter most.

Operating a steadicam: tips and tricks

2010-03-25T15:58:00.009-04:00

A steadicam is a mounted video camera that allows for the taking of unshaken and more stable footage without using complicated dollies or tracks. It prevents the unavoidable hand shakes from even the most talented camera operators during fast-paced shots or filming that requires a fluid movement on the part of the camera operator. Essentially, it's a harness that attaches the camera to the operator, or a camera that is attached to a a bar with a handle. This bar differs from a standard tripod as is allows for much swifter movement. Several notable scenes in famous films have employed a steady cam, including when Danny rides his tricycle around the hotel in The Shining, as well as countless other films and television shows that have used long, uninterrupted single-camera shots. Whether for commercial video production, educational video production, marketing video production or online video production, a steadicam can incorporate a more professional tone as well as a creative effect for nearly all forms of video production.

Here are some tips for operating a steadicam:

• Protection: steadicam differ in size and complexity from regular cameras. In inclement weather, they need protection like any other lens but this can be difficult because handling a tarp can become cumbersome while holding onto the camera. A well-fitted harness will prevent wind from affecting the stability of the camera, and shields will protect from rain if using a tarp is too difficult. The shield should be attached in the direction of the wind, and this is especially helpful during event video production, where the venue is not changeable despite the weather.

• Planning: conduct a few walkthroughs of scenes with the steadicam to best determine the appropriate angles and how the footage will look in the end. By planning out where everything will be, no one involved in the project will be tripping over each other and the footage will be as smooth as possible. In addition to the above, having a colleague guide you so you don't trip over or bump into anything while walking backwards will allow the camera operator to focus on the shot itself and not be distracted by their surroundings.

• Practice: operating a steadicam is often likened to ballroom dancing with regards to the precise and delicate footwork involved. Because your body is controlling much of the camera, practice walking around with your hands behind your back and focus on the movement of the rest of your body. This will give you a better understanding of how your movement affects the shot.

• Study: study your own shots and other shots that use steadicams. Pan around an area and have an actor walk into the shot once in a while. Watching other films that make use of steadicams will help you gain some insight into how they are used, and E-bay and Amazon are full of DVDs and books that teach effective steadicam operation for all forms of video production. Many cities also have courses and workshops that can help you hone your budding filmmaker skills.

• Balancing: balancing is potentially the most important aspect of operating a steadicam, and a properly balanced steadicam allows for more precise operation. Because the steadicam is a heavy object on top of a tall pole, the weight of the camera may pose problems and the unit as a whole must be properly balanced. The "pole" is called a sled, and the handle that slides up and down the sled is called the gimbal. When the gimbal is moved higher or lower, it changes the speed at which the camera moves forward and backward. The weight of the camera combined with the weights of the monitor and battery pack at the base of the sled (which looks like an upside down "T", with the battery and monitor at opposite ends of the smaller line on the “T”) can affect how balanced it is and may require some adjustments. Additionally, small weights called “pilots” can be screwed on at different ends of the sled to help balance it more.

For further reading on static balancing, dynamic balancing and the formulas for both, check out: Steadicam Balancing

What is the difference between Duplication and Replication?

2010-03-11T17:38:00.001-05:00

Duplication and replication are two words that often seem to have very similar meanings. However, when referring to CD and DVD production, replication and duplication both define two different processes that are used to make copies of an original CD, DVD or file.

Replication is most often a professional process, molding the disk using a glass master which “stamps” the blank media to create an exact copy. One could imagine a copy machine, using a master piece of paper to product a high quantity of exact copies.

Duplication is the process you speak of when you refer to “burning” a disk. A laser is used to etch the data onto the surface of the CD or DVD, and this can be done in very small quantities using home computers and special software. As replication can be compared to a copy machine, duplication can be compared to an ink jet printer, creating an entire new copy each and every time. A replicated CD is moulded to be an exact copy, and this is what kind of disk you would purchase if you were buying your favourite artists new album or a new movie on DVD from a retail location.

Contrary to some popular belief, CDs and DVDs are not like videotapes where information is "lost" as it is when VHS tapes are copied onto new, blank VHS tapes. The data integrity of both replication and duplication technologies is completely equal. While the copying process is different in each case, the finished product is exactly the same with regards to quality.

Choosing between CD or DVD duplication and replication can depend on the needed turnaround time and project budget, as well as the quantity of disks that is required. Duplication for example, is a good choice for lesser amounts of rush projects, demos or promotional campaigns, while replication is best suited for larger quantities, mass commercial video or audio production or retail purposes.

Whichever method is chosen for CD and DVD replication or CD and DVD duplication services, using a professional service will ensure that every CD and DVD is of the highest quality and reliability possible. Professional services also offer more durable products of a higher standard, and will also allow for professionally-designed CD or DVD packaging, CD or DVD printing and CD or DVD labeling.

Azure Production Inc. Moving to a new location in February 2010

2009-12-07T15:20:00.003-05:00

Hello,

I'm please to announce that we are moving to a larger location at Broadview and Danforth on February 1, 2010. Please visit our website for more information.

Burning Dual layer DVDs

2009-06-15T21:38:00.003-04:00

Have you ever wondered why 8.5GB DVDs Dual layers causes more errors during burning than the regular 4.GB DVDs?

In order to reduce your chances of a error burn, you can reduce your burning speed to 2X. You should also copy your content onto your hard drive before burning dual layer DVDs.

For more information about CD DVD Duplication visit us here

MPEG Streamclip tutorial

2009-05-27T12:56:00.003-04:00

Hello there!

Over the past few months I have recieve clients requesting for a tutorial on how to extract a DVD video and import it onto the internet. Stay tuned, because I am going to post up a tutorial on how to do exactly that: extract your DVD video onto your hard drive for editing.

Pictures from the Montreal Shoot

2009-05-21T02:05:00.003-04:00

Hello

This weekend I just came back from Montreal shooting a music video. The schedule was very hectic. We had 16 hour day periods and very little sleep. The shoot however went well, because most of the location were close to one another.

The first day we got there, we were suppose to be filming the city view in Montreal but we got lost and only got to film a small portion of it. We were running late so we decided to head to our next location which took place in the mountain. We drag our equipment up the slope and set up for our first shot. After the mountain scene, we head back down for lunch, unfortunately, it started to rain. I thought to myself, since we were already behind schedule, we had to keep moving, despite the rain we went out to film the street scenes. We then went to film an indoor scene at the "book store". That scene took long to do because of the POV shots. Luckily by the evening the rain cleared and we were able to film the motorcycle scene.

The next day, it was cold, but the sun came out. Our location took place at the "record store". This scene we ended on time. We had lunch and headed to our next location which was the poker scene. The poker scene and the club scene were the two most difficult scenes due to the amount of people involved. The scene went through without too many problems. The last two scenes were the last scenes for the weekend.

We filmed a music video in two days! There were many things that would've gone worse but everyone came together and pulled it through. We learned so much during this production, the main thing about a film production is good communication in which we could have improved on. I really want to thank my crew and cast for putting this together. I can't wait to show you the music video. For now you can listen to the music at Melina's site under "City of Love". Keep visiting for more updates.

Happy Victoria Day

2009-05-14T12:30:00.002-04:00

I want to wish everyone a happy victoria day!

Here's a freeware that you can use to extract your DVD video and turn it into a workable file for your video editing software. MPEG Streamclip Stay tuned on our blog for a tutorial of this freeware!

VHS to DVD Transfer

2009-05-07T14:42:00.002-04:00

This month, take advantage of our low video to DVD transfer price of only $12.00/hour for a limited time offer. We also transfer the following formats:

VHS to DVD
MiniDV to DVD
Hi-8 to DVD
Digital-8 to DVD
16mm to DVD
Super 8 to DVD
Video to hard drive

many other formats available! Visit www.azureproduction.com for more information.

DVD Template for Free

2009-04-23T22:44:00.004-04:00

Check out our list of free DVD Templates for you to download. For pricing and dvd / cd duplication information, please visit our website at www.azureproduction.com

DVD Authoring Tutorial with Sony DVD Architect 4.0

2009-04-20T12:04:00.003-04:00

Enjoy this DVD Authoring Tutorial with Sony DVD Architect 4.0 For DVD authoring services please visit: DVD Authoring

Toronto CD Dupication

2009-04-14T02:32:00.003-04:00

Toronto CD Duplication

Check out our DVD CD duplication services. We use thermal print technology which is scratch proof and as well as water proof

Coverter PAL DVD to NTSC DVD

2009-04-06T17:04:00.003-04:00

I've been helping a few people lately to convert their DVD PAL to DVD NTSC. Here is what you'll need. MPEG Streamclip, Sony DVD Architect, or any DVD authoring software.

1) Copy your home PAL DVD onto your hard drive by opening the DVD ROM driver and select "video_ts"
2) Open MPEG Streamclip
3) Go to "file" and open. Select the "video_ts folder" that you have just copied.
4) You may see several files in that folder, select the ones that are larger than a mb. Sometimes you may have selected the menu along with it, they are usually several MB in size. The main movie is usually a few hundred MB to over a GB in size. You may have to play around with it so that you have select only the main movie or what you will want to convert.
5) Press "open" and MPEG Streamclip may ask you if you'll like to fix the audio track if it is broken. Select "fix now" to re-join the audio
6) Double check the length of the movie at the bottom right part of the software.
7) Select "file" and "convert to mpg"
8) choose a location to save it to. It make take about 30 minutes to 1 hour to convert depending on the length of the movie. This step is to take the DVD PAL and covnert it into a workable MPG.
9) Open Sony DVD Architect software
10) DVD arhitect's project file will be defaulted to the NTSC video system. Drag the MPG into DVD Arhitect.
11) Select "Make DVD" and select a place to save the file. Then select next until you are able to name your DVD. Place a DVD into your driver
12) Select finish so that DVD Architect will parepare your video and burn it directly onto your DVD.
13) Depending on the length of your DVD it may take several hours for the total conversion from Streamclip to DVD Architect.

For more information on video conversion, visit www.azureproduction.com

Fading Into The Darkness release

2009-03-30T18:37:00.003-04:00

I'd like to announce that we've finally completed our new short "Fading Into The Darkness". The idea start back in early December 2008 when we were pondering about a new idea for a movie. Melina Soochan was coming to Toronto from Montréal when we decided to shoot something short because of everyone's schedule.

By the time she came, we had an outline. The objective was to film every scene that she was going to be in and film the rest by ourselves once she left. The filming was done in late December to early January, some small inserts were filmed near the end of January. The editing took about 2 months to do it juggling between real work and personal entertainment.

During production, we were still writing the story. With a few months of thinking we've finally completed it and slowly the movie came together in the editing phase. One of the technical difference from our previous works and this one is that this project used the most special effects. There were about 70% of the shots that had to be manipulated to portray the story better.

One of the most difficult shots was when the actors were running in the street at night time. We had to fill in the background with the city burning and garbage all around the street. The camera was on a track. In post production, tracking the camera's movement proved to be the most difficult aspect of this shot for us. The shot should be tracked in 3D, but we decided to do the tracking in After Effects. Some of the parts were manually tracked. Once the tracking information was completed, we placed the objects (city, fire, rubble) into the shot and colour corrected them. Masking would be created so that the objects wouldn't cover the actors. The masking was animated almost frame by frame. Each section of the body had a different mask.

Another shot was the last shot of the movie. First of all we had to stabilize the footage because it was shaking and Melina wasn't in the middle of the frame. Once it was stabilize we had to track the shot. We had three different tracking data to cover the camera's movement. Once that was completed, we manually adjusted some of the track points. The tracking is very important, because all the data will be linked into that information, and if its not accurate, then the scenery you place in the background will start moving. We then added the artificial sky, and "snow blow" at the top of the mountain to give the scene a more realistic feel. We also added birds and snow at the end. This shot also required us to remove objects that shouldn't be in there like the shovel that we've placed in to help us track the shot. We then had to create masks so that the scenery will not overlap the actress. The masking was animated almost frame by frame for this shot as well.

I hope you'll enjoy this short presentation, I know that we've had a fun time making it!

View Movie

New movie title sequence

2009-03-20T15:04:00.006-04:00

Fading into the Darkness. The movie's visual effects were challenging due to its rotoscoping work for the set extension. The shots were long and we had to replace the background for most of them to tell the story better.

Some shots had the camera moving in which we tracked it. During production, we didn't use any markers, so at times we had to do 3 different track passes to get tracker's position correctly. Some shots were manually tracked by hand. The effects were very discreet in this short but it will help the audience experience the movie better. Keep posted for updates!

www.ccfilms.ca

Blank Media - High Quality DVD-R CD-R

2009-03-17T14:36:00.003-04:00

*Taiyo Yuden DVD-R 100 units for $30.00
**Ridata DVD-R 50 units for $30.00
**Prodisc CD-R 100 units for $40.00
*Phillips CD-R 100 units for $30.00

* Silver Laquer thermal printable surface
**Full colour thermal printable surface

We are located conveniently at 251 Davenport Rd Suite 201 Toronto M4J 1J9 visit www.azureproduction.com for more information

Cheap Home Audio Recordings

2009-03-17T12:25:00.003-04:00

Recently I've came across a forum where someone was asking about how to record professional audio with a limited budget. I responded with the following answer:

If you are starting out and do not have a high quality equipment and the proper space, you can record professional audio at your own home. First you'll need to obtain a camera with a XLR and firewire connection. Attach the firewire into your computer and open the capturing software. Next plug in your XLR cable and attach it to your microphone. When you're recording audio, hold a thin piece of cloth in front of the microphone to eliminate the "pops" in your recording. Check the level before capturing. Once the levels are set, hit the record button on the capturing software on your computer. You'll be able to record audio without taking up a tape, the software will capture the audio directly into the computer's hard drive.

Also during recording, if you can record it in a room with limited unwanted sound will be best. You can also help enhance the quality by placing blankets and foam around the walls of the room to absorb the unwanted sound.

I hope this answer will give you the results you want. Good luck and happy recording.

Primary Number down

2009-03-12T11:36:00.002-04:00

I want to let you know that our primary line is currently down until early next week as we have moved to a larger suite in order to serve you better. Our new address will be

251 Davenport Rd Suite 201 M5R 1J9 Toronto ON.

You can reach us at our temporary line at 416-509-4888 as our phone service is currently undertaking technical updates.

You can also visit our website for more infomration

Kind Regards,
Caine

Free scream vocal sound effects for your action movie

2009-03-07T21:05:00.004-05:00

Here are some more free vocal sound effects to download for your next action movie.

download: "Download Now"

enjoy

Recording sound via XLR cable

2009-02-28T14:04:00.003-05:00

Here is a relatively affordable and high quality way to record sound for your independent movie. You will need.

1) XLR adapter/camera that comes with an XLR connection
2) XLR cables
3) microphone with XLR connection
4) Firewire cable/firewire card
5) capturing software (Sony Vegas, Avid, Final Cut)

Here's what you do:
1) Plug the XLR cable into the camera.
2) Plug the XLR cable into your microphone
3) Plug your firewire cable from your camera to your computer
4) Open the capturing software
5) Select the appropriate settings and press record
6) Hold up a thin cloth in front of the microphone to act as a "pop" filter.
5) Hit record on the capture software and you'll be able to record audio from XLR cable via firewire without getting "pops" in your track.

A "pop" is a "puff" sound in the audio recording. Normally you'll hear it when you pronounce the "p"s

Fight scream sound effects

2009-02-26T17:10:00.002-05:00

I will be compiling a list of free fight scream / yell sound effects to download for people to use in their next action movie. Stay Tuned for more information.

Motion Tracking

2009-02-23T21:23:00.003-05:00

I'm currently working on my new short and I came across a shot in which I had to use motion tracking. Motion tracking can be a difficult task. In my short, I used Boujou to track my background so that I will be able to replace it with a photo of my own. The most important thing about tracking is setting the shot correctly.

Importance of Sound

2009-02-16T20:27:00.003-05:00

When you're editing a movie or putting together a promotional video, you've realized that the sound recorded was unusable. You noticed that although the video was well filmed, people will never understand what the video was about.

For example, your audience cannot listen to a conversation between two people without sound, or if the sound was outputting garbage. While on the other hand if you had perfect audio and the footage wasn't well filmed, people will still understand what is happening. That is how important sound is.

I'm editing a short film at the moment. When I started the editing, I realize that the piece was extremely boring to watch with no sound effects. Now after a month into editing, most of the sound and music are added in. Although the video has not yet made its visual effects, the entire movie took character. There was so much more excitement.