ABSTRACT
The digital workflow part of this chapter takes you through all the file formats you’ll use, from shooting camera raw through dailies, editorial, VFX, mastering, digital distribution for cinema, and the files for data storage and archiving. It’s all about the files and what is in the files, i.e. action, sound or other material. The container, also known as a format, allows the file to play back or “distribute” the data. A codec is a method for encoding and decoding data and a protocol for compressing data. We explain why you need compressed or uncompressed, the types of files necessary to create delivery materials, and the importance of frame rates.
In the film laboratory section, we take you through the photochemical lab and introduce you to film formats, aspect ratios, processing, and prepping film for print or scanning. You will need to meet with the lab and create a schedule to see at least one day of daily print and how long it takes to process. The lab has lots of special tricks for processing and printing; test them before shooting, and verify costs. Film damage comes in many forms; we explain the most common and how to deal with them.
