Editor’s Retreat Offers Expanded Content
Saturday, September 30, 2006 Filed in: Conferences
- The Evolving Role of the Editor
- State of the Union by Avid, Apple, & Adobe
- Power Tools - Photoshop Automation, Small Format Tips: iPods and Beyond
- Color Grading Theory and Techniques
- Business Track: Freelancers, Boutique Owners, Facility Managers
Speakers who've been added that we know and work with:
The Editors Retreat is an unparalleled industry event, exclusive to highly experienced editors of film, TV and video. To ensure that only the best of the best attend, participation is subject to an application and screening process by a committee of peers. Running for 5 days and 4 nights, the Retreat will only be open to approximately 75 qualified applicants.
The Retreat’s focus will be evenly split between high-end technical sessions and ‘the world behind the timeline’ – the creativity and the craft of the editor, and the business of creating a thriving editing career. Presenters include award-winning editors and icons from the editing world, alumni of previous FMC ‘Master Editor’ programs and known industry power users.
|
Going to Podcast & Portable Media Expo?
Saturday, September 23, 2006 Filed in: Conferences
I'll be at the Podcast and Portable Media Expo next week in California. This two day event is all about podcasting and the such. If you plan to attend, I'd love to catch up. I'll be sure to bring back a report on all that I learn. I'll also be filing reports for Inside Media Networks and will add links as the stories go online. The event will be held September 29 & 30 in Ontario, California (not far from LA). Hope to see some of you there.
Video Training – Take Our Monthly Survey – September 2006
Monday, September 18, 2006 Filed in: Business
It's that time
again... we've launched our survey for the month of
September. It's time for you to cast your vote and
have your voice/click heard.
This time its all about video training. We've got several new training titles in the works and want to know what you prefer. When you watch online training, what’s your preferred viewing method.
This time its all about video training. We've got several new training titles in the works and want to know what you prefer. When you watch online training, what’s your preferred viewing method.
Classic TV Test Pattern Now as Desktop Wallpaper
Sunday, September 17, 2006 Filed in: Other
A few folks commented about my desktop pattern at a recent conference. It seems the old 'Indian head' pattern evokes some memories in many audience members.
Well the version I had comes from a Russian designer named Art. Lebedev. You'll find it and several other pieces of artwork on his posters page. For the test pattern, scroll down to the bottom and you'll find it in the right column. All are free to download.
Lost Fans or Casual Bystanders... Catch Up!
Saturday, September 16, 2006 Filed in: Personal
So iTunes and ABC are doing something cool. You can download the season finale of Lost (as well as Grey's Anatomy and Desperate Housewives) for free. The first Million viewers can pull down the show as well as "The Lost Survival Guide" so you can catch back up.
As a podcaster, it's an interesting concept. Making something free, but 'exclusive' (if you consider a million to be exclusive). Still, I like free TV as much as the next creative type.
Be sure to check it out.... it's free after all!
Automating FCP Project Backups (Works for others too!)
Saturday, September 16, 2006 Filed in: Apple
Over
at RHED Pixel, we've finally
come up with a reasonable backup strategy for
our FCP systems. Figured I'd share for those of
you who need it
1. Target One Folder – We save all FCP projects to an FCP folder on the internal drive.
2.
Use Backup Software – We've started
using
Data Backup
from
Prosoft.
I
like this package because its affordable and I
have had great experiences with the company's
other software like Data Rescue
and
Picture
Rescue. This package
allows you to pick a folder for backup. My
favorite feature is its robust scheduling tools.
• Simply purchase a 1-4 GB USB thumb drive and plug it into your system.
• Then set Data Backup to automatically open as a login item (right click on its icon in the Dock at choose Open at Login).
• Then choose to set a schedule for backup and target the thumb drive.
May your project files find a safe haven.... All for about $150 a machine (software plus thumb drive).
1. Target One Folder – We save all FCP projects to an FCP folder on the internal drive.
• Simply purchase a 1-4 GB USB thumb drive and plug it into your system.
• Then set Data Backup to automatically open as a login item (right click on its icon in the Dock at choose Open at Login).
• Then choose to set a schedule for backup and target the thumb drive.
May your project files find a safe haven.... All for about $150 a machine (software plus thumb drive).
iTunes 7 – My Review
Friday, September 15, 2006 Filed in: Apple
I've put the new iTunes 7 software through a hard core review and it's awesome. With great new features for managing your media, retrieving purchased music from the iPod, and browsing by album art, it's a great update.
If you'd like to find out its best features, then head over to my graphics blog Raster|Vector for a hands-on review. You can check it out here.
Just Can't Get Enough Photoshop? We've Got Two Free Podcasts for You.
If
you're a Photoshop fan, then we've got you covered.
We've got two Photoshop podcasts you should check
out.
- Understanding Adobe Photoshop – This is a weekly podcast targeting new and intermediate users of Photoshop in all industries. It's sponsored by Peachpit TV.
- Photoshop for Video – This one also comes at you every week and focusses on those issues facing video and motion graphic designers. Other kinds of users may enjoy its emphasis on speed and flexibility as well. By the way... we're not the only one's who like them. Apple has featured both on the front page of the Technology section in their New & Notable spotlight.
Machine Wash Filters for Photoshop
Tuesday, September 12, 2006 Filed in: Adobe
The filters are priced at $49 a set, and upgrades for previous users are available if you contact tech support.
New Conference Notes
Saturday, September 09, 2006 Filed in: Conferences
| Education
As Photoshop World winds down, its time for homework. Be sure to check out the conference handout section for extra notes and practice files. If you took a class with me, I hope you enjoyed. Have fun and keep learning.
New DVD – Motion Control: Turning Photos into Moving Footage
Saturday, September 09, 2006 Filed in: Adobe | Training
Products
Motion Control: Using Photoshop and After Effects To Tranform Still Images into Moving Footage
No longer locked to a stationary position on screen, your photos now possess distinct storytelling abilities. Join Richard Harrington, Photoshop and motion graphics guru, as he reveals the top techniques used by pros to bring still images to life. This DVD will benefit all users interested in improved storytelling abilities. You’ll learn essential techniques both in 2D and 3D space.
- Adobe Photoshop essentials
- Traditional two-dimensional motion control
- Using 3D cameras
- Working in 3D space
- Using 3D lighting to enhance your images
- Performing advanced camera operations
- Original and processed images
- Adobe Photoshop and After Effects project assets
New Photoshop Podcast
Wednesday, September 06, 2006 Filed in:
Adobe
Join us each week for a dose of professional Photoshop training. We've turned our new book, Understanding Adobe Photoshop into a weekly podcast. It's a good idea to subscribe via iTunes, as back episodes won't hang around long. If you are impatient (or want to get the whole set on a DVD) you can purchase the book.
Subscribe now and receive a dose technical training delivered every Monday. Understanding Adobe Photoshop with Richard Harrington .
The new podcast is brought to you by the fine folks at Peachpit Press.
Hope you all enjoy...
NOTE: If you haven't subscribed... don't miss our free Photoshop podcast exclusively for video pros – Photoshop CS: Essentials for Digital Video.
Understanding Adobe Photoshop Gets High Marks
Sunday, September 03, 2006 Filed in: Adobe | Training
Products
A few months ago, my new book on Adobe Photoshop was released. I'm not one for fancy titles... so I simply called this one "Understanding Adobe Photoshop." The book combined everything I learned teaching Adobe Photoshop to both college students and working pros, and it is targeted for both new users and those who are self-taught (having never taken a full college-level class).
The book is doing well (but of course... I'd be happy to sell more). It is very well-suited for classroom use as well with hundreds of hands-on exercises (including images) as well as 4.5 hours of training videos. Enough of my thoughts... what are others saying?
Read More...
New Design Tool for Slow Days
Saturday, September 02, 2006 Filed in: Humor
Looking for a new design tool? Well this probably is not it... but it is fun. The Official Seal Generator can create 'official-looking' seals in a flash. Enter your text then choose a border and an emblem. You can even customize colors. A simple click of the 'Go' button and an 'Official Seal' will be generated for you. If the presets don't do it for you, the author encourages you to make contact.
There's a ton of funny things like this made by the same group, be sure to check out their site.
If You're an Experienced Video Editor... Check Out this Event
Saturday, September 02, 2006 Filed in: Conferences
Missed SIGGRAPH? Want News?
Saturday, September 02, 2006 Filed in: Conferences
If you couldn't make it to SIGGRAPH, be sure to check out these great video reports. Over at the Digital Production Buzz, you'll find several video podcasts with the newsmakers at SIGGRAPH. Additionally, you'll find additional podcasts from NAB and E3. You can subscribe to this occasional feed of video-of-interest here.
Final Results of the NLE Survey
The
polls are now closed for our August survey.
We asked: Which NLE do you prefer to use the most?

We set an all time record for responses. All said, 510 users weighed in... and the results were surprising.
1. Apple Final Cut Pro/Final Cut Express (36.27%)
2. Avid Nonlinear Editing Systems (31.96%)
3. Sony Vegas (14.12%)
4. Adobe Premiere Pro (13.73%)
5. Media 100 (3.92%)
Given the number of respondents, we have determined that the survey is accurate within +/- 4%... That means Final Cut Pros lead was slim, but it still took the top spot.
We asked: Which NLE do you prefer to use the most?

We set an all time record for responses. All said, 510 users weighed in... and the results were surprising.
1. Apple Final Cut Pro/Final Cut Express (36.27%)
2. Avid Nonlinear Editing Systems (31.96%)
3. Sony Vegas (14.12%)
4. Adobe Premiere Pro (13.73%)
5. Media 100 (3.92%)
Given the number of respondents, we have determined that the survey is accurate within +/- 4%... That means Final Cut Pros lead was slim, but it still took the top spot.
Going to Photoshop World? Then Take My Classes...
Friday, September 01, 2006 Filed in: Conferences
Thursday – September 7
Do No Harm - Non-Destructive Color Correction
NAPP Expo Theatre – 03:30-04:30 pm
Help Desk Live
Various Times
Friday – September 8
Your Photoshop is in My After Effects
Motion Graphics Track – 09:30 -10:30 am
Podcasting for Educators
Peachpit Expo Theater – 12:00-12:40 pm
Photoshop in the Classroom
Peachpit Expo Theater – 2:00 - 2:40 pm
Typography in Motion
Motion Graphics Track – 4:00 - 5:00 pm
Motion Control 3D
Motion Graphics Track – 5:15 - 6:15 pm
Photoshop for Video Podcast Gets Reviewed

