Sep 2006

Editor’s Retreat Offers Expanded Content

page15_blog_entry131_1
The Editor's Retreat has announced even more speakers and sessions.

  • 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?

page15_blog_entry129_1

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

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.





|

Classic TV Test Pattern Now as Desktop Wallpaper

page15_blog_entry127_1

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!

page15_blog_entry122_1

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!)

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.

page15_blog_entry126_1
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).



|

iTunes 7 – My Review

page15_blog_entry123_1

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.

page15_blog_entry123_2


|

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.

page15_blog_entry125_1
  • 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

page15_blog_entry124_1
While much of my time is spent making photos look better... sometimes I have to go the opposite direction. Mister Retro has three filter packs available called machine wash that can mangle and age images or text. Think of those "new-old" tee-shirts that are so popular in stores like American Eagle and Abercrombie and Fitch.

page15_blog_entry124_2
I first started using Machine Wash when they were actions for Photoshop, now they've evolved into actual filters. I checked them out at Photoshop World in Las Vegas, and the plug-ins are fast and responsive. These filters are of course well suited for clothing, but I find myself using them on photos and type treatments for the screen as well. To see a real-time preview, check out their gallery.

The filters are priced at $49 a set, and upgrades for previous users are available if you contact tech support.



|

New Conference Notes

page15_blog_entry120_1

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

page15_blog_entry121_1
It’s finally shipping, my new DVD. If you need to use photos in your videos or film, you'll enjoy this new disc. I go very in-depth on how to create standard and 3D camera moves with photos.

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 

Bonus Features
  • Original and processed images
  • Adobe Photoshop and After Effects project assets
Estimated ship date is September 20th 2006. You can order it here.


|

New Photoshop Podcast

page15_blog_entry119_1

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

page15_blog_entry118_summary_1

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

page15_blog_entry114_1

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

page15_blog_entry115_1
One of the most influential events I've ever attended was Avid's Master Editor Workshop series. But it appears that the workshop has gone the way of Umatic tape machines. The replacement? A new event called the Editors Retreat. This is truly a retreat, in that editors come to live together and learn (did I mention the living part happens in South Beach in January). The event runs for 5 days and 4 nights, and is open to approximately 75 qualified applicants. The Retreat’s focus focusses on high-end technical sessions and ‘the world behind the timeline’ – the creativity and the craft of the editor. Other classes delve into the business side as well. Its a great learning opportunity and worth checking out.


|

Missed SIGGRAPH? Want News?

page15_blog_entry116_1

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?

page15_blog_entry110_1

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...

page15_blog_entry109_1
Hope to see some of you at Photoshop World in Las Vegas. If you plan to attend, I hope to see some of you there. Here's my teaching schedule for those who'd like to catch up.

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

page15_blog_entry112_1
Thanks to Sheila Ward and DV Guru for the write-up on our Photoshop for Video podcast. We appreciate the link and turning people on to our show. If you've never checked out their site, have a look. Its a great community of bloggers posting on digital video and related technology.



|
Home  >  Weblog  >   © 2008 Richard Harrington LLC Contact Me