Optimising and Compressing - 8th/9th March 2010 - supported by Skillset March 7, 2010

This course will give editors and post production staff the ability to utilise content to its maximum benefit across different platforms and to different briefs.

It covers technical information about the best exporting methods (codecs and compression), as well as addressing creative issues about multi-purposing content for different platforms. It will be delivered using new FC Studio in our newly equipped Mac suite in Soho. This is an established course with previous participants coming from employers such as BBC post and the freelance community.

Course Content Delegate Prerequisites: Existing editors that are required to increase their skill-set to complement their main editing tasks, or anybody working with films and video who would like to improve the quality of their final product.

For details on eligibility and how to apply go to - http://www.skillset.org/funding/individuals/bursaries/article_7461_1.asp

Background/Overview

Main Challenges/issues

The main challenges and issues when reversioning content for multiplatform distribution can be split into 2 categories: technical & creative. This course will look at the following issues in combination:

Technical:

Which programs to compress with
The limitations of your editing software (for compression)
The easy method vs the quality method
Using software that compresses video well (e.g. Sorensen Squeeze, Apple Compressor, Autodesk Cleaner)

Exporting for mpeg video
Exporting for DVDs
Exporting for Desktop playback (PC & Mac)
Exporting for m4v video
Exporting for Flash (FLV) video
Exporting for iPods (multiple formats)
Exporting for Apple TV
Exporting for Windows media video / DivX
Exporting for streaming

Compression workflow:

How to work more quickly
When to de-interlace footage
Why use un-compressed formats?
How to export your master clips
Types of compression
Compression settings (e.g. Bitrate mode, keyframe interval, IBP frames, GOP structure)
Altering compression settings (according to content)
When to use which codec (e.g. H.263, H.264, Cinepak, M_JPEG and so on)
File size vs image quality
Playback on mobile devices
Creating templates

Creative:

Shooting strategies for multi-platform media (what to advise when asked by the camera-person/producer)
Solving problems before they happen
Creative choices for exporting
Exporting entire programmes
Creating and exporting idents
Creating and exporting clips
Creating and exporting stings
Re-framing & cropping video (incl. best programs to use & settings)
Practical methods of increasing the quality of your compressed videos

Tutor Biography: Simon Walker
Simon Walker has been Filming, Editing, Designing & Animating short-films and motion graphics sequences for over 10 years. He has a full broadcast post-production studio with capabilities to film, edit, shoot and composite green/blue screen footage and design 2D & 3D animations.
Simon is an Apple Certified Professional in video editing & motion graphics and in addition is an Apple Certified Trainer (FCP & Motion). Simon wrote, edited and produced multiple training projects, delivered on CD-ROM to Somerfield staff. The Passion For Produce title won Best Training Package at the National Training Awards.

Freelance Rate £275.00
SME Rate £450.00
Corporate Rate £650.00

Official Website: http://www.rave.ac.uk/shortcourses/?menu2=6&menu3=26&detail=22&nm=Optimising+and+Compressing+-+8th%2F9th+March+2010