SmartShoot Producer's Blogg

Bye, Bye Clean Files

Another update to our deliverables policies. Starting 12/14/11 we're removing the Clean Video requirement on standard SMB-Profile project.

This means for any job claimed after 12/14 you'll not be required to upload a Clean copy of the video. The only deliverables you'll need to submit are the Master Video and any associated releases on the project (e.g. Appearance, Location, Acquired Footage, Music, etc.)

We're very excited about further streamlining the production process even more and giving you more flexibility to produce better content.

Kiss Paper Invoices Goodbye

 

We're happy to announce that starting today, you NO LONGER need to upload invoices. TurnHere is moving to electronic invoicing and your payments will be processed automatically.

That means faster, more accurate payment processing for you. Plus, there's no need to submit multiple invoices for multiple projects. 

You will be paid based on the amount you agreed to when you accepted the job - to ensure timely payment, make sure your deliverables are complete and that we have your ACH (e-payment) information on file. 

 

In Case You Missed It - New Production Release and Deliverables Requirement are in Action Now

Quick repost today. In case you've not had a chance to check out the blog lately we just want to make sure everyone's in the know on these critical updates to our deliverables requirements:

• NEW PRODUCTION RELEASE = MULTI-SIGNER RELEASE:

Use the new Production Release on your next shoot. It's been reformatted to accomdate multiple signers, this means less paperwork and less uploading for you.

• PRODUCTION OUTLINE UPLOAD NOT REQUIRED:

You'll still want to make sure to get this form filled out and signed at the start of the shoot. This way you'll have a record of the client's original expectations for the video when doing revisions 

 

• MUSIC TRACK UPLOAD NOT REQUIRED:

Regardless of whether or not you use a cut from the TurnHere Library you won't have to upload your track. If you do use a non-TurnHere track we'll still need a signed Master-Use License and Master Sync License

 

UPDATE TO DELIVERABLE REQUIREMENTS - No More Music or Production Outline Uploads

A mini update for today but one that filmmakers should be excited about - Starting today we've removed the upload requirement for a couple deliverables on all SMB profile video projects. Here's the lowdown:

 

• PRODUCTION OUTLINE UPLOAD NOT REQUIRED - You'll still want to make sure to get this form filled out and signed at the start of the shoot. This way you'll have a record of the client's original expectations for the video when doing revisions

 

• MUSIC TRACK UPLOAD NOT REQUIRED - Regardless of whether or not you use a cut from the TurnHere Library you won't have to upload your track. If you do use a non-TurnHere track we'll still need a signed Master-Use License and Master Sync License

 

We've also got some additional bonuses in the works like Digital Invoicing and Releases - so keep your eyes peeled for those.

 

As always we want to be consistently improving workflows for our Creatives so if you have other suggestions feel free to comment here or shoot an e-mail to network@turnhere.com

 

Huzzah!

 

 

 

Be Green(er), Use the New TH Production Release

Big announcement today - we've officially updated the TurnHer Production Release (i.e. the combined location/appearance release).

WHY'S THIS A BIG DEAL?

All the standard language on the form is same as before but you'll notice one new feature - Multiple Lines for Separate Signatures.

Interviewing or shooting more than one person for your project? No sweat - have everyone sign on the same release form. Not only do you save paper you'll also save time uploading (for most shoots you'll be able to fit every signature on a single release). We really want you to focus on creative work not paperwork.

Thanks to the several Creatives (too many to list here) who gave us their feedback on this. Keep the thoughts coming!

 

Production Outlines in the Wild

Today we're looking at a great specimen of the Production Outline in it's natural habitat.

This is an excellent example of what you want your Production Outline to look like after the client has filled it out. Click here to see a full-res copy (in the interest of anonymity we had  to nix some info)

 

2 things we want to highlight:

1) Shot List & Soundbites Sections are filled out completely:

This Production Outline gives a great snapshot of what the final video should encompass. This makes capturing this audio and visual content much easier

 

2) Both Client and Filmmaker Signed:

With these John Hancock's included it's clear that everyone involved is on the same page. This also holds the filmmaker and client to a mutual agreement, namely - Everything on the Production Outline will be in the final video and nothing that's excluded from the form is expected to be included in the video

 

The only other thing that this form is missing is details in the Additional Notes field towards the bottom.

 

*Remember:

The notes field is for your use. If there's any specific shots or soundbites the client listed that could not be captured or used in the video make sure you jot down details on your Production Outline

 

Questions? Comments? shoot us a note here on the blog and we'll hit you back with an answer

 

Making Your Clean Video File - Easy as 1-2-3

Today we wanted to do a post about the importance of uploading a good Clean video file and some quick tips for cranking these out lickety-split.

First some common questions we get:

 

What is the Clean video file?

The Clean is an identical copy of the Master video file (your finished video) with some key exceptions. The Clean has all music, graphics (lower-thirds, slates, etc.) and transitions removed.

 

Why Do I Have to Upload a Clean version of my Master Video file?

A good question - what is the purpose of uploading what amounts to a 2nd copy of the Master with a few changes made? 

When processing customer edits on videos we use the Clean video file as a source for recutting material in the video - something that wouldn't be possible with the Master video file given continuity issues presented by music, graphics, etc. which are included in the Master.

If the Clean video wasn't required it would be necessary to get an upload of pretty all your raw footage (a hassle no one wants to deal with).

 

How can I quickly make the Master & Clean video files?

1. Proceed with editing your video like you normally would but save your graphics, transitions & music for last (you'll want to put your audio crossfades in as you go)
2. When adding graphics & music make sure they are located on secondary tracks from your main footage (e.g. no nested sequences)
3. Mute/Hide the your sequence tracks that have the graphics & music
4. Export your Clean Video File
5. Unmute/UnHide your sequence tracks with the music & graphics
6. Add in your video transitions where needed
7. Export your Master Video File

Following the logistics of this process will mean that you've got a Clean video that matches your Master and hits all the necessary quality specs.

We'll be posting some videos about workflow recommendations here on the blog and on the Filmmaker Resource Center in the coming weeks so keep an eye out for these illustrated examples!

 

 

 

 

Production Outline

Hi Filmmakers,

Just a quick reminder to everyone to use our new Production Outline for all shoots.  The Pre-Shoot Checklist is now defunct and we will only be accepting the Production Outline for all uploads.  Thanks again for all your hard work, and happy shooting!

 

Download TurnHere_Production Outline

The New Production Outline - Your Questions Answered

Since today is the last before the Production Outline becomes mandatory (see our announcement blog post here) we wanted to take a moment to post the top questions we've received thus far regarding the new form:

 

Question #1: When should the client fill out the Production Outline?

     Similar to the Preshoot Checklist, the Production Outline should be filled out by the client before your begin shooting. During the course of the shoot the client may need to add or subtract from the Production Outline so you'll want to make sure they've got easy access to it.

 

Question #2: How does the Production Outline dictate the content of the video?

     Anything that the client wants included in the video needs to be on the outline. Similarly as the filmmaker you'll need to make sure anything client indicates they want in the video is documented on the outline and makes it into your cut of the video.

 

Question #3: What's the "Notes" field at the bottom for?

     This notes field is for the inclusion of any information you are the client wants to communicate to TurnHere. Write any details here you'd like TurnHere to know about the shoot which may not be readily evident from the rest of the outline. As always if you run into any issues during the shoot that you think would compromise the quality of the video give us a call at 877-559-9898 immediately.

 

If you've got any more questions regarding the Production Outline feel free to give us a call or leave a comment here!

Say Goodbye to the Pre-Shoot Checklist - Meet the new Production Outline!

We're happy to announce that starting on Monday, January 17th TurnHere will be replacing our Pre-Shoot Checklist with the new TurnHere Production Outline.

Based on your comments and feedback we've refreshed and reformatted this tool in order to help arm clients with more info, organize their thoughts better and streamline your shoots. This form will function exactly like the Pre-Shoot Checklist so it gets filled out by the client before shooting and then gets a signature from both themselves and you. If it's listed on the Production Outline then it should be addressed in the finished video, simple as that!

You can download the new form from our Resource Center or directly here.

We'll also continue accepting the Pre-Shoot Checklist on all shoots that occur before Monday, January 17th after that only the Production Outline will be accepted.

 

We love feedback! If you have any thoughts on the Production Outline shoot us a comment below

 

 

New Pre-Shoot Checklist Requirements

    We here at TurnHere are all about the customer experience and delivering the best product to our clients.  Because we are always striving to improve this, we are instituting new requirements to our Pre-Shoot Checklist and videos:

• The first requirement is that all checklists need to be signed by the customer AND the filmmaker.  This is to insure that the checklist was present at the shoot and the client looked over it and understands what it means.

• The second requirement is that anything that is written on the checklist NEEDS to be in the final video.  Also, talking points written on the checklist must also be included in the final video.  Even if what they want shot may not be aesthetically pleasing, or something they say may seem awkward or unappealing, There are ways through shooting and editing to make it engaging and appeasing to the customer.  (Please try to adhere to this as best possible. If something exists on the checklist and then a decision is later made to extricate it, you can simply make note of it by listing that info on the Checklist and crossing it out. Any notes always help!)

These new requirements are helpful in two ways:  the first is that you can get all your paperwork done before the shoot, and the second is you already know what to shoot and what to ask the customer!

Our Quality Assurance Specialists will be checking the correlation between the checklist and video to make sure they match up.  Not following our new requirements will result in missing deliverables and will delay getting the video to the client. If you have any questions or suggestions, please let us know!  We'd be happy to hear from you!

Who Needs an Appearance Release? - Your Paperwork Questions Answered

 

    One of the most important to-do's on your shoot is acquiring signed appearance releases from your on-camera talent. If you ever wondered exactly who needs to sign a release just follow this simple guide:

 

People Who Need to Sign an Appearance Release:

• Anyone who gives an interview:

            This includes both on-camera and off-camera interviews

• All individuals less than 18 years old: 

            The appearance release must be signed by a consenting guardian

 

• Anyone featured in the B-roll and who is easily identifiable: 

            Could you pick the person out of a police line-up based on the footage in the video?

            If the answer is "yes" then they need to sign an appearance release

 

Here's a few helpful tips regarding releases:

• Bring extras: Having 10 or so blank releases on hand just in case will prevent you from running out. Save the unused ones for your next shoot

 

• E-mail/Fax the releases to the client ahead of time: During the pre-shoot check-in call with the client see if you can send them the releases early so they can collect signatures in the day(s) before the shoot. This can be very helpful on shoots with lots of people who will be in the video (e.g. schools)

 

• When in doubt -- have them sign: If you're not quite sure if a person you shot needs a release have them sign one just in case; better to be safe than sorry.

 

• Didn't Sign a Release? Don't Include Them in the Video: If you come across an individual in your footage who didn't sign a release but should have just leave them out of the video. If the person in question is essential to the video (e.g. the business owner) then leave them in and follow-up with the client to get the missing release

 

Deliverables - 5 Things to Watch For

1. Uploaded video files do not meet our specs as laid out in the opportunity specifics:

• We need the following specs for uploaded video files:
          Type: MP4 (must have the suffix “.mp4”)
          Codec: H.264 (not a file type but a codec, very in-depth article here)
          Size: 864 x 486 pixels (16:9 aspect ratio [Lexis-Nexis is the only exception])
          Data Rate: 3000 mbps
          Speed: 29.97 fps
          Audio: 48 khz 
• 45 seconds (min) - 75 seconds (max). Lower TRTs often mean a tighter, sharper edit.
• Please use Quicktime, FCP, or MPEG Streamclip to create your MP4s (please see FCP Export Settings example below)

2. Unclean Clean files:

• Clean files should be exact duplicates of the Master except with no graphics or music
• No music does not mean no audio
• We ask for this so we can make edits quickly and easily if the client requests changes. Please keep
  that in mind when making your clean files.

   
3. No Endslates / Lower Thirds

• Please remember that Yelp, Turnhere Direct, AFF, or any opportunity that has an endslate generator in the project media link MUST have endslates and lower third graphics.
• Please follow the formatting on the End Slate as you see it in the example below        
• Use periods between number groups in the phone number
• Always use commas and correct punctuation and abbreviations
• Please include the capitalized 2-letter abbreviation for the state
• Start all web addresses with "www." and end with ".com" or whatever the correct suffix is
• If you can't find their web address or they don't have one, please include this in your notes to us
• For in-depth coverage on how to create lower thirds and end slates click here

End Slate

Lower Third

4. Thumbnail Sizing Issues

• Size: 864 x 486 pixels
• Format: PNG (Portable Network Graphic, suffix must be ".png")
• Make sure there are no black bars on the top, bottom or either side of the frame
• For more info on creating thumbnails please click here

5. Insufficient B-Roll & Soundbites

• 1 minute is not enough
• PLEASE give us at least 3-4 mins of B-Roll and 2-3 mins of soundbites so that we can make changes if the clients request them.

All of these points are covered in our Resource Center that you can access here

(E)Send Us Your Releases!

Oh releases! Yes, we still need them.

We've been receiving a lot of paper releases via Fedex, which is ok (especially if you are sending us 25+), but in an effort to improve efficiency and help save the enviroment (and some money...sorry, Fedex), there are better ways to get your releases safely to us.

I know almost everyone out there reading this has a phone, scanner, or digital camera. Hey, you probably have a built-in camera in your computer staring you down right now!

 

 

1. Light your releases well while photographing

2. Check your images to make sure they are good images

3. For those of you familiar with combining files into PDFs, this can help cut your upload time. Combine all the appearance releases into 1 PDF, use separate individual files for location release and preshoot checklist.

4. Upload!

 

Digital upload ensures ensures that releases stay organized with the project, get to us quickly, and are available at the time we have Quality Assurance look at your deliverables. With digital releases on hand, we won't have to put your project in Missing Deliverables status to wait for them in the mail.

 

You can also fax your releases to us!

 

Making a PNG thumbnail

Want to know the easiest, fastest and most fail-proof way to make a PNG? Here we go!

 

Quicktime:

1. Open the MP4 file that you are about to upload to us in Quicktime (this should be sized to 864x486). Scrub to the frame that you'd like to be your thumbnail.

2. Choose file -> export as

3. Select "movie to picture" in the export setting

4. Click Save

5. Open your .pct file that QT created in Preview*.

6. Choose file -> save as

7. Change format to PNG and click Save

8. A good way to test your file is by opening it in a web browser. Ensure that is is 864x486.

9. Upload to TurnHere!

 

 

Mpeg Streamclip

1. Open the MP4 file that you are about to upload to us in Mpeg Streamclip (this should be sized to 864x486). Scrub to the frame that you'd like to be your thumbnail.

2. Choose file -> export frame

3. Set frame size, quality, then format

4. Click OK and choose where you'd like to save the file to (e.g. your desktop)

5. Voilà! Test your file by opening in a web browser and upload to TurnHere!

 

 

*Preview may give you an error message:

In this case, follow the directions by going to your applications folder, right clicking on Preview, and marking "Open in 32 Bit Mode"