Advise on Hardware and Software

[roshan_2003]

Ok, This is going to be a stupid question because I am just starting out.. I will be doing a UTS Course in Film and Video next year in Sydney Australia. And want to become a Compositor/Motion Graphics Designer.

What Hardware do I need to be able to work with Film, HD and DV. And what is 2k.. Yes I have a long way too go. But I have travelled far..

I was looking at getting a G5 with Combustions or shake. I want to be able except all works from TVC, Music Videos and maybe in some Film or short Film work..

What hardware do I need to be able to except the formats that they work in. Or can I get them transferred to a format I can use etc from a another post house.. etc.. How do I work with these mediums?

Any advice will be appreciated.

[imported_mseymour7]

If you want to do 3D buy a PC - with Max or Maya, but in Sydney - if you want to do compositing I would recommend buying a G5 with After Effects and Combustion, if you can afford it Shake.
Shake is the most likely to help you get a film job, and it is the 2K desktop solution that is the most popular in Sydney right now.

If you want to move to Flame and Inferno then Combustion is the best path but the C3 version for the G5 will not be out for a few months.

If your a designer/compositor (rather than a green screen style compositor) then After effects is the best path for Broadcast design work.

For serious matte painting - Photoshop and Painter

Re formats... film Cineon, Film clips and TVC is PAL - Tif

The other key program that I would take time to learn is Final Cut Pro and Motion graphics - Illustrator.

Mike




Ok, This is going to be a stupid question because I am just starting out.. I will be doing a UTS Course in Film and Video next year in Sydney Australia. And want to become a Compositor/Motion Graphics Designer.

What Hardware do I need to be able to work with Film, HD and DV. And what is 2k.. Yes I have a long way too go. But I have travelled far..

I was looking at getting a G5 with Combustions or shake. I want to be able except all works from TVC, Music Videos and maybe in some Film or short Film work..

What hardware do I need to be able to except the formats that they work in. Or can I get them transferred to a format I can use etc from a another post house.. etc.. How do I work with these mediums?

Any advice will be appreciated.

[eltopo]

I totally agree, except on buying a PC, although I can understand why it can make sense. In respect to the question a G5 would be your best choice. The keyword now is flexibility and nothing is as flexible as a mac. If you can get Shake plus other software Go for it, but don't spend everything on Shake. It is far better to Get After Effects production bundle + Photoshop and Illustrator. You absolutely need those two since they are the cornerstone of any graphics work. I like a lot better After than Combustion, although if you are planning on moving to discreet Combustion might ease the learning curve. The other program that you must get is Final Cut Pro. Although is an editor it is becoming the standard by which everyone works. I personally think it is the killer of both Avid and Smoke/Fire.

[roshan_2003]

Ok, Thanks heaps for the Advice.. I am going to hire a G5 with Shake or Combustion next year and keep my PC for 3D work as I have a 3dlabs card in it etc.. Next question is about the actual Video Card and tape readers. How I can get the Film or Video footage into the G5. What are the best cards and readers?

Also, Mike I been trying to find a contact for your Post house Kotij but havenÂ’t been able to find a number yet but I will :) Any chance of a Internship next year once I start my UTS Course.. Can work the grave yard shift. .making coffee anything really. Working in IT now.. But will send you a letter soon. Thanks..

[imported_mseymour7]

Also, Mike I been trying to find a contact for your Post house Kotij but havenÂ’t been able to find a number yet but I will :) Any chance of a Internship next year once I start my UTS Course.. Can work the grave yard shift. .making coffee anything really. Working in IT now.. But will send you a letter soon. Thanks..

I now work at the mother company of Kotij - Digital Pictures Sydney
my email is mikes@fxguide.com

thanks

Mike 8)[/quote]

[eltopo]

About the G5 question, check out Apple's page http://www.apple.com/finalcutpro

They recommend AJA cards. The G5 includes USB, firewire 400/800, USB 2 and digital in/out 5.1 channel audio ports, so basically if it's digital it goes natural

[foetz]

I personally think it is the killer of both Avid and Smoke/Fire.

hehe, did you ever work with one of them :lol: