Apple Cinema Tools 3 - Manual (Page 211)

Appendix A Background Basics 211
Step 9: Create a test cut on a workprint
Before the original camera negative is conformed, it is strongly suggested that you
conform a workprint to the cut list to make sure the cut list is accurate (some negative
cutters insist on having a conformed workprint to work from). There are a number of
things that can cause inaccuracies in a cut list:
 damaged or misread key numbers entered during the telecine transfer process
 incorrect timecode values
 timecode errors during the capture process
 with NTSC video, 3:2 pull-down problems
In addition to verifying the cut list, other issues, such as the pacing of a scene, are often
hard to get a feel for until you see the film projected on a large screen. This also gives
you a chance to ensure that the selected shots do not have unexpected problems.
If your production process involves workprint screenings and modifications, you can
also export a change list that describes what needs to be done to a workprint to make
it match a new version of the sequence edited in Final Cut Pro.
Step 10: Conform the negative
The negative cutter uses the cut list, edited workprint, and the edited video (if
available) as a guide to make edits to the original camera negative. Since there is only
one negative, it is crucial that no mistakes are made at this point. As opposed to the
cutting and splicing methods used when working with the workprint, the cutting and
splicing methods used for conforming the negative destroy frames on each end of the
edit. This makes extending an edit virtually impossible, and is one of the reasons you
must be absolutely sure of your edit points before beginning the conform process.
Step 11: Finish the audio
You usually rough-cut the audio while editing the video (step 7); the audio is typically
finished while the film is being conformed. As mentioned in step 5, you can use an
OMF-exported version of the Final Cut Pro edited audio or export an audio EDL and
recapture the production sound (using the original tapes) at a DAW. Finishing the audio
is where you perform the final sound mix, including cleaning up dialogue issues and
adding sound effects, backgrounds, and music.
Step 12: Create the answer and release prints
Once the original camera negative has been conformed and the audio finalized, you
are able to have an answer print created. This print is used for the final color timing,
where the color balance and exposure for each shot are adjusted to ensure the shots
all work well together. You may need to create several answer prints before you are
happy with the results. Once you are satisfied with the answer print, the final release
print is made.
UP01101.Book Page 211 Thursday, March 10, 2005 3:16 PM