What we need from you before we start
  1. INCLUSION OF A 2-POP IS A REQUIREMENT! The 2-pop should be retained all the way through color correction to final output. It should not be deleted or erased until after final audio has be married to picture. What is a 2-pop?
  2. We recommend another 2-pop at the end, a few seconds (more or less) after the last frame of picture. We use this to verify that audio and/or picture have not accidentally drifted out of synchronization.
  3. Project frame rate should one of these: 23.976, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94.
  4. Audio and video media can be copied to DVD-R or to a single IEEE-1394 (firewire) hard drive. Hard drive may be formatted for Mac (preferred), DOS, or NTFS.
  5. We must have a complete copy of your contractual deliverables and audio specifications, for domestic and international use. Provide via email as soon as possible.
    AUDIO (scroll down to see video requirements)
  6. Audio should be delivered as multiple channels ("tracks") contained within an AAF or OMFI (TYPE 2 only) file format. Mixed sample rate is acceptable but should be avoided when practical to do so. AAF and OMFI source audio can be of the "embedded" variety (source media is self-contained) or "linked" variety (media in a separate folder).
  7. There is a 2 gigabyte maximum size for each AAF/OMFI file which must not be exceeded. Longer shows often require more than 2 gigabytes of audio material when using "embedded media" OMFI/AAF files. Multiple exports may be used, where each file includes only one or a few audio tracks. The 2 gigabyte limit must be adhered to. Some applications allow larger exports without error messages, but the export will be invalid if it exceeds 2 gigabytes.
  8. When exporting AAF/OMFI files, please include a minimum of 10 second audio handles. If consolidating a project at any time before exporting audio, do not forget to include at least 10 second handles.
  9. 2-POPS MUST BE INCLUDED ON EACH TRACK. Never rely on timeline time codes to maintain proper audio synchronization!
  10. It is very helpful to have some basic sorting of audio, such as music or narration appearing consistently on the same tracks.
  11. Volume and pan pot automation may be included and can be helpful, but are not required since they will be changed during the course of mixing.
  12. Do not assume that turning a clip's volume all the way down will mute it. If particular audio should be muted (such as an alternative music cue), and the need for muting is not completely obvious, please include specific notes.
  13. Individual elements, such as a single music cue, can be delivered optionally as individual wav, bwav, or aif files. Never use mp3 for this purpose! If applicable, include a note about time code placement when placement is not obvious. Do not rely on file timestamps to convey critical placement information.
    VIDEO
  14. Video frame rate and project frame rate should match. For example, a 29.97 movie is not acceptable when the project is 23.976. This is almost a hard-and-fast rule, but a 29.97 movie MAY be acceptable when the project is 59.94. Call to discuss.
  15. QuickTime movie is somewhat preferred as a file format. 29.97 projects alternatively may be delivered on BetaSP, DVCam, or HDV video tape. (Deck rental for any other tape format is required, at additional cost!)
  16. Video should be provided as a flattened, self-contained movie or on video tape. Although AAF and OMFI exports each have provisions for optional video tracks, please do not include video tracks in them.
  17. There should be no visual time code burn-in. A time code window burn-in may obscure important details that we need to do our best work.
  18. For SD movies, Anamorphic (16:9 image squeezed into a 4:3 ratio) is preferred over letter-boxed.
  19. High definition, high resolution images are preferred. "Bigger is better." Although there is no reason to export with higher resolution than your project or original material, there is no need to reduce image resolution for us. Always select Medium to High data/quality rates when exporting. Resolution should be at least 720x480 for standard definition. High definition projects should be 1280x720 or 1920x1080.
  20. ONLY the following movie codecs are acceptable: DV, Avid-DV, DVCPro, DVCPro-HD, Apple Pro Res (HD), H.264, Photo JPEG, MP4, Avid DNxHD. Choose a codec that renders most quickly. Often the same codec that your project is stored in will render the fastest. If you want to use a codec not listed here, please contact us first because not all are compatible with our Avid Media Composer picture system. (Apple Animation is unacceptable.) Deviation from these guidelines may require us to transcode to an intermediate format. Internediate transcode time will be billed as an overage, at $200 per hour.
  21. You have a choice of two color space settings while exporting video, either "RGB" or ITU-R. BT709/601. Please include a note about which way you have exported. We will  assume an ITU-R video setting by default. (An incorrect color space setting during our ingest will subtly affect projected image appearance but will not influence audio in any way. We mention it for those who want to see the best picture projection we can offer.)

Please call with any questions about this document.


Richard Fairbanks
Pharoah Editorial, Inc.
212-239-0888.

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