MFA Thesis Post Production Questionnaire 2023-2024

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1. Student Information

Name*

First Name

Last Name

CalArts email address*

Program*

Experimental Animation Film Directing Program Program in Film and Video

Year level*

Mentor*

Thesis project title*

Review date*

Thesis Synopsis*

Please provide a synopsis of your thesis (minimum 75 words, 250 words expected).

2. Post Production Questionnaire

While completing this questionnaire is required, the purpose is to get you thinking about the post production process. Your answers to these questions may change as your thesis develops.

If you have questions about this form, please contact Paul Kyle: pkyle@calarts.edu.

Project type*

Animation Documentary Experimental Fiction Hybrid Installation Mixed Media

Other:

Check all that apply

Estimated running time for final output*

Please Note!

Backups

Please check with faculty and staff if you are unsure about safe backup protocol. Before beginning to work on your thesis, please be sure to budget for a production drive and AT LEAST one backup hard drive. Please refer to 2 Pop Support for more information.

Post Production Facilities

School of Film/Video access protocol to Digital Editing & Post Edit Suites requires you pass the required first semester editing class or prove basic proficiency to Digital Editing & Post Faculty/Staff. If you would like to use the suites but have yet to do so and would like an orientation, contact Paul Kyle (pkyle@calarts.edu).

Will you be using the Digital Editing and Post Facilities in the sublevel? *

Yes No

Will any part of your project be done using a home workstation?*

Yes No

Please describe the brand of your home workstation computer*

(e.g. 27” iMac, 2017)

Please describe the Graphics Card of your home workstation computer*

(e.g. ATI Radeon HD 4850)

Please describe the RAM of your home workstation computer*

(e.g. 8 GB)

Please describe the Operating System of your home workstation computer*

OS (e.g Mac OS 10.12)

Please describe the video editing software & version of your home workstation*

(e.g. Final Cut Pro X 10.2 )

Digital Production & Editing

There are many cameras, resolutions, and file formats available to students within and outside of the School’s resources and support. The student is responsible for understanding how the choice of cameras and capture settings impacts post production workflows. We encourage you to consult with Faculty and Staff BEFORE you shoot if you do not have sufficient experience or knowledge with the required workflow to complete your projects independently.

Using Head and Tail Leader is an important part of the Post Production process. See the “Using Standard Leader” article on 2 Pop Support. If unfamiliar, please talk with Faculty/Staff about the proper use of Head and Tail Leader.

What Camera(s) will/did you shoot this project with? *

Please describe the Resolution*

(For example: 4096 x 2160)

Please describe the Frame rate*

(For example: 23.98fps)

Please describe the Codec *

(For example: ProRes, REDCODE RAW)

Is the video footage being captured in RAW or log format?*

(Note: If you are working with RAW or log footage, there may be additional steps involved in post production)

Video Editing Platform (NLE)

What software will you use to edit picture? *

Adobe Premiere Pro Avid Media Composer Final Cut Pro X DaVinci Resolve

Other:

Will there be VFX (visual effects) made outside of your NLE? *

Yes No

If yes, what software are you planning to make your effects with? *

Will there be subtitles made outside of your NLE? *

Yes No

If yes, what software are you planning to make any titles or subtitles with? *

Will you be doing color correction/grading outside of your NLE?*

Yes No

If yes, what software are you planning to use for color correction/grading?*

Film Production and Editing: Select One

Super 16mm 16mm 35mm Super 8mm

Do you plan to do a negative cut of your film?*

Yes No

If yes, are you using a FLEX file? *

Yes No

Will this FLEX file be used to create a cutlist while at CalArts? *

Yes No

Select one:*

Using a cut list from Media Composer (FilmScribe) A flatbed with workprint 16mm flatbed 35mm flatbed

Please note!

If you plan on shooting film and finishing on film, please consult with Paul Kyle (pkyle@calarts.edu) before scheduling your telecine or film scan.

Will you be shooting film and finishing digitally? *

Yes No

Do you plan to use Film/Video film scanning services?*

Yes No

Sound Recording

Is there Sync Sound? *

Yes No

Single‐system sound (recorded directly to camera)? *

Yes No

Double-System*

MixPre Field Recorder

Other:

Describe model of field recorder

What microphone(s) did/will you use? *

Did you use a time‐code slate (smart slate)? *

Yes No

Specifications of your Source Audio Files

Sample rate*

44.1 kHz 48 kHz 48.048 kHz

Other:

Bit depth*

16-bit 24-bit 32-bit

Please note!

If your audio sample rate is not compatible with your digital post‐production frame rate, please consult with FVSound (fvsound@calarts.edu).

Audio Mix

Are you planning to have a mix done? *

Yes No

Will this mix be done at CalArts? *

Yes No

What system will you use to prepare your sound for mixing? *

Pro Tools

Other:

Do you know how to make an AAF/OMF and a QuickTime Movie file for a Pro Tools session from your project’s editing software? *

Yes No

Final Color Grading, Layback, & Delivery

Are you planning to use a different software than your NLE to Color Grade? *

Yes No

If yes, what software do you plan to use? *

Do you know how to use this software? *

Yes No

Audio Laybacks

Once your sound mix and final picture is finished you're ready for a layback. The layback is the final step in the post‐production process wherein the final sound mix is married with final picture.

You need to deliver your final color corrected video output without audio to the FV Sound Office (E104). Your video should be a full quality final export with titles, standard head leader, color correction, and must be silent. Either drop off your file in person to the FV Sound Office (E104) during operating hours or upload your file to the Submissions folder on FVCentral.

Once the layback process is completed, FVSound will provide you with a folder containing all the necessary files for: ProRes for file‐based exhibition (5.1), H.264 for internet streaming (Internet Only), an Archival Master ProRes file (5.1, LtRt, and Internet), and a Davinci Resolve project archive from which to create your own custom output files.

There is no fee for laybacks. For Final Output and Audio Layback please contact FVSound (fvsound@calarts.edu)

Do you know how to export a ProRes 422 (HQ) Screening Master file as specified in the School of Film/Video House Codec (included at the end of this section)?*

Yes No

Internet version

An Internet version will be provided to you with your layback. If you need further assistance with creating a master file or publishing to the Internet, please consult with faculty and staff.

DCP

DCP is a highly mastered format that ensures consistent playback across venues. Please do not attempt a DCP for delivery without consultation.

If planning to make a DCP, please consult with Paul Kyle (pkyle@calarts.edu).

Are you planning to make a DCP of your final project? *

Yes No

Film: Final Delivery (Select One)

16mm Film Print 35mm Film Print

Other:

House Codec and File Naming Conventions

Click here to view the School of Film/Video House Codec and File Naming Conventions.