Media Technology investment plan
We live in an ever expanding technological world, with new pieces or software and hardware being developed every day. The time to stay up to date on the latest equipment is now, with the gap between producer and consumer being broken, we are all 'prosumers'. Meaning that we are now capable to develop our own films, without needing a really expensive camera or budget. However as the college media department is constantly updating it's media technology, they need to stay up to date, so to ensure the students get the best possible quality of work from their software and hardware. I will be writing up a written rationale for the college, suggesting five new pieces of software and hardware which would be a great investment in this new technological era.
Hardware
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera
The first piece of hardware which the college should invest in, is the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera. This new top of the range DSLR camera, it is a pocket sized 16 digital camera which is shaping a new filmmaking generation. The Blackmagic Pocket camera records 1080HD resolution ProRes 422 (HQ), processing it at super speeds to SD cards. Making it easier and a lot quicker to colour correct your media files on your own personal computer. The Blackmagic is perfect for shooting a cinematic look, also being more perfect to film in more tougher and remote locations. The camera is also perfect for independent movies, documentaries, and more. The camera also has a wider dynamic range, this gives the footage a much more beautiful cinematic look. The wide dynamic range is 13 stops, meaning all footage retains sensor data. This camera comes in at a reasonable proposed price of £649, depending on the retailer you could get it cheaper.
In terms of replacements, this cutting edge DSLR camera would replace all the Canon 600Ds in the media department. It by far beats the quality of the Canon and it ha s a much better cinematic improvement in terms of shooting capabilities. It is also a lot more portable and easier to carry around, as opposed to the Canon 600D, although the Canon 600D is a brilliant camera, this Pocket Cinema Camera is also a lot better for transferring across files, as it is done a lot quicker and will convert into the right format.
You can purchase this Pocket Cinema Camera from this retailing website
http://www.jigsaw24.com/blackmagic-design-pocket-cinema-camera/cinema-cameras/-/fcp-product/19416
HERO3+ GoPro Camera
The second piece of hardware I would suggest to the media department that they should invest in, is the HERO3+ Black Edition GoPro Camera. This small extreme sports camera, is perfect for shooting fast paced extreme sports, such as mountain biking, skiing, bungee jumping, running etc. Being much smaller and lighter than its previous models, this new camera brings about highly improved image quality, with powerful new features such as being more convenient and versatile. This new model also has an added video mode called SuperView, this is a video mode which can capture a new cutting edge wide angle perspective. The HERO3+ also comes with a fully functioning Auto Low Light mode, this gives the footage an amazing low light performance, the way this works is that the function adjusts the frame rate. Other positives with the camera are that it has a 30% longer battery life, a 4x faster Wi-Fi, a much sharper lens and it is accessible on all GoPro mounts. The price for this camera is £359.99, this includes VAT and the import for any EU country.
Now this GoPro piece of hardware would replace the bigger cameras and the current GoPro's that are already in use in the college, which the media department have on offer, another camera which this new GoPro would replace would be the Canon XHA1S. This filmmaking camcorder is rather large and heavy. It records onto tapes and to transfer across footage, you have to use a dv tape deck. This is something which can take a long time. The Canon XHA1S is also what people usually use for harsher, more tougher terrain environments. Because it's bulky, it isn't so delicate. So the HERO3+ GoPro would be a perfect replacement as it designed for filming in tough locations and it built so that it can be knocker around a lot, without ascertaining heavy damage.
You can purchase the GoPro HERO3+ camera from this website
http://gopro.com/cameras/hd-hero3-black-edition
New iMac
Another piece of hardware the media department should invest in are the new model iMac's, which can be purchased directly from the Apple store. These will replace the thicker versions of the iMac desktops which are situated in the media department. These brand new iMac models are perfectly bold, with a big display. They use the fourth-generation Intel quad-core processors and the most up to date graphics. There is 75% less reflection on the screen, so it's a to easier to view your screen even with a low light intensity. One huge advantage with this new iMac is that it has an inbuilt technology called in-plane switching (IPS) , this is where you get a bright picture with excellent colour from every angle. This new model of iMac will replace the old ones, and they will be much more useful in terms of editing, as the process is a lot quicker and more information can be carried.
The new generation of iMac comes with a Fourth-generation Intel Core Processor, this makes the hardware the fastest possible it has ever been. The new NVIDIA graphics make it the fastest and most powerful its ever been. These graphics also gives you more frames per second in 3D games and editing HD videos with more responsiveness and speed is able to be done. The new version of the iMac also brings about better and newer versions of iPhoto, iMovie and GarageBand, Pages, Numbers and Keynote. Now with a student discount, there are various different prices these pieces of hardware come in. The 21 inch screen with a 2.9GHz costs £1,143.60, a 27 inch 3.2GHz iMac will cost £1,407.60. I would suggest that the media department invest in the 27 inch screen, as this will allow a lot more freedom with editing as all the post-production tools will be stretched out, giving you a much better focus on what you can improve.
The new model of iMac can be purchased via this address with the student discount
Magic Mouse
The Magic Mouse is the next piece of hardware that I would suggest to the media department to invest in, it is the worlds first Multi-Touch mouse. This is a smart and dynamic new product with in built Multi-Touch technology, this is a ground breaking new way to interact with portable devices. Now this accessory already comes with all the new generation of iMacs, so if the college invested in all the new iMacs then this mouse wouldn't be necessary. However if they don't invest in the new iMacs, this is still a good purchase they should consider, so to improve the desktops they already have.
This new mouse has a low profile design look, making is easier and lighter to use. It is a lot smoother in terms of scrolling on the Mac, there is no pausing or jolts. The right click is also a lot more sensitive and easier to use. Inside the Magic Mouse piece of hardware, there is also a chip which will tell the mouse exactly what action you wish to carry out. The benefit of this tool is that the mouse won't confuse either a click or a scroll, this is something the old Apple Mouse's (also the ones the college use) have a problem with and it can make using the Mac a lot harder. The motion control in the mouse also knows exactly when you are touching it. The Magic Mouse connects to the iMac via a Bluetooth connection, this is a great asset to have as it means there aren't any cables lying around, this will mean that for media students they can have more room for placing a bottle or water, along with all their notes and stationary utensils. Making it a much more accessible working environment. Obviously with purchasing these mouse's, there is the worry that they could get stolen. So my other suggestion would be that at the end of each college day, they are locked away in the lockers or they have a security tag on them, so that they can't be stolen. This Magic Mouse comes in at a very good price of £59.
The Magic Mouse cab ne purchased from here
Rode Pin Miniature Omnidirectional Microphone
The final piece of hardware I would suggest to the college media department to invest in would be the Rode Pin Miniature Omnidirectional Microphone. This new versatile clip on microphone, will be a great improvement to the ones already being used in the live television studio. This top of the range Rode Pin Microphone is easily hidden when worn, there is also greater mounting capabilities for use. The microphone has a cable back plate and a removable Omni-directional capsule head.
The reason I would suggest that the college purchase this new clip on microphone and get rid of the ones they already have is because it can also be used in lots of different locations, which can be harder to record sound in. For example the microphone comes with anti-trauma water resistant case, this allows for the microphone to have rugged and secure protection. There is also a miniature furry protection sock which will ensure you get best quality of sound recording in a rougher environment. Rode have also ensure with this clip on microphone that is can connect with all pieces of equipment in a studio environment. This piece of hardware comes kitted with MiCon, this is a connector system function which allows the mic to work with a wide range of wireless systems and consoles, cameras and portable recorders. Even though the current clip on microphone has a similar function, this new model has a much faster interface and the durability and battery life for the microphone also last longer. The proposed retail price for this microphone is £159, however depending on the retailer, you could get it a lot cheaper.
You can buy this product here at one of the retailers websites
Software
DaVinci Resolve 11
The first piece of software I would advise the media department in purchasing is DaVinci Resolve 11, this is a professional state of the art Hollywood editor and colour corrector software. This software is really accessible and resolution independent, meaning it can be used on the move on a set, or alternatively in a small studio or a large Hollywood production studio. It is a professional piece of software which is used globally on Hollywood feature films, television programs, music videos and viral advertisements. It is so popular due to its compatibility, speed and high image quality. All these qualities makes it much easier to manage your work flow.
The price for this software package comes in various different forms, the DaVinci Resolve 11 Lite version is completely free to download. This comes with all the different specifications, however you are limited with some of the tools. For example you are only limited to a certain amount of memory, when editing a project. You can also only edit up to 1080p HD, so my suggestion to the college media department would be to purchase the full software package at an okay price of £625. Now tis price allows you to edit 3D, as well as having an unlimited amount of editing space and allowing you to edit over 1080p HD. The DaVinci Resolve 11 editing software will be a good replacement in the college for After Effects. As this well outsmarts the colour grading and editing functions which After Effects can produce.
DaVinci Resolve 11 can be purchased as the full package or downloaded ad the free Lite version from this website
http://www.blackmagicdesign.com/uk/products/davinciresolve/howtobuy
Final Cut Pro X
The next piece of software I would suggest to the media department to invest in would be Final Cut Pro X, the college already has Final Cut Pro 7 installed onto all the Macintosh desktops. Now the higher education department has Final Cut Pro X installed on some of their Macs. However the further education department doesn't. So this new piece of software would be a good replacement for Final Cut Pro 7. This developed piece of software is a much bigger improvement to the prior piece of editing software, it has now been optimised for the newest Mac systems, there are dozens of editing enhancements, it is the cutting edge development for delivering 4K videos. The new Final Cut lets you smoothly edit at full resolution, added with an boosted playback feature. You can also edit multi cam with up to 16 continuous streams of 4K ProRes.
Both graphics cards are used in Final Cut Pro X, they can play back the effects as soon as you add them in. Hence meaning you can apply complex filters and colour grade all in real time. Another new benefit to this vast upgrade is that exporting is now done at a high speed. Final Cut Pro can accelerate the power of both GPUs to enhance the rendering and export in the background. The effect of this, in comparison to the old version which the college has is that you can now deliver files as fast as you edit. It also means you can still edit your clips while they are rendering, you can also export to YouTube in full 4K resolution. The price for Final Cut Pro X is £199, this is a fairly reasonable price, considering the huge difference it is to its successor.
Final Cut Pro X can be bought from this download link here
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/final-cut-pro/id424389933?mt=12
Logic Pro X
This enhanced piece of software is a great step up from Soundtrack Pro, its a recording studio designed for professionals which can be used on the Mac. Logic Pro also allows musicians globally to go from the first note, to final master. You can begin with any instrument you want, exploring lots of different loops and samples. This piece of kit comes with what is known as a 64-bit architecture, allowing you to handle projects of any size. This is a huge advancement to Soundtrack Pro, as it has some very beneficial qualities which Soundtrack Pro doesn't. For example it has an advanced set of options that lets you record, edit and manipulate performance.
One other advantage to Logic Pro X, which is why I am suggesting the media department purchase it is because of an editing feature called Flex Time. This function helps you to change the tempo and timing of your performance to achieve the smoothest performance possible. The waveform which contains individual beats can be easily moved, this allows you to change drum, vocal, guitar or any other form of track without slicing it up. Now this piece of software comes in a fair price of £139.99, this is a huge step up from Soundtrack Pro as it allows you so many functions, along with fast reciting and a much bigger library or authentic instrumental and orchestral sounds.
Logic Pro X can be bought at this address
https://ssl.apple.com/uk/logic-pro/
Motion 5
Another amazing piece of software which would be a huge asset to the media department and will replace Motion is Motion 5. This editing program is perfect for easily creating titles, transitions and effects for Final Cut Pro. The fact that this new updated version is also perfect for creating effects for Final Cut Pro is great for the media department as it means the two systems can work together. Making it especially easy and accessible to use for projects.
Motion 5 has a new easy layout interface which has been developed to make editing a lot easier for Final Cut users. This new interface comes complete with an enhanced retina display, redesigned icons and a darker look that will clearly highlight colour perception. A lot of the filters include onscreen controls for the effects, keyframe editing is also a lot more accessible because of a view that shows the keyframe editing tool under the timeline. The benefits of upgrading Motion to Motion 5 is because there is a much larger library effects, titles and transitions. These samples can also be further customised. Motion 5 also comes with the resolution independence function, this is where there is no size limit for still images or clips. Importing and exporting is also unlimited, wherein no matter what the size. You can import or export images without having to scale or crop them. All this comes in at a great price of £34.99.
This is the website address for purchasing Motion 5
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/motion/id434290957?mt=12&v0=www-naus-motion-buynow
Final Draft
The final piece of software I would the media department in college to invest is would be Final Draft, this is a leading screenwriting software package which is used by Hollywood industry professionals. It is also used on all the big Blockbuster films, it is the program that filmmakers most commonly use. This piece of software is also the leading number one selling for screenwriting software's. Final Draft would be replacing Celtx on the college Mac's, there are 100s of templates which the program already equips for the user, with a formatting tool which can be used for picking what kind of screenplay you are writing. For example, a film, television show, stage play etc.
Final Draft is a easy piece of software which has clear navigational tools so you know where everything is, there is a new navigator tool with the new version in which you can display script notes and character arcs. Filtered searches are also do able by key words. There is also a floating customizable palette which helps you to sort and sift through all your information, this is something which Celtx cannot offer. One of the great functions of Final Draft which Celtx doesn't have is Script Notes. This tool keeps a library of all your ideas, suggestions, parts of a scene that you cut out but don't want to delete it in case you need it for future use. Final Draft comes in at a price of £147.27
You can buy Final Draft here off of this website
http://store.finaldraft.com/final-draft-9.html
Estimated Quantity and cost for each year
Below I have written in lists the estimated amount of how many pieces of hardware and software the college will need, as well as how much it is going to cost them.
Hardware
Product: Black Magic Pocket Cinema Camera
Quantity: 6
Price: £3,894
Product: HERO3+ GoPro Camera
Quantity: 6
Price: £2,159.94
Product: iMac
Quantity: 25
Price: £35'000
Product: Magic Mouse
Quantity: 25
Price: £1,475
Product: Rode Pin Miniature Omnidirectional Microphone
Quantity: 6
Price: £954
Software
Product: DaVinci Resolve 11
Quantity: 25
Price: £15,625
Product: Final Cut Pro X
Quantity: 25
Price: £4,975
Product: Logic Pro X
Quantity: 25
Price: £3,499.75
Product: Motion 5
Quantity: 25
Price: £874.75
Product: Final Draft
Quantity: 25
Price: £3,681.75
