October 2017 CREATION 21
As an add-on to Avid ’ s Media Composer , the Symphony Option is designed to expand users ’ editorial palette with a host of creative tools . Singapore ’ s Mediacorp , for instance , has implemented the software-based solution for its feature programmes and documentaries .
SGO has developed a multi-dimensional workflow concept and launched solution-based applications using its Mistika technology to enhance post-production workflow efficiency . greater level of control .
“ Another benefit is that users are already familiar with the Media Composer interface , making it easy to learn and use . Features such as Auto Contrast have proven particularly useful , enabling us to complete work more quickly and efficiently .”
The Symphony Option is an add-on for Media Composer , and is designed to expand users ’ editorial palette with a host of creative tools that enable them to correct and grade colour , design visual effects , and master projects . According to Avid , the Symphony Option allows users to stylise shots , set a mood , or correct colour with its advanced colour correction tools , and master projects in the highest quality possible , with delivery to multiple formats from a single master source .
Even though many productions are still broadcast and distributed in HD , content creators are coming to recognise the need to future-proof their work , as the move towards 4K / Ultra HD ( UHD ) has increased very rapidly over the past few years , suggests Luc Amiot , senior principal product designer , Avid .
He elaborates : “ Media watched over mobile devices and traditional HDTV sets share a similar viewing experience . However , with 4K / UHD and high dynamic range ( HDR ), this experience is further enhanced because of the ability to bring a more realistic feel of the scene ’ s contrast ratio .
“ HDR is not only about brighter images ; it ’ s also combined with an emphasis on providing more details in the shadow areas , as well as being able to display a wider gamut of colours . This opens up a whole new world of creative possibilities in terms of visual impact to emotionally convey a story .”
Declaring that the role of a colourist is now more crucial than ever with these new possibilities , Amiot explains that this is due to the need for colourists to deliver two different graded versions — in standard dynamic range ( SDR ) and HDR — hence creating a challenge in the post-production workflow .
A number of workflow experimentations , according to Amiot , is ongoing — to find the best approach to create and grade these projects in a creative and efficient way . He continues : “ Some colourists prefer to grade first for SDR , as this format is certainly viewed by the largest audience at this time . They then proceed to optimise this grading for HDR , placing emphasis on the low lights and high lights to increase the contrast ratio of the scenes when desired .
“ Others prefer to create an HDR version and later focus on producing the SDR version . In all cases , the general idea is to work in a non-destructive fashion so colourists can always go back to the camera originals in order to always have the maximum visual information at their disposal .”
However , colour grading is more than just a process of enhancing an image to make it look fantastic or beautiful . It is the process that links all the elements in the production , and gives the final image and media output consistency , says Adrian Gonzalez , product specialist of Mistika , SGO .
From a technical perspective , if the colour looks great , colourists can even mask problems in special effects , he adds . “ But from a narrative point of view , colour is critically important because in this industry , the image tells a story , and colour is naturally linked with feelings . Thus , it ’ s a great way to underline a plot , or give depth to the characters .”
To enhance post-production workflow efficiencies , SGO has developed a set of solutions using Mistika as a technology . Its current turnkey offering , Mistika Ultima , was developed to advance workflow applications aimed at specific tasks .
“ Mistika Ultima was developed based on observing the ineffectiveness of linear workflows ,” elaborates Geoff Mills , managing director at SGO . “ From the development of Mistika Ultima as a flexible and integrated turnkey solution , we have now managed to develop and segment individual solutions that work seamlessly as standalone solutions , or by piecing them together to form a
Colour grading is more than just a process of enhancing an image to make it look fantastic or beautiful . It is the process that links all the elements in the production , and gives the final image and media output consistency . workflow that aligns with the requirements and flexibility that the end-user needs .”
The company has also launched Mistika VR , its VR-focused solution integrated with real-time stitching capabilities using SGO ’ s optical flow technology . With the ability to manage camera position information and sequences , Mistika VR is able to stitch images together using “ extensive and intelligent ” pre-sets . Furthermore , Mistika VR is equipped with advanced capabilities , alongside an intuitive interface and raw format support .
Although it might be difficult to estimate if VR will sit within a future of standard viewing or for a general audience , Gonzalez is confident that VR will find space in other areas , such as museums , expositions , commercials and learning opportunities , among others .
Gonzalez concludes : “ The problem with VR , at present , is that it requires hardware , and too much isolation to enjoy a fully immersive experience . Nonetheless , the industry is fully focused on VR because it is a new way to tell stories , and that is very important in this industry , which sometimes can be very classical .”
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