Two Methods for the Direct Assembly of Motion Pictures on Videotape

Nicholas Spies

Two related methods for the assembly of motion pictures on videotape are discussed. After an introduction to the SMPTE time code and the film-to-tape transfer process, an algorithm is given to calculate hours, minutes, seconds, and TV frames in the SMPTE code from a feet-and-film-frames count on 16mm motion-picture film. The algorithm may be run on a programmable calculator. The two methods are designated the “A & B” method and the “General” method. In the A & B method, A and B picture rolls (conformed to the edited work print) are transferred; editorial decisions made on film are then duplicated using a log sheet of SMPTE time-code addresses (derived from the edited work print) as a guide for videotape assembly. In the General method, all the film dailies are transferred to tape “source rolls” before film editing; the film and soundtracks are edited conventionally as in the A & B method, and two time-code logs are derived from the edited work print — one to specify edit event addresses and the other to specify the addresses of shots in the source rolls; finally, the show is assembled on videotape, to the mixed soundtrack, using video-only edits. The advantages of time-savings and superior image quality are discussed along with the problems encountered. Both methods allow the filmmaker to take full advantage of the great control that video affords over image quality.

Print ISSN
Published
1978-07
Content type
Original Research
DOI
10.5594/J10523