Arthur Greisiger

Hi, As I said in another thread, I think you could use a Mini Disc with a Lav for each of you actors and another unit to record the camera speed. I think that would make for a consistent set-up. The crystal or piltone aspect is one side of the equation, but then the other aspect is whether or not you can get the Mini-dics to accept a SMPTE master clock signal. I haven't figured that out yet. I'm still trying to learn Digital Performer, so that may actually come into focus when I do. I was planning on using an Alesis BRC to provide the Master Clock, but it seems like a MIDI timepiece is something that should be part of that system too, if your sound's going to end up in an editing program with some kind of sync. The main issue for me is how to get consistent and workable sync with older cameras, particularly the Beaulieu's that I seem to be invested in. By the time I get done with this I might as well be shooting in Super 16! It's true what they say-"You get what you pay for"AG

Hi Paul, I've been tossing around this same idea. I have it in my head that using Mini Discs could be a good alternative to wireless mics for your actors. My thinking is that each performer could carry their own recorder/mic and the same type unit could be hooked up to your camera to record both SMPTE (from a master clock) and the speed info of the camera. That being the case, all the MD players would be consistent, in terms of timing (assuming that they are). Then the only difference would be a pilotone or crystal signal from the camera, which being recorded on a MD player also, would give you the timing divergence, which you could then adjust for in your editing program. I'm assuming that editing is done on the computer and that you are using cameras without the SMPTE capabilities. That's the game plan I'm working on pursuing. I'm also using an Alesis ADAT with a BRC as the Master Clock. Sync has alway been my nightmare and the whole reason that all my films are wild sync. I ten to shoot around dialogue, and that's become my excuse for not doing narrative films. So... if this Mini Disc system works out... I'll be happy. AG

An afterthought- I've been researching the sound stripping process. It's more complicated than I thought. I still think the stock would be desirable, if for no other reason than for time code. I have a feeling that the format (aspect ratio), the image stability and the cost factor make this an exercise in futility though. Oh well. AG

Thanks David, I will call you, because I do want to experiment. And thanks to you other guys for your thoughts. Too bad, my thinking is along the line of format choices. I wanted to compare image quality between this format and (say) mini DV. I'm not even working with HD yet, mostly because I don't like video imaging at all, but, you know, it's cost effective. I never shot much 8mm in the day, mostly 16mm. I'm impressed with the concept of immediate transfer to DV while originating on film. It makes for a secure archive, although, without sound film for that camera, I'm back to wild sync, unless I can find a pilotone and you know how that goes. The other aspect of it, is to be free to blend the production value that you would achieve using the format. I like to do that to create texture. Yeh, John Pytlack, I remember him. I figured that system would die. Nobody, I talked to liked the idea of clearcoat too much. I wonder if the specs for the stripping machinery is somewhere to be had? For that matter I wonder if the magnetic stripping could even be acquired, maybe 3M? Is there another technology that uses it? Then I have to wonder about the bonding, can you even get away with an adhesive and I wonder if the strip is put on before or after the emulsion? Most likely after, but it would be easier to do before. But then again, you just said Fuji stripes the film after exposure. That doesn't help for time code (at the time of the shoot), but... it does show it is still a happening thing. I wonder if they would strip and order of unexposed film? If they can? Well thanks for your thoughts. AG

Greetings from Independentville, I've been hoping to experiment with a Beaulieu 5008s. The camera has it's limitations, but I've had the thought that the magnetic strip on the (no longer available) sound film might serve well for a time-code track or a simple guide voice track. I wonder if there is enough interest in new stock that we might collectively put together enough of an order to convince Kodak to make a run? I'm sure they must still have the equipment to do that, I can't imagine that they purged it out. Of course, this is speculative, but it's an idea I'd be willing to pursue, since I would like to have some new stock to play around with. Also, I'm constructing a replaceable AA battery cartridge for the grip on that camera (and the R-16) and I may produce more if there are enough people who want one or two. If anyone is interested drop me a line. Arthur Greisiger, Image of the Mind Studios IMS e-mail