[MacDV] Re: DVD Skideshows--MacDV Digest, Vol 5, Issue 9

[Ted Langdell]

Ted Langdell
Ted Langdell Creative Broadcast Services
Marysville, CA
Main:  	(530) 741-1212

How many minutes per photo are you using to do what you describe below 
when you calculate a price per photo?

I'm figuring around five or six minutes per photo for scanning and 
cleanup (full frame cleanup, which often takes longer on some, less on 
others) and another five or six per image to to size, add motion and 
whatnot once in an FCP timeline.  At my rates, it's about $12 per photo 
to scan, cleanup, plop into the timeline and size, add motion, etc.)

I've found a BIG help in using LaserSoft's $49 SilverfastSE scanning 
software.  It has a dust and speck removal function that's saved me 
incredible amounts of time with the clone tool. Increases productivity 
(and profit) without sacrificing image quality.  Free demo.  
http://www.silverfast.com/show/silverfast-se/en.html

I use a 3.5 second preset length in FCP when I import the files from 
Mac folder to FCP project.  That seems to match the timing of most 
music I've used, helping to make the flow more automatic.  I'll stretch 
  some images longer depending on the motion I add.

I store the images in a separate bin and then go to the bin, select all 
and drag ALL the files to the canvas, where I use the "insert 
w/transition" function to drop them into the timeline.

The files are numbered in the order the client wants to see them  
beginning with 0001.  I still get a kick out of watching 50-300 photos 
plop into the timeline in order, ready for sizing and motion.  
Discovering I could do that was good for several hoots and hollers.

Any last minute additions become lettered files beginning with the 
number they're supposed to follow. Say we have five pictures to go 
after 0042?  They're 0042a, 0042b, 0042c, etc. which also keeps them in 
order in a folder on the Mac.

Happy scanning!

Ted.

On Dec 21, 2004, at 12:37 AM, Darnelll wrote:

> . I only do major restoration around faces but  I do clean up the more
> noticeable scratches and dust specks. I've found boosting the contrast,
> lowing the brightness, and sometimes bumping up the saturation helps 
> the image stand out better
> on a TV screen. Of course adjusting Levels is important as well as 
> Sharpening the image.
>