NYU NAB 2006 Student Blog

NAB last thoughts

I realize the title "last thoughts" implies that there were "first thoughts."  And there were.  Just not recorded here.

Film school can be insular, so it's been fun getting to know students from other schools, with different perspectives and different tastes.  And it's been great to get a deeper working knowledge of Avid as an editing tool.  It's funny - I think you learn something about film production every time you shoot and edit.  Even the little exercises we've made here have been opportunities to try things, technically and aesthetically.

I was an Avid fan when I arrived, and my respect for the program has deepened over the past week.  There are product features I'd never seen before, and I only wish I'd had a more advanced exposure earlier on.

Which brings me to my last point: editing.  On the one hand, the more I learn about what a software product can do, the more empowered I feel.  On the other hand, editing, for me, is as much about choices as it is about technique.  There's a saying I heard once: the difference between a good musician and a bad musician is that a good musician can play whatever comes to mind.  The difference between a good musician and a great musician is what it is, that comes to mind.  Editing is about what comes to mind.  What would be the best clip, sound, etc. that a person watching should experience, right now?  What's the best order for these pieces of media?  Should there be several cuts?  No cuts?  Is it editing to decide not to cut?  I think it is.  All of us, as students, should learn the full power of the tools at our disposal.  But we should also remember that the most powerful tool is our instinct, our sensibility.

I hope everyone keeps in touch, and stays passionate about what they're doing.

Take care.

Hue

What we saw at NAB 2006

See the Three Old Men (quicktime)

So The Three Old Men approached us, and told us they were really interested in the SOFTWARE-ONLY Avid Media Composer, and wanted to know the way to the Avid Booth. With trembling finger we pointed the way; they nodded sagely, patted us kindly on the head, and off they went. We were touched and humbled by this extraordinary experience; it will probably be a tale I relate to my children and my children's children for years to come.

Essentially, you can now purchase Avid Media Composer without having to buy the hardware box (the Adrenaline, which now retails for $23,000 approx). This gives you the freedom to run this software on hardware of your own choice, whether that hardware is PC or Mac. The speed of Media Composer will of course scale according to how good your hardware is; the faster your hardware, the faster it will be. (Possibly hardware techies might wanna try to customize their hardware in such a fashion that they can "overclock" Media Composer to run even faster than it would be with the Adrenaline, for a lower price?)

The price of the software-only version of Avid Media Composer? No more than $5000. But here's the real scoop. Educational Institutions (not students sorry, just the institutions themselves) can purchase Media Composer software-only version for the schools at.... $300 a copy. That's right, $300 a copy. Industrial-strength Media Composer at virtually the same price as Final Cut Pro. Schools would do well to outfit their labs with Media Composer if they want their students to thrive in the professional editing world -  after all, Avid dominates this world. And the price argument against Avid Media Composer no longer applies.

I like it when companies go head to head.... it means the consumer benefits. This huge education discount on Avid Media Composer illustrates this precisely.

alrick goes to Vegas!

Peoples,

As if it isn't difficult enough to be an artist, we must also stay on top of the technology.

I will be out in Vegas from April 22 to the 27th attending the 2006 NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) conference. Its an honor and a priviledge. Avid has hooked me up and several other students around the country, including Howard, USC, Emerson, Columbia College, The University of Akron, and NYU . I will be checking out the latest in technology that covers all aspects of media production and broadcast, ie shooting, editing, sound, webstreaming, gaming, and the list goes WAY on.

I met some cats (editors, shooters, producers) last year who go to things everychance they get. They said they go to see whats new but more importantly to be educated and stay on top of their game in their respective fields. Whether you are a professional, beginner or just a hustler in the game like me, there is a lot to learn from an opportunity like this. And its not a one day thing, there is time to really check things out. Since we all can't be there, I hope to share with you all of the news, info and updates detailing some of the coolest aspects of the event. There will be a exhibit floor filled with a sea of representatives.

So please let me be your eyes and ears. Let me be your guide. If you have questions or concerns about products and innovations or just comments please post. And encourage others to post and check in. (sorry about my spelling)

For more info on NAB check out:
http://www.nabshow.com/

"From entertainment to news to business communications, NAB2006 is the only global event that covers the entire spectrum of media."

"Experience comprehensive business and technology insights and innovations covering every aspect of audio and video content production, management and distribution across all forms of media:

• Broadcasting
• Cable
• Satellite
• Motion Pictures
• Internet/Streaming
• Wireless

• Telecommunications
• Education/Training
• Corporate/Enterprise
• Government/Military
• Worship
• And Much More! "

peace and mad respect
alricktech