Commercial Laser Transfer Production Requirements
Image:
Best results will be achieved by producing and supplying the image at high definition (HD). We can accept HDCam, HDCamSR, HD Tiff files or HD DPX files on DVD or hard drive.
The resolution should be 1920 x 1080 or in the 2K 1:1.85 cinema widescreen ratio of 1828 x 988 and progressive (not interlaced). If the image is standard definition (SD), it can be supplied as PAL Digital betacam in 16:9 or 4:3 ratio with a 1:1.85 mask, or as SD file sequences (as above).
SD images can be improved by supplying high res supers (tiff, EPS or Photoshop files with alpha channel) and a superless image, along with a master version for reference. Complex compositions may incur additional costs. Cinema safe screening area grids are available for reference and should be used to ensure no important information will be cropped.
Countdowns are preferable on file sequences and compulsory on tape formats. The image is recorded to 35mm film at 2K resolution via our ArriLaser film recorders.
Sound:
Deluxe Sydney offers Dolby Licenced studios on site (StageOne Sound). Audio needs to be supplied as pre-mixed stems (i.e. separate tracks of music, dialogue, effects and voice over), and is best delivered as WAV or AIFF on CD or DVD configured for Mac.
A guide track should also be supplied as a reference in the same format as the stems. All tracks must have a ‘2 pip’ start point, and preferably have ‘tones’ at the head of each track. Alternative delivery formats should be discussed with your Deluxe Producer (e.g. Pro-tools) to ensure compatibility.
Laser Transfer package costs include one hour of sound mastering – additional time will incur extra charges. Please note: Under Dolby regulations, a fully mixed track cannot be used to produce the cinema audio printmaster. Dolby printmasters from other licensed studios can be delivered on MOD or DA88 for 6 track Dolby Digital (Dolby SRD) or DAT for Dolby Stereo (Dolby SR). Sound transfer frame rates should be instructed on DA88’s or DAT’s.
24/25 FPS:
The frame rate of video is 25 frames per second, and film running speed is 24 frames per second. Due to this difference there is a 4% slow-down of image and audio on the cinema commercial if the original material is supplied as 25fps. This results in slightly increased running time and audio that requires pitch correction.
There will be a very slight slow-down of tempo. If this is a concern we are able to offer a 25 fps to 24 fps conversion of the image so the audio can be mixed at 24fps. Your Producer will assess your image and audio content and discuss the best solution with you. This is available at no additional cost as one of the many features of the Laser Transfer service.
