To understand online editing, you need to understand the idea of proxy footage. When you have high resolution video files, footage that’s 4K, 6K, or even 8K, it takes an intense computer to play them back. Most can’t do it! They run slowly, or your editing software will crash.
So if you’re an editor and you’re given some really beefy footage, how do you ensure you’ll be able to play it back and cut it effectively? That’s right: proxies.
Proxies are low res copies of high res source footage. Rather than the 4K footage that was shot, you cut with a much more manageable 1920x1080 version. The smaller file size allows you to get smooth playback, and clearly see the shots. After all, 1920x1080 is still HD. When you’re using proxies to shape your edit, that’s called offline editing. You can read more about that here.
Later on, after the cut is “picture-locked,” the editor substitutes the high res source footage back in for the proxies so the video can be finished. This is called conforming the footage, which you can read more about here!
The work you do after conforming? That’s online editing.
What happens after picture-lock?
Picture-lock means that everyone involved has signed off on the video and no one is requesting any additional changes to the shots, themes, or structure. It’s obviously a vital point to reach for any video (you can read more about why--and what happens when people don’t take it seriously--here).
But what’s left if we agree the shots, themes, and structure won’t change anymore? A lot. Tons. Just so, so much.
Online editing includes integrating the color grade, special effects, and graphics. Audio mixing also happens after picture-lock, but that’s a separate topic.
Basically, when a colorist or animator goes to work, they need all the information an image can provide. Without that information, they’re limited in the ways they can manipulate the image without it starting to break down. So, while proxy footage is great for editors, it’s no good for these finishing steps.
Finishing in style
A smooth workflow is essential to handling the transition from offline to online editing. A lot can go wrong. And online editing itself is a complex process, too. You’re dealing with enormous files that you can easily damage beyond repair. That’s not even considering the immense skill required to actually animate and color grade!
The point is, experience is vital when it comes to online editing. At ECG Productions, we’ve worked on every type of project, with every type of footage. We’re keenly familiar with the crystal clear communication and technical expertise required to handle these vital aspects of finishing projects. It’s what we do every day!
If you’ve got a project in need of online editing, or to learn more about our other services, give us a call today!
