POST PRODUCTION TRAINING OFFERINGS

 “Audio is 70% of what the audience sees…” Our original founder coined these words more than 20 years ago, and our passion for audio training continues into the digital age with more options and opportunities for audience engagement through audio, than ever before.

SMG audio classes offer methods for proper mixing, noise reduction, compression, equalization, techniques for sweetening audio, balancing a mix for stereo or surround, special effects, hits, and much, much more. SMG audio classes have been a favorite at conferences like NAB, NAPTE, Streaming Media, WEVA, LEVA, Government Expo, InterDrone, SMPTE, ProFusion, CineGear, DV Expo, and many other events, not to mention the many classes taught at schools, state/local/federal government and private sessions.
We teach with Adobe SoundBooth, Magix Vegas, FinalCut, ProTools, and other audio editing applications.

Color Correction (Grading) and Color Timing are the two most important elements of completing a project. Color grading may be done for purposes of “repairing” color issues created during the production process, or to create a particular aesthetic. Color Timing is a process of bringing the various elements (after they’ve been corrected) together so all shots have a cohesive appearance.  Recent examples of color timing as a conveyor of the story, is the hit series from Amazon, “Man in the High Castle” where three distinctive palettes are used to define life in the three different segments of the occupied United States. Viewers will note the tone shifts from San Francisco (very yellow) New York (grey/steel) and Denver (desaturated natural).

      

SMG Color Correction training begins at the most basic levels, and expands into deep-dive training for color treatments such as those found above. We also discuss LUT, sLOG, profiles, and optimal means of shooting for corrective/graded post.   Vectorscopes, waveform monitoring, histograms, output profiles, delivery to the web, broadcast, and mobile devices are also discussed in the color correction/color timing sessions.

These classes may be broken down into individual segments or into specific deep-dives into user needs.

Color training sessions are available for conferences, live events, personal, or corporate training clients. We use Blackmagic Resolve, Adobe Premiere, Magix Vegas, and FinalCut for color correction training, although we can custom-create instruction for any application requirement.

When it comes to delivery for the web or mobile, the picture, sound, and smooth playback of the stream is critical to maintaining audience engagement.

Content destined for the small screen requires additional work to maintain engagement and provide the best message delivery possible.

SMG instructors provide direction and techniques for properly editing, mixing, coloring, and exporting media destined for the web and small screen. These sessions include optimizing video, audio, graphics, metadata, and compression schemes for the best possible image at the client playback device. SMG will also take attendees through the elements of data analysis to better understand weaknesses in storyline, graphics, audio, headers, tails, and overall user experience.