Buzz

The next LAFCPUG is jam-packed with - AVID - sessions. Yes, you read that correctly.

Founder and head of lafcpug, Michael Horton, says, "Avid Media Composer is still firmly entrenched in Hollywood feature films and broadcast television. In order for you to compete in Hollywood it's important to know both tools."

So, attention all Final Cut Pro (and Media Composer) users - you won't want to miss this evening and its compelling look at Avid in the industry! The agenda includes:

Walter Murch - "What it's like going from Avid to FCP and back to Avid"

Shane Ross (of Little Frog in High Def) - "Avid Media Composer 4.0, Avid Media Access"

Steve Cohen (of Splice Here) - "What's New in Media Composer 4.0"

ALSO, Media Composer 4.0 software will be given away as part of the 'world famous raffle!'

The event is open, but requires registration to attend: http://www.lafcpug.org/user_schedule.html.

Wednesday, Nov. 18 @ the Gallery Theatre in Hollywood, Ca. Event begins at 6:45 PM

If you're in the LA area, this is a don't miss!

Check it out! Editor David Maurer (Splinter, Four Sheets to the Wind, 'The Apprentice,' 'American Idol') created a top 10 list earlier this week of what rocks about Media Composer (vs. FCP) after checking out the latest 4.0 version.


The list includes features like AMA, mix and match, pricing (yes, it's there), ScriptSync, 3D, among others... Read the full list over at FlickGym.com! And you can follow Maurer on Twitter as well.

Thanks to all those who 'retweeted' Avid's IBC 2009 news. It's great to see the excitement around the new products and we look forward to hearing your feedback on Media Composer 4.0. Here is a list of the winners:

Sept. 12 - http://twitter.com/mkavid 

Sept. 13 - http://twitter.com/Oldskooljunkie

Sept. 14 - http://twitter.com/gbow48

Sept. 15 - http://twitter.com/avidcontestGlen

Congrats! And if your name doesn't appear above, but you'd like to check out the new features like mix and match for yourself, head over to Avid.com and download the trial version of MC 4.0.

Enter to win Avid Pinnacle Studio 14 Ultimate Collection software during Gen Cre8 Brooklyn!

Retweet @AvidTechnology and/or @GenCre8 related news and activity updates to enter a giveaway for Pinnacle software. Here’s how:

• Retweet @AvidTechnology and/or @GenCre8 event-related updates from your Twitter account. You must include the letters "RT" and the @AvidTechnology or @GenCre8 username in your retweet to be eligible.

• Three winners will be selected randomly from the list of everyone who retweets a relevant @AvidTechnology or @GEnCre8 post beginning Wednesday, Sept. 23 (1 p.m. EDT) through Thursday, Sept. 24 (12:00 a.m. EDT); the winner will receive Pinnacle Studio Ultimate Collection software.

Please see below for all contest details. Don't forget to follow Avid and GenCre8 on Twitter at Twitter.com/AvidTechnology and Twitter.com/GenCre8.

GENERAL INFORMATION: The sponsor of the Twitter Feed Contest (the "Contest") is Avid Technology, Inc.. ("Sponsor"), having its primary place of business at One Park West, Tewksbury, MA 01876 USA.

NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WINTHIS CONTEST IS VOID WHERE PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED BY LAW. PARTICIPATION CONSTITUTES ENTRANT'S FULL AND UNCONDITIONAL AGREEMENT TO AND ACCEPTANCE OF THESE OFFICIAL RULES. THIS IS A TRADE PROMOTION ONLY, AND THE CONTEST IS OPEN ONLY TO LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES WHO ARE AGE 18 OR OVER AND WHO MEET THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS DETAILED IN THESE OFFICIAL RULES. The Contest begins Wednesday, Sept. 23 (1 p.m. EDT) through Thursday, Sept. 24 (12:00 a.m. EDT).

ELIGIBILITY: The Contest is offered to all U.S. citizens age 18 and over as of the date of entry. Employees, independent contractors, officers, and directors of Avid, its affiliates, subsidiaries, distributors, advertising, promotion and fulfillment agencies, and the immediate family members and persons living in the same household of such persons are not eligible to participate.

HOW TO ENTER: Eligible persons can participate by following Avid and Gen Cre8 on Twitter and 'retweeting' Avid and Gen Cre8 status updates as outlined. Enttrants’ Twitter accounts must have at least 50 followers, or must have been active for a minimum of 30 days prior to the contest opening.

In the event of a dispute, each potential winner may be required to provide proof that the potential winner is the authorized account holder of the Twitter username associated with the potentially winning entry. The total number of eligible entries received determines odds of winning.

THE PRIZE: Three (3) people will be named the winner from the start of the contest. In total, three winners will be selected from those who submit 'retweets' in accordance with the contest guidelines and will receive Avid Pinnacle Studio Ultimate Collection software at a Recommended Retail Price of $129.99 USMSRP. No substitutions, alternatives or cash equivalents.

System specifications for the prize software can be found here: http://pinnaclesys.com/PublicSite/us/Products/Consumer+Products/Home+Video/Studio+Family/Studio+Ultimate+Collection+14.htm.

The winner will be notified by mail, e-mail, Twitter message, and/or telephone before or around September 30th, 2009. Conduct of the Contest and selection of the winner are in Sponsor's sole discretion, and Sponsor's decisions are final and binding. Sponsor will be the sole arbiter in any dispute. Prizes are non-transferable, non-saleable or exchangeable for cash or cash alternative. All local taxes related to the prizes awarded are the sole responsibility of the winner. No alternative prize, cash equivalent, or other substitution is permitted.

PRIVACY POLICY: Sponsor may use personal information submitted by participants in accordance with the terms of Sponsor’s Privacy Policy. Sponsor’s Privacy Policy may be viewed at Sponsor's website at http://www.avid.com/legal/index.html#privacy.

ADDITIONAL TERMS: Sponsor is not responsible for and shall not be liable for late, lost, misdirected or unsuccessful efforts to notify the winner. The winner may be required to sign and return a liability release, declaration or affidavit of eligibility, and, where lawful, publicity consent agreement, all within fifteen days of notice to the winner as a condition of receiving the prize. By accepting and/or using prize, the winner agrees to the use of the winner's name, voice, and/or likeness for the purpose of advertising, trade or promotion without further compensation, unless prohibited by law. If the selected winner cannot be contacted, is ineligible, fails to claim a prize, or fails to timely return completed and executed declaration/affidavit and releases as required, prize may be forfeited and an alternate winner may be selected. By participating, entrants agree that Sponsor, its agents and representatives, and contest event entities are not responsible for and shall not be liable for:

1) electronic hardware or software program, network, Internet, or computer malfunctions, failure or difficulties of any kind;

2) failed, incomplete, garbled or delayed computer transmissions;

3) any condition caused by events beyond the control of Sponsor that may cause the Contest to be disrupted or corrupted;

4) any hardware compatibility problems; or

5) any printing or typographical errors in any materials associated with the Contest.

Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to suspend or cancel the Contest at any time if a computer virus, bug, or other technical problem corrupts the administration, security or proper play of the Contest.

RELEASE: By participating in the Contest, each entrant agrees to release and hold Sponsor, its shareholders, officers, agents and representatives and event entities harmless from any and all losses, damages, rights, claims and actions of any kind in connection with or resulting from participation in the Contest, acceptance possession or use of any prize, including without limitation property damage and claims based on publicity rights, defamation, or invasion of privacy.

GOVERNING LAW: All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation, and enforceability of these Official Rules, or the rights and obligations of participant and Sponsor in connection with the Contest, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts without regard to the conflict of laws rules that would cause the laws of any other jurisdiction to apply.

Retweet @AvidTechnology news and activity updates to enter a daily giveaway for Media Composer 4.0 software. Here’s how:

• Retweet @AvidTechnology product and show-related updates from your Twitter account. You must include the letters "RT" and the @AvidTechnology username in your retweet to be eligible.

• The Twitter user that has the highest number of 'retweets' each day, beginning Saturday, Sept. 12 through Tuesday, Sept. 15 (GMT +1), will receive Media Composer software.

Please see below for all contest details. Don't forget to follow Avid on Twitter at Twitter.com/AvidTechnology.

GENERAL INFORMATION: The sponsor of the Twitter Feed Contest (the "Contest") is Avid Technology. ("Sponsor"), having its primary place of business at One Park West, Tewksbury, MA. 01876 in the US.

NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN, AND NO OBLIGATION OF ANY KIND IS IMPLIED. THIS CONTEST IS VOID WHERE PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED BY LAW. PARTICIPATION CONSTITUTES ENTRANT'S FULL AND UNCONDITIONAL AGREEMENT TO AND ACCEPTANCE OF THESE OFFICIAL RULES. THIS IS A TRADE PROMOTION ONLY, AND THE CONTEST IS OPEN ONLY TO LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE EUROPEAN UNION WHO ARE AGE 18 OR OVER AND WHO MEET THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS DETAILED IN THESE OFFICIAL RULES. The Contest begins on Saturday, September 12, 2009 and ends on Tuesday, September 15, 2009 (GMT +1).

ELIGIBILITY: The Contest is offered to all natural persons age 18 and over as of the date of entry and who are attending IBC 2009. Employees, independent contractors, officers, and directors of Avid, its affiliates, subsidiaries, distributors, advertising, promotion and fulfillment agencies, and the immediate family members and persons living in the same household of such persons are not eligible to participate.

HOW TO ENTER: Eligible persons can participate by following Avid on Twitter and 'retweeting' Avid status updates as outlined.

In the event of a dispute, each potential winner may be required to provide proof that the potential winner is the authorized account holder of the Twitter username associated with the potentially winning entry. The total number of eligible entries received determines odds of winning.

THE PRIZE:  One (1) person will be named the winner for each corresponding IBC Show day from the start of the contest (Saturday through Tuesday). In total, four winners will be selected from those who submit 'retweets' in accordance with the contest guidelines and will receive Media Composer® software v4.0 at a Recommended Retail Price of $2,495 USMSRP. No substitutions, alternatives or cash equivalents.

System requirements for the prize software can be found here: http://www.avid.com/products/Media-Composer-Software/system-requirements.asp.

The winner will be notified by mail, e-mail, Twitter message, and/or telephone before or around September 30th, 2009. Conduct of the Contest and selection of the winner are in Sponsor's sole discretion, and Sponsor's decisions are final and binding. Sponsor will be the sole arbiter in any dispute. Prizes are non-transferable, non-saleable or exchangeable for cash or cash alternative. All local taxes related to the prizes awarded are the sole responsibility of the winner. No alternative prize, cash equivalent, or other substitution is permitted.

PRIVACY POLICY:  Sponsor may use personal information submitted by participants in a completed entry form in accordance with the terms of Sponsor’s Privacy Policy. Sponsor’s Privacy Policy may be viewed at Sponsor's website at http://www.avid.com/legal/index.html#privacy.

ADDITIONAL TERMS: Sponsor is not responsible for and shall not be liable for late, lost, misdirected or unsuccessful efforts to notify the winner. The winner may be required to sign and return a liability release, declaration or affidavit of eligibility, and, where lawful, a publicity consent agreement, all within fifteen days of notice to the winner as a condition of receiving the prize. By accepting and/or using prize, the winner agrees to the use of the winner's name, voice, and/or likeness for the purpose of advertising, trade or promotion without further compensation, unless prohibited by law.  If the selected winner cannot be contacted, is ineligible, fails to claim a prize, or fails to timely return completed and executed declaration/affidavit and releases as required, prize may be forfeited and an alternate winner may be selected. By participating, entrants agree that Sponsor, its agents and representatives, and contest event entities are not responsible for and shall not be liable for:

1) electronic hardware or software program, network, Internet, or computer malfunctions, failure or difficulties of any kind;
2) failed, incomplete, garbled or delayed computer transmissions;
3) any condition caused by events beyond the control of Sponsor that may cause the Contest to be disrupted or corrupted;
4) any hardware compatibility problems; or
5) any printing or typographical errors in any materials associated with the Contest.

Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to suspend or cancel the Contest at any time if a computer virus, bug, or other technical problem corrupts the administration, security or proper play of the Contest.

RELEASE: By participating in the Contest, each entrant agrees to release and hold Sponsor, its shareholders, officers, agents and representatives and event entities harmless from any and all losses, damages, rights, claims and actions of any kind in connection with or resulting from participation in the Contest, acceptance possession or use of any prize, including without limitation property damage and claims based on publicity rights, defamation, or invasion of privacy.

GOVERNING LAW:  All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation, and enforceability of these Official Rules, or the rights and obligations of participant and Sponsor in connection with the Contest, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with the laws of the England and Wales without regard to the conflict of laws rules that would cause the laws of any other jurisdiction to apply.

There's something for each of you - whether you happen to be a broadcaster, post production professional or student! We announced new upgrades across the editors family (Media Composer 4.0, Symphony 4.0 and NewsCutter 8.0 software) as well as Avid's production asset management solution - Interplay 2.0. Here are a few helpful links and we'll see you on the show floor:

Avid Press Release

Editor Family, including Media Composer 4.0

Interplay 2.0

This week ABC kicks off the second year of its ABC On Campus initiative - a program designed to provide students with hands-on experience creating and broadcasting news stories. Graduates from last year's program have since secured jobs at various station affiliates (of CBS, NBC, CNN and ABC) and are now working successfully in the broadcast field across the country, as reported by ABC.

The addition of a sixth college bureau and a fresh pool of aspiring newsroom professionals round out the group eager to access the same Avid industry solutions that the network uses.

ABC has all the news online about the 2009-2010 program. Plus, view student-generated stories to get a sneak peek behind these industry up-and-comers.

We're getting ready to head to Amsterdam. Check out highlights and featured speakers on Avid at IBC online and stay tuned to the Buzz blog for more information as we get closer to the show. Hope to see you there!

Post Magazine has the latest scoop on the Tracey Ullman show's RED workflow.  The creative team weighs in on all things post-related, including the reasons behind the switch to RED and how much time they are saving with the current workflow. Check it out online: "Workflow: 'Tracey Ullman's State of the Union'"

Last week was a big week for music lovers here at Avid with the introduction of new products geared towards pros, kids and everyone in between.

New releases include the M-Audio® DCP-300 digital home piano, equipped with audio inputs and USB connectivity so users can plug in an iPod or CD player for interactive practice with pre-recorded backing tracks; Groovy Music City, fun new software for kids aged 7 and up to learn and create their own music; and Digidesign® VENUE SC48, a compact digital console for use in small-to-mid sized live sound settings.

Avid also kicked off its 2009 Listen Up! World Tour. Upcoming stops include The Cutting Room on May 12 in NYC, South Beach Studios @ Marlin on May 19 in Miami, and Sanctum Studios on May 26 in Los Angeles.  Register via the link above to learn new studio production techniques, get in-depth demos of new Avid products, meet top recording artists and interact with A-list engineers in a small, intimate group setting.

Join us after the Academy Awards next week to chat with Oscar nominee Chris Dickens (BAFTA and A.C.E. Eddie Winner, Film Editing). Chris will take questions from registered attendees, so don't miss your chance to participate in the 'live' online session. Here are the details -

When: Monday, February 23, 2009, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM PST / 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM EST

Anyone interested in joining can register online (pre-registration is required).

Check out the national ad for Hyundai that aired during the Superbowl. Credit goes to Billy Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins who created the spot with Avid Media Composer (which is also featured in the commercial).

Check out the on-site presentation Avid is hosting today (Friday, January 16, 2:00 pm):

• File-based Formats: What Every Filmmaker Should Know - Industry experts will explore file-based workflows for independent filmmakers from acquisition to distribution, and demystify the variety of tapeless formats available today. Leave the session with some tips and tricks on how to optimize your workflow (shooting, ingest, edit, finish) to get your film ready for distribution and how cost-effective digital-cinema technology can help you get the job done.

Where: New Frontier on the Lower Level of the Main Street Mall.  For more information, visit: http://festival.sundance.org/2009/

Read about the transition to HD for TLC's 10 Years Younger show in TV Technology this month and learn the benefits of Avid DX systems, including performance that is '20 times faster than Adrenaline.'

"We have several layers of video going on: in the past we had to render them to see them. The ability of this system to play multiple layers without having to render is by far the biggest benefit." - Lori Szybist, Lead Editor

"Moreover, if you're in a screening and you want to change out an effect-a wipe, dissolve, whatever-it can be as simple as dragging the new effect on top of your clip and playing it right there." - Eric Rodriguez, Post Production Supervisor

Bradley University students react to Avid's latest announcement unveiling PostDeko for Editors. Check out their comments in the blog post: 'Avid Improves Graphics Workflow With PostDeko for Editors'

"The immediate attractive impact is that costs can be cut. So, in essence, if we learn to use the software, our resume just got a little bit stronger in the weakening economy.  In addition, it is reassuring to see such press on programs that WE are using, right? Bradley is providing the proper training for our field. This program is a promising progression in the media world and will indubitably be implemented throughout the broadcast industry. Exciting stuff." - Daniel Shore, Bradley University