With new cameras and record mediums now available and gaining ground in the market, let me make a simple suggestion that often unveils a myriad of WOE that is usually found too late or is too costly to be corrected.

ANY format and camera and edit workflow will be greatly enhanced by this simple exercise.

Shoot TEN Numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 out of order.

Record those numbers (Audio) also in a random order. On Camera, Off Camera or Both along with Timecode. This can be done with a Dry erase board or postits or Flash cards or a slate, it dosen't matter.

I prefer a resolution and Framing Chart with Exact aspect ratio and numbers in the middle. This lets me also see where I am losing picture and resolution along the way.

If you are considering options to Framerates for slowmo or Interlace vs Progressive or mixing formats, shoot every option you think you will use and test them to insure they will work.

Then use whatever means of recording you intend to employ on the shoot ALL Cameras you intend to use and the Tape format, Harddrive, DVD, Film, whatever medium and record these simple numbers out of order.

Go through the entire process of Digitizing, Upconvert, or Downconvert, transfer, clone, dub, iTV whatever the footage will do and every department and person that will touch your footage and audio.

Ask for it back Edited in Proper numeric order in a Finished form just as you would a final deliverable and every form along the way; dailies in whatever form you require.

Elements to hand to VFX in proper format and medium.

How long does it take to render the Footage and audio out and at what cost? The editor with his new wizbang program should be able to handle the job in 5 minutes and make an output to Finished Polished HD Master and Film out should you need to go that Far.

I can't tell you how valuable this simple exercise is in determining the Facts of what WILL work from the Mythology of what someone says will work. Any Camera Rental House and Post house worth their salt and your business should be happy to perform this test for you.

Call it the "Fairburn Workflow Test". Most know my reputation for extensive testing.

"Its Better to Ensure Success Than to Hope For It."