Using Proxies in Global Media Production
Digital media production companies often face difficulties when dealing with large video, animation and image files. With the advent of cameras like the Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K, which can churn out footage at a staggering rate of 308MB/s—filling a 64GB SD card in just about 3.5 minutes—the need for efficient workflows has never been more critical. At Clear Aperture Media, we pride ourselves on our ability to collaborate with a global network of videographers, editors, animators, and composers. This international collaboration necessitates a streamlined method to handle and share large files without compromising the speed or quality of our editing processes. Enter the game-changing solution: Proxies.
What Are Proxies?
Proxies are essentially low-resolution copies of your high-resolution footage. In editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, they serve as stand-ins during the editing process, allowing for smoother playback and faster editing on systems that might struggle with the full-res files. Once editing is complete, you can switch back to the original high-res files for final output with just a click. This process ensures that our team can work efficiently, regardless of the geographical distances or the limitations of their editing rigs.
The Advantages of Using Proxies
Imagine trying to scrub through or trim 12-bit 8K cRAW footage from a Canon EOS R5 on a high-end system like a Dell Precision 7680. Even on such a powerful setup, Premiere Pro can struggle, leading to dropped frames and inefficient editing workflows. By utilising proxies, we avoid these hiccups, ensuring smooth playback and precise editing. It's not just about the ability to work faster; it's about working smarter, enabling our editors to focus on creativity rather than being bogged down by technical limitations.
Our Proxy Workflow
Our workflow involves creating these proxies right after the footage is imported into Adobe Premiere Pro. This approach is particularly beneficial in projects like our recent collaboration with One by One on the Churches Against Trafficking campaign. Given the project's scope—filming across various locations in the UK and needing to share footage with editors and animators across the globe, including an editor working remotely from a village in Sri Lanka—the proxy workflow was indispensable.
We employed Adobe Premiere Pro’s built-in proxy creation features, allowing our team to edit seamlessly with low-res files and then switch to the original high-res files for colour grading and finishing touches. This method not only saved us valuable time but also significantly reduced the logistical complexity of working with large video files across different continents.
Why Proxies Are Essential for International Collaboration
Our reliance on proxies is not just a matter of convenience; it's a cornerstone of our ability to collaborate internationally. By reducing file sizes for the editing process, we can quickly and easily share files with team members around the world, regardless of their internet speeds or hardware capabilities. This approach also allows us to keep our projects moving forward, with editors able to work concurrently on different aspects of a project without waiting for large files to download or upload.
Concluding Thoughts
The use of proxies in our media project workflows exemplifies Clear Aperture Media's commitment to innovation and efficiency. By embracing this approach, we've managed to not only maintain but enhance our ability to deliver high-quality content, regardless of the challenges posed by working with large video files or coordinating across global teams. As we continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in digital media production, proxies will undoubtedly remain a key tool in our arsenal, enabling us to bring our clients' visions to life with the creativity, passion, and expertise that define Clear Aperture Media.
