Last week, I asked readers to write about web services they found useful in video editing. Here are two reports on what works.
Mike Janowski
Other than the ubiquitous Google apps, I’m currently using Terredici’s “Anywhere PCoIP” in my job as Senior Editor for ABC’s OTV (Owned TeleVision) division.
Our small group has been pioneering the use of a remote, cloud-based editing system since late 2020, first as a prototype for our group only; and since 2023, as an integral part of ABC OTV’s 21st century editing plan.
PCoIP is the client software (now owned by HP) that allows me to connect with a large multiprocessor Windows machine “in the sky”, and pretty much all the low-latency attached storage I can eat. For me and my group, it’s completely replaced the need to shuttle drives back and forth between us when we share post duties, and completely replaced any restrictions on who I can work with throughout the network, no matter the location. I regularly work with stakeholders and creative groups from all 8 of our O&O stations.
Does it work?
It works so well that I loathe going back to my personal, local system, or going in to my local affiliate (in this case, WLS/ABC7 in Chicago) to work on a project on their servers. It’s quick, provides unlimited storage, and when utilizing Premiere Pro’s Productions, makes managing multi-editor projects a breeze.
We’ve finished dozens of hour and half-hour documentaries on the system. And I’m personally responsible for assembling over 400 half-hour shows which fill ABC’s “Localish” network (the “dot 2” channel if you’re still watching OTA). In fact, it works so well that, when I retire in May, I’m planning on investigating commercially available systems for my future endeavours.
About the only downside is network congestion…if you get connected to a busy set of links, things can get a bit stuttery. Generally, we fix this by logging off, disconnecting from my local internet, then logging back in.
Additionally, I’m also working on a personal documentary project, where the producer has been having an AI (ElevenLabs) read his initial scripts. So far, I’m not impressed, but since we’re just working out ideas, it beats calling in real talent to record something you know you’re not going to use.
I also want to acknowledge the other partner in this dance of remote editing success: Premiere Pro’s Productions.
We do EVERYTHING in a Production. It simply works (once you get to know the rules of the road), and allows the four of us in our little editing group, and any other editors in OTV who’ve jumped on the system, to easily set up the Projects necessary for a show, or join a cut already in progress. We can easily access our own sequences, in our own projects, or those in others’ projects. The amount of collaboration it allows, and the ease with which we can collaborate, is astounding. In fact, it works so well that when I go back to the old “I’ll send you a project file and/or a consolidated project, good luck relinking” method, I have to pause and think “How did I do this? And WHY?”
Productions (as well as the virtual machines we work on) are not universally loved amongst all of my OTV brethren. I’m not sure why, as it takes only a little bit of a vision shift to understand what is going on with Projects within a Production. I wouldn’t say it’s difficult at all; one just has to follow a couple of rules regarding how clip refs are managed.
As is par for Premiere Pro improvements, this saves even more time managing projects, and seems to work well for large multi-terabyte docs, or multiple show series.
Steve Hoffer
You asked for feedback regarding cloud based services that you use for video. I’ve used Frame.io for the past several years, as well as Descript and Digital Juice.
I’m one of those ‘video enthusiasts’ that shoots with a Panasonic GH6 and some older Canon gear, plus a Zoom H6n audio recorder. I’ve found Frame.io to be an excellent tool for working with video, as it allows others to have almost immediate access to footage, and a means to download that footage, if needed, in a resolution that will work with their systems.
Descript works well for creating transcripts from interview type videos.
I used to use Digital Juice, but they closed their doors last year. Let me know if you have an alternative for them.
Larry adds: Please share your thoughts in the comments.
One Response to Editors Report: Web Services for Video Editors
Great read!