Camera tests and pre-shoot

In order to identify potential issues when making a film or series and to facilitate the efforts of all related teams, we ask you to run a series of tests to check your hardware (e.g., camera tests), software, and processes. Correcting technical defects during post-production costs time and money and affects the quality of the final product. The earlier you identify issues, the more time and opportunities you will have to eliminate them.

Production tests — shooting equipment

A test to identify bad pixels and lines is carried out on all cameras used for shooting.

To run the test:

• Configure the recording format (codec, resolution, and frame rate) and image settings (sensitivity, shutter speed, main colors, temperature, etc.) for an interior and outdoor setting similar to the production conditions.
• Turn on the camera and wait for it to warm up (about 10 minutes).
• Start recording.
• After one minute, cover the lens with a cap. Don’t change any camera settings. Record the black picture for 2–3 minutes.
• Stop recording only after that.
• Submit the video files in the source format without any processing and corresponding camera metadata to the Customer. Include information about the camera and its test configuration in the comments.
• The Customer will evaluate image sensor health using a reference display with a sufficient screen size and resolution to detect bad pixels or lines, as well as other potential defects.
• Based on the test results, the Contractor is notified as to whether or not their specific set of cameras is suitable for shooting. If not, the reason and rectification options are provided.

Production tests — format

Shooting is carried out using the confirmed set of equipment and settings that are as close as possible to the production conditions, including the cast, props, make-up, and lighting. This shooting helps you understand whether the source content is suitable for the output format, both in 4K HDR or 4K SDR. Upscaling the resolution, frame rate, brightness, and color range from the camera’s source format results in defects. Such master files will be rejected.

• Submit camera recordings in the source format without any processing and corresponding metadata to the Customer. Include information about the camera and its settings during the test in the comments.
• The Customer evaluates the technical attributes of the content according to Plus Studio’s requirements.
• Based on the test results, the Contractor is notified as to whether or not their specific set of equipment and settings are suitable for shooting. If not, the reason and rectification options are provided.

Post-production tests

To check the stages of interaction during the project and identify weaknesses, we ask you to run shooting tests and produce a short piece of the film or series (2–3 minutes long). At the beginning of the clip, include the color pattern (SMPTE for SDR, BT.2111 for HDR). One clip should demonstrate 3 production stages:

• A draft created from RAW that contains several cuts (only editing, LOG video without processing). This will allow us to check the source content.
• A draft created from RAW that contains several cuts (only editing, with LUT from set). This will allow us to evaluate what the film crew sees on set.
• Draft master file (with editing, color grading, and visuals brought to the level of the final master file according to the director’s concept). This will allow us to check the final picture.

These drafts are submitted to the Customer in the format stated in the technical specifications.

Based on the test results, the Contractor is notified as to whether or not their content meets the technical requirements. If not, the reason and rectification options are provided. If you have any questions, contact the project manager.