Ad & Training film toolkit

StefanS wrote on 6/5/2004, 6:24 PM

Setting up a "toolkit" for making training films at my workplace, centered around Vegas 5 and DVD Acrhitect 2. At a later date, I'd like to try my hand at TVCs (think budget type retail ads).

What I'd like to ask this forum is, what are your "best" tools that can further assist Vegas produce great results for the above requirements. Think graphics, titling, animation....etc.

My definition of "Best" means: easy to learn and use, effective results and being cost effective.
Thanks in advance.
Stefan

Comments

Spot|DSE wrote on 6/5/2004, 7:04 PM

This will obviously vary from user to user....
I can't live without WAVES or iZotope plugs for audio. Also heavily use Pixelan and Zenote tools. I use Boris Red on occasion for titles, but mostly just composite stuff together.
Photoshop is necessary for our workflow, fixing graphics and images.
Same with Cool 3D.
Books are my main asset. I think I've got over 200 DV/Film/Production/how-to books, and always have one nearby.
I love the new Bella DV keyboard, it's VERY useful. Eliminates 2 tools on my workstation desk.
Of course, a good DV deck is important, and then last of all, great audio and video monitors are critical if you are doing professional work. We use Mackie and M-Audio monitors, depending on which room you're in. We also have Genelec 1029's in the main editing room.
Sony PVM L14 in my personal setup, with a couple JVC and Sony broadcast monitors in the other rooms. I like a 13" monitor, our biggest is a 19". I wish it was a Sony or Ikegami but the bucks don't justify it. We'll soon be moving to plasma for all monitoring as HDV starts rolling in and more folks buy LCD and plasma televisions. If I were doing it all new/fresh, I'd look very seriously at monitoring on a plasma.