OT: Format for airing on TV

PH125 wrote on 6/5/2006, 10:00 PM

For the past 3 years I've been running a small, freelance video production company, and am thinking about getting into TV ad production. However, I don't want to do so until I know if I have the right equipment necessary. Do TV outlets accept MiniDV as a format for on-air material? Or do I have to submit it on full size DV or betaCAM tapes? And also, do I even have to provide submission services, or is that the client's responsibility? I've never done anything for TV before so I'm new to the process. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Comments

Cooldraft wrote on 6/5/2006, 11:05 PM

I have had major luck here in my market. I befriended a guy at my local Fox affilliate that takes my DV tape, he has a minidv adapter and will make :30 & :60 betaSP dubs for me for other stations. The stations will pick it up. Fortunately, Cox Media also accepts Mini DV for all my cable spots. I have even taken my camera to our local CBS affiliate and hooked in to a beta SP deck for a couple of spots. Guess I have been lucky, very lucky.

rs170a wrote on 6/6/2006, 1:37 AM

As Cooldraft said, BetaSP is still the preferred format at a lot of stations but this depends on your local market. Your best bet is to call the station(s) and ask them. Also ask what they want for lead-in (i.e. colour bars, tone, slate).

Mike