Media Transcoding Syncing and Management Software
A Cinema RE-Evolution
faclcon fuse
Falcon Fuse is a pioneering software designed for filmmakers, redefining media management in the digital era. This cutting-edge solution automates post-production tasks like footage handling and transcoding, while providing real-time syncing and intuitive metadata tagging. Simplify your filmmaking journey with Falcon Fuse and focus on your creative vision.
FALCON FUSE
Falcon Fuse is a pioneering software designed for filmmakers, redefining media management in the digital era. This cutting-edge solution automates post-production tasks like footage handling and transcoding, while providing real-time syncing and intuitive metadata tagging. Simplify your filmmaking journey with Falcon Fuse and focus on your creative vision.
Overview
Project Duration
1 year
Tools Used
Figma, Mural, Adobe Photoshop
My Role
UX/UI Designer
Design Inspiration
For five years, I've been a hobbyist filmmaker, making movies just for fun. Along the way, I noticed some big problems in the film world. I wanted to fix these issues. I tried out different roles like directing short films and even a full-length feature. This gave me a close look at the challenges filmmakers face. With a background in design, I set out to find clever solutions.
People had spent years tolerating the suboptimal design and were ready for a change. There was a laundry list of usability and coordination issues that needed to be addressed.
Given the fast-paced, freelance-driven nature of filmmaking, tight deadlines and intense pressure often made the middleman susceptible to errors. These errors could result in substantial financial setbacks, or sometimes they were irreparable. Furthermore, many individuals hired for such tasks lacked the necessary technical expertise, leading to vulnerabilities that cost production both time and money to rectify.
Pre-production is the crucial planning and preparation phase that sets the foundation for a successful film shoot. It involves a series of essential tasks and decisions. During this stage, the script is refined and finalized. Writers may make revisions, and the screenplay is locked for shooting. The director and casting director select actors who fit the roles in the script. Auditions are held, and contracts are negotiated. The locations where the film will be shot are scouted and secured. This includes both interior and exterior settings. The production designer plans the overall look and feel of the film, including sets, props, and costumes. Key members of the crew, such as the director of photography (DP), production designer, costume designer, and others, are hired. The size and composition of the crew vary depending on the project's scale. A detailed budget is created, covering all aspects of the production, from salaries to equipment rentals and post-production expenses. A shooting schedule is developed, outlining when and where each scene will be filmed. This schedule is critical for managing time and resources efficiently. Recce and Tech Recce are done for plans to solidify on shoot date.
Pre-Production
During this phase, actors and other crew members are called on the shoot date at specified locations. Scenes are shot location wise and costume continuity wise to save time and money. Cinematographers and their team captures everything, along with the light team to ensure the visual quality. Ths sound team is responsible for recording and capturing the sound in the shoot. The production team handles and manages are the resources required for shoot such as transport, food, walkies, lights, etc. The director along with its direction team focusses on creativity, outcome of the script with emotions and to keep the set running.
The data then collected after the shoot, and transferred to drives. Backups of the shoot data is then made into multiple drives. It is then processed, quality checked, transcoded and sent to post-production department along with other data from the contuinity department.
Production
Post-production is the transformative stage in filmmaking, encompassing several crucial steps that shape raw footage into a polished cinematic masterpiece. This multifaceted process includes editing, where scenes are meticulously assembled to craft the narrative; sound design, enhancing auditory elements and atmosphere; visual effects, adding digital magic; color grading, fine-tuning the film's visual tone; sound editing and mixing, ensuring immersive audio experiences; titles and credits design, giving recognition to the cast and crew; and quality control to meet industry standards. It's a collaborative effort that brings together the talents of editors, sound engineers, visual effects artists, and more to realize the director's vision and create a compelling cinematic experience for the audience, making post-production an integral and transformative stage in filmmaking.
Post-Production
Identifying inefficiency in the current process
Data type
Directors Comment, Sean, shot, take number Take type, Essential data.
Video footage, Timecode.
Sound, Timecode, Character channels.
Continuity books, Continuity sheet, Lose paper, etc. .
Red Mag, CC Drive, XQD, CFast 2.0 P2
SSDs, PDs
Medium
Continuity supervisor Scrip supervisor The directior
DOPs, Asst. DOPs
Sound recordist
Sound designers Composers
People involved
Data Collection
A huge crew is involved is even for a small product. To understand data management and the problems associated with it, we need to first understand the structure of the filmmaking industry and how how each department functions. A filmmaking timeline is divided into 3 parts - Pre-production, Production and Post-production.
Understanding the Process Behind Filmmaking
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Camera assistants are required to personally deliver the memory card to the DIT’s vanity, where sometimes vanity can be in a different location which poses a potential risk of data loss.
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Data backup represents a significant responsibility for an individual and can inadvertently lead to mismanagement or corruption.
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Even though a DIT has a desk job, he has to travel with the crew in the places of shooting even sometimes in harsh conditions.
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Continuity supervisor is required to manually write everything very fast during shoot, which can be difficult to read later by the assistant editor, and can be misleading.
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Time-consuming manual tasks in the post-production workflow such as transcoding and syncing which usually takes 2-3 months.
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Syncing can be become more tedious, time-taking and frustrating if a time-code jammer off syncs by few seconds or the sound file labelling is incossant/incorrect.
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The process of labeling becomes highly laborious, given that each clip must be manually labeled.
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This also results in inefficient communication and collaboration between continuity supervisors, directors, and editors.
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Difficulty syncing and managing footage across multiple editing software platforms.
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Lack of automated dialogue editing and subtitle creation.
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Disorganised backup and storage of footage and project files.
Major problems in handling Production & Post-Production
Comparison with Existing Softwares
“I also been an editor, and what I feel is there is something we can do if we have enough resources to fix and fast forward the post-production process. That extra time eats up creativity as I cannot simultaneously shoot and see the edit, so to enhance the feelings of a scene better.”
National Award winner director
HARDIK MEHTA
“There is always lot of pressure on the shoot, I have to work on multiple things and since they are continuously shooting, I get very less time with camera magazine and have to backup everything, keep cunt of cards as well. So things are quite messed up and tight. And if accident happens, I have to be responsible about the corrupt or misleading data. But any software that can help with this mess, will be amazing and a life-saver.”
DIT, Netflix
VINOD RAO
“I have worked on several features and web-series, I’ve always felt that we miss lot of things during the transmission process, especially what the directors feel during the shoot and what me and my team feel when it comes to the table as a lot of time goes away in processing, transcoding and everything. Something which gives us some more time to make our cuts crisp and edgy, it can be very helpful to enhance the story. Also since we have to work on multiple budgets, and sometimes we are not provided even with a assistant editor, automation can always help in the long run to make quick decisions. “
Film Editor (IIFA Winner, BAFTA nomination)
NITIN BAID
“My biggest frustration is organization. I often try to organize and keep my timelines clean, but because everything comes to post at the end and there is huge pressure, everything gets disorganized. I also wished, if I would have got more time to edit, but it doesn’t happen because all my time goes to the sync and sort the footage.”
Assistent Editor, Red Chillies Entertainment
APARAJITA ATRE
To gain deeper insights, we conducted user interviews with my 13 renowned connections in the film industry in different sectors. These interviews provided an opportunity to tap into the firsthand experiences and expertise of industry professionals, uncovering both visible and subtle aspects of filmmaking. Through candid dialogues, we aimed to establish trust and collaboration while gathering valuable insights for our research and development efforts. Below are the summarised interviews of potential user base.
User Research
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Automate manual tasks in the post-production workflow, reducing time and effort required.
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Create master and backup drives, ensuring organized storage and easy access to footage and project files.
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Label and sort footage automatically, making it easier to find and edit.
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Include an app for continuity supervisor to input comments and feedback for editors and directors.
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Integrate with multiple editing software platforms, allowing for easy syncing and management of footage.
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Utilize AI technology for automated dialogue editing and subtitle creation.
Possible solutions from the user problems
Falcon Fuse simplifies the complex process of data management, making it a crucial tool for streamlining film production and eliminating the bottlenecks that can hinder creativity and efficiency in the industry. stands as an effective solution to the pervasive data management challenges in the film industry. It addresses these problems by offering real-time syncing, automatic metadata tagging, backing up, data processing with an intuitive and user-friendly interface. It also collects all the shoot data from the clap, log book, and effectively sends to the post team. This trifecta of features empowers filmmakers to efficiently manage their data during shoots, effectively reducing errors and improving workflow. Falcon Fuse not only resolves the issues of time-consuming manual processes but also enhances communication and collaboration across various production departments. By automating and streamlining tasks, it enables the industry to function with greater efficiency and accuracy. I also represents a fundamental shift in the way the film industry manages data, liberating creativity from the shackles of administrative burdens and catalyzing a new era of cinematic innovation.
Overview
How Falcon Fuse solves the problem ?
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Workflow Revolution - Falcon Fuse transforms your workflow without disruption, seamlessly fitting into your current media production processes.
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Automated Data Backup - It provides automated data backup to dedicated drives for security.
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Seamless Sync and Sorting - It offers effortless synchronisation and sorting, streamlining your data management for enhanced efficiency.
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Media Labelling Mastery - The software excels in media labelling and efficient management, making it easier to find and use your assets.
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Script Synchronisation - Falcon Fuse intelligently syncs with scripts, ensuring precise alignment between your vision and your media.
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Log Sheet Integration - Effortlessly incorporate log sheet comments into your editing software, enhancing collaboration and communication.
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Falcon AI for First Cuts - Falcon AI analyses scripts and generates initial cuts, boosting efficiency and creativity in your film production.
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Custom Profiles - Create custom profile and custom cooler coding as per different HODs.
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Progress Report - Easy to colab and work in a team and track progress online.
Unique features of falcon fuse
Initial Brainstroming
Card Sorting
Card sorting is a crucial method employed in designing Falcon Fuse because it directly involves the end-users, primarily filmmakers and production teams. By engaging them in this process, I gain valuable insights into how they mentally categorize and prioritize data, ensuring that the software's interface aligns with their cognitive patterns. This user-centric approach enhances intuitiveness, making Falcon Fuse more effective for a diverse range of filmmakers and production teams.
Scribles and Lofi prototyping
Transcoding in FALCON FUSE
Transcoding in Falcon Fuse is a vital process that ensures compatibility and efficiency in handling diverse media formats. Falcon Fuse utilizes advanced transcoding algorithms to convert video and audio files into a standardized format that aligns seamlessly with the chosen editing software. This process not only resolves compatibility issues but also optimizes media files for efficient storage and editing. By automating transcoding, Falcon Fuse simplifies the workflow, allowing filmmakers to focus on creativity rather than technical intricacies. Whether it's handling footage from various cameras or preparing media for different editing platforms, transcoding in Falcon Fuse is the key to seamless, hassle-free post-production.
Look up tables (LUT)
Temporary LUTs (Look Up Tables) are applied under DOPs suprvision while transcoding to provide a rough estimation of how the final image will look. This is especially useful during the editing process, as it helps the editor to work with footage that looks closer to the final product. Transcoding itself can alter the color, contrast, and dynamic range of the footage, so applying a temporary LUT can help to visualize the footage in a more accurate manner. Additionally, LUTs can be applied during the transcoding process to convert footage shot in one color space to another, ensuring consistency throughout the post-production workflow.
Falcon Fuse allows users to effortlessly apply LUTs to their footage, transforming its color and tone to achieve specific looks and moods. These LUTs can be customized to match the creative vision of the project, whether it's achieving a cinematic, vintage, or stylized appearance. This feature not only streamlines the color grading process but also empowers filmmakers to experiment with different visual styles, ensuring that their content stands out with stunning visuals and a unique visual identity.
Data Burning
Falcon Fuses offers extensive data burning features. Data burning is the process of embedding metadata, such as timecode, reel number, and other relevant information, into a video file. This metadata is usually burned directly onto the visual portion of the image, often in the form of text overlays, so that it becomes a permanent part of the footage. Data burning is commonly used in film and video production to help with organizing and tracking footage. It allows the relevant information to be easily accessible and visible during post-production, eliminating the need to search through separate documents or databases.
Design Evolution Through a long feedback cycle
I prioritised enhancing my software's user experience through a meticulous process. It began with gathering user feedback, which provided valuable insights into their preferences and challenges. Multiple design iterations were then crafted and tested with users to ensure usability improvements were data-driven and aligned with their needs, resulting in a more user-centric software experience.
Design System
Typography
Roboto
H1 This is heading h1
H1 This is heading h1
H1 This is heading h1
Headlines
Body Text Size A 25px - Text used in rare cases
Body Text Size A 25px - Text used in rare cases
Body Text Size A 25px - Text used in rare cases
Body
Body Text Size A 25px - Text used in rare cases
Ad Bb Cc Dd Ee Ff Gg Hh Ii Jj Kk Ll Mm Nn Oo Pp Qq Rr Ss Tt Uu Vv Ww Xx Yy Zz
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
! @ # $ % ^ & * ( ) _ + { } [ ] - = ; ‘ “ : < > ? / , .
Characters
Glyph
Colors
12 columns | Stretch Type | Margin: 75 | Gutter: 20
Grid System
Iconography
LOGO
High - Fidelity prototypes
I created high-fidelity prototype to simulate and showcase the detailed appearance and functionality of your product design for evaluation and testing.
On this page we can select and connect the drives, manage and organize into edit and backup drives. Multiple drives under each category can be added.
Within the drive page, it is possible to add multiple drives, and comprehensive metadata and associated information for each drive can be readily viewed and accessed. This feature allows for easy management and oversight of various drives within the system.
The software automatically imports, video , audio files and the log sheet once the card is selected.
Users are presented with choices for settings related to Digital Intermediate (DI), temporary Look-Up Tables (LUTs), and the visual style and appearance of the footage. These configurable options empower users to fine-tune and customize the desired visual attributes and characteristics of the content.
Users are presented with choices for adding data burn-in as watermark such as clip number, shoot day, etc. The watermarks text style and colour can be customised.
'Generate First Cuts with Falcon AI' is a cutting-edge feature within Falcon Fuse that revolutionizes the filmmaking process. Falcon AI, a powerful artificial intelligence component, analyzes the script and automatically assembles a preliminary edit of the film. This innovative functionality accelerates the initial editing phase, providing filmmakers with a foundation to start refining their work quickly. By automating this crucial step, Falcon Fuse saves valuable time and empowers creators to focus on the creative aspects of filmmaking while ensuring a solid starting point for their projects.
Falcon AI employs a versatile array of AI algorithms to revolutionise the filmmaking process. Through Natural Language Processing (NLP), it comprehends script content, discerns dialogue, and deciphers the emotional nuances within the text. Leveraging Computer Vision, it identifies visual cues like camera angles and scene descriptions for precise shot selection. Machine Learning and Deep Learning models further enhance scene identification, shot selection, and edit composition by learning from filmmaking patterns. Reinforcement Learning ensures continuous improvement as it takes user feedback into account, making Falcon AI an ever-evolving filmmaking companion. Additionally, recommendation systems assist in suggesting shot choices and edit compositions based on user preferences and analogous scenes from other films. This comprehensive integration of AI algorithms empowers Falcon AI to streamline and elevate the filmmaking experience. This creates a basic first cut of the film script wise which helps director and the edit team to get a reference.
Generating FIRST CUTS with Falcon AI
‘Generate Subtitles with Falcon AI' is a remarkable feature within Falcon Fuse that automates the process of creating subtitles for films and videos. Falcon AI utilizes advanced Natural Language Processing (NLP) algorithms to transcribe spoken dialogue and synchronise it with the corresponding scenes. This results in precise and synchronised subtitles that not only enhance accessibility for viewers but also save filmmakers valuable time and effort. By eliminating the need for manual subtitle creation and alignment, Falcon AI ensures that subtitles are accurately generated, promoting a more inclusive viewing experience while streamlining post-production workflows. This feature is particularly beneficial for content creators looking to reach a global audience with multilingual subtitles.
Generating SUBTITLES with Falcon AI
This page provides real-time updates on various project stages, allowing filmmakers to stay informed about their film's development. It promotes efficient collaboration among team members by offering a clear overview of project status, ensuring smoother workflow management. It also shows the progress of the shoot through scene number and the imported script as to how much film as per the script has been shot.
Falcon Fuse offers users the flexibility of creating customized profiles tailored to their unique preferences and roles within the filmmaking process. These profiles enable personalized workflows and settings, optimizing efficiency. Additionally, the software provides seamless integration with a wide range of popular editing software, allowing users to select and connect their preferred tools, ensuring a smooth and familiar editing experience.