Transferring Original Camera Files (OCF) from remote shooting locations to dailies labs has always been a challenge. These logistical issues can lead to delays, increased costs, and inefficiencies, especially when filming takes place far from dailies processing facilities.
With OCF Autodownload and Netflix's ingest workflow, Productions can upload footage at various geographically dispersed hubs, separate from dailies vendors. This workflow allows for media to then be downloaded directly from ingest hubs to dailies vendors' storage systems.
At this time file-per-frame media may experience less optimal performance. If you are using file-per-frame media please reach out to your Netflix Representative to discuss options.
Workflow Walkthrough
- Log In and Set Up: The dailies vendor logs into the Netflix Media Downloader Application. They activate the OCF Autodownload workflow and choose the desired download location.
- Upload Footage: Original camera and sound footage is uploaded using the Netflix Footage Ingest application..
- Complete First Roll Upload: Once the first roll of the shoot day finishes uploading, the process moves to the next step.
- Begin Download: The Netflix Media Downloader Application automatically starts downloading the media as soon as the first roll upload is complete.
- Continuous Download: As each subsequent roll finishes uploading, the media continues to download seamlessly.
Figure A
Key Benefits
- Enhanced Vendor Flexibility: This workflow empowers productions to collaborate with a diverse range of vendors, regardless of their geographical location or traditional role in dailies processing. By overcoming geographical barriers and supporting both conventional dailies vendors and non-traditional facilities, streamlining logistics and expanding the spectrum of vendors available.
- Expedited Dailies Processing: High-speed continuous downloads enable dailies vendors to start processing materials no later than 20 minutes after the first roll completes downloading (with a 1gbps network), particularly beneficial for high-connectivity shooting locations.
- Seamless Integration with Existing Systems: Seamlessly integrate with existing vendor storage systems while preserving the original folder structure, ensuring ease of use and compatibility.
Key Things To Keep In Mind
- Check Your Internet Bandwidth: Your internet bandwidth is crucial throughout this process. When you first install the Netflix Media Downloader application, you'll be prompted to run a speed test to ensure your network can handle the downloads efficiently.
- Manage Multiple Downloads: If you have multiple downloads running simultaneously and have set bandwidth limits, these limits apply to each individual roll downloading. Example:
- Bandwidth limit: 500Mb
- Number of Concurrent Downloads: 3
- Sum limit: 1500Mb
- Ensure Sufficient Storage: Make sure you have enough storage space at your chosen download location. If you run out of space during a download, the process will fail.
- Use Separate Computers for Applications: The Netflix Footage Ingest Application and Netflix Media Downloader cannot run on the same computer. If your facility uses both applications, you'll need a dedicated computer for each one.
- Maintain Original Folder Structure: This workflow ensures that media is delivered in the same folder structure as it was uploaded via the Netflix Footage Ingest Application.
Prioritized Asset Processing: The Netflix Footage Ingest Application prioritizes the processing of Sound Rolls and non-OCF assets (such as reports, color metadata, and stills) before Camera Rolls. By prioritizing these assets, processes like syncing and report cross-checks can begin as soon as possible, enhancing overall efficiency.