Hints for Interacting with Manufacturers by John Portnoy As a member of the Editors Guild you're probably involved with nonlinear editing equipment. Whether you use an Avid, Lightworks or one of the miscellaneous systems claiming to do 24-frame (film) edits, you've probably endured some incredibly frustrating days. Have you thrown the equipment at the walls, wondering who exactly was designing the stuff? Wondered why the software seems to be much more complex than it needs to be? Or why your requests for new film-specific features go largely unheeded? The sad truth of the matter is that the manufacturers of nonlinear editors (NLEs) once upon a time succumbed to Hollywooditis: the condition where a company believes it can make tons of money by selling to the film community. Over the years, this malady was cured by a combination of bed rest and conversations with company accountants. As of 1998, the Centers for Disease Control reported Hollywooditis all but wiped out from the ranks of NLE manufacturers. Now that they have been cured, the manufacturers must determine what features go into software releases based on certain facts: Film-originated editing accounts for less than 1% of overall NLE usage worldwide. Because film software for NLEs is more complex than that for video-based systems, and because fewer people know how to use and support it, the costs associated with manufacturing, debugging and supporting film software are higher. Whereas most clients of NLE manufacturers plan purchases long in advance and amortize spending over long periods of time, the film community is known for buying a lot of product right away and then not buying much of anything for awhile. These spending habits inform the way manufacturers design film-specific software. The news is not all bad, however. NLE manufacturers recognize that the film community, with its short production schedules, allows the ongoing development and testing of new technologies before they are offered to the most lucrative clients. And don't forget: Filmmakers provide excellent opportunities for a manufacturer to market its products and heighten awareness of its brand name. The question becomes, how can a balance be reached between the needs of the manufacturer and the needs of a tiny but influential community? If you have been doing everything short of sending out carrier pigeons to get your NLE wish list fulfilled, here are some suggestions on how to be heard: Organize. OK, you're already a union. But expressing a single voice to manufacturers would be well advised. Establish a committee to go through all the film-specific feature-enhancement requests (and bugs) of your members and route them to the proper manufacturers' representatives. Make sure these representatives can get things done (don't talk to a salesman), and be willing to publicize the success or failures of these manufacturers in working with the film community. Work only with companies that will listen. Where possible, make it clear that the continued use of a manufacturer's product is contingent on its willingness to address the concerns of your community. Again, expressing these thoughts through a designated person carries much more weight than having several editors or assistants make threats. Use carrot-and-stick techniques. You have valuable commodities the manufacturers want: your willingness to beta test new hardware and software, and your ability to help market their products. Where possible, route requests for marketing support through a Guild representative who can make sure the manufacturer gives you what you want in exchange for your help. NLE manufacturers are most concerned with corporate videos in Colorado and broadcast sales in Beijing. By representing a single voice to the manufacturer, you can help ensure that your needs as filmmakers are addressed and your bugs are fixed.   John Portnoy spent four years at Lightworks Editing Systems as a liaison to the film community. He can be reached via email   Reprinted from The Motion Picture Editors Guild Newsletter Vol. 20, No. 1 - Jan/Feb 1999   Guild Home | Newsletter Home | Top of Page   Copyright © 1999, All Rights Reserved by The Motion Picture Editors Guild, IATSE Local 700