4k Video Workflow: Hype Or Reality?

Based in Los Angeles, Larry Jordan is an internationally renowned consultant with national broadcast experience as a television producer, director, and editor. He has published eight books on editing and is the winner of multiple awards for his broadcast work, as well as his online training. Learn more about Larry Jordan  This video is a speech that was presented February 26 at Broadcast Video Expo 2013 in London, England.

In his speech, Larry presents his perspective on the hype vs. the reality of shooting in 4k.  He makes a persuasive argument and draws some interesting conclusions that will be valuable to anyone considering such a move.  Larry analyzes the subject from several different angles, from the equipment required to the distribution challenges of finished 4k productions. It is a very well researched piece.

Judging my own research on the subject, my conclusion to resist the 4k siren’s call is because I’d be jumping in with both feet too hastily. Shooting 4k would buy me nothing in capability or in better image quality I can show my present clients today.  So I don’t have a market need to fill.  Not today, anyway.  It is something I will keep an eye on for the future though.  Moving to 4k today would also cripple my small studio’s workflow and add far too many complex changes without more careful consideration of everything involved.

While Larry is upfront and honest about his association with Blackmagic Design, I caution you to bear this fact in mind when thinking about his ultimate recommendations, especially the one about shooting in 2k. While this might be an interim transition between where we are today and a full 4k system possibility on the distant horizon, a 2k workflow also has it’s challenges and drawbacks.

In the end, you need to try it for yourself.  As a good friend advised me recently, “rent twice, buy once.”

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