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MillimeterQuantum StorNext and Apple Xsan Beta Sight
Oct 13, 2009 12:00 PM, By Ramy Katrib, CEO of DigitalFilm Tree
Architecting a fast, reliable solution
For these high-profile shows, we needed a solution that allowed us to work smarter, save time and money, and avoid the management headaches of tracking content versions between systems. To churn through the constant barrage of network deliveries—including editorial, visual effects, color grading and design to meet deadlines—we also had to have high-speed data sharing between different server platforms. To achieve these goals, we built a solution that pooled content on a centralized repository using Fibre Channel storage area network (SAN) storage, Quantum's StorNext file system, and Apple's Xsan file system. A shared file system for Windows, Linux, and Unix, StorNext runs on each server and allows us to access a common disk volume. Xsan is running on every Mac in our facility, and every workstation has shared access through the StorNext file system.
StorNext and Xsan enhanced our processes without drastically altering the workflow we were familiar with. Footage acquired on various camera systems—such as Red Digital Cinema Red One, Panavision Genesis, and Sony's HDCAM-SR-format cameras—is ingested along with other content through the "video village," a collection of tape-input devices, or directly though disk-based systems.
For visual effects, we use a combination of Autodesk Maya, Adobe After Effects, Apple Shake, and Autodesk Combustion (running on Mac and Windows clients) to generate and composite 2D and 3D animatics into stunning effects. As effects are finished, they are stored on the central content pool and immediately accessible to the rest of our crew. As a result, everyone has rapid access to content and decisions on pacing, scene placement, and more can be made faster. Once the final online version is complete, a render farm running StorNext is used to take the high-res footage along with the effects and generate a final product.
Reflecting on the success of our TV projects, it has became apparent to us that StorNext and Xsan give us distinct advantages that we cannot get anywhere else. Given the new projects in our pipeline, we continue to examine ways to improve our storage infrastructure and simplify workflow operations in a multiplatform environment. Change happens fast in our business, so we are always looking for the next thing to give us an edge.
Ramy Katrib is Founder and CEO of the award-winning production and post house DigitalFilm Tree (DFT). DFT has played a leadership role in defining and applying emerging technologies while creating a data-centric creative and technical studio in Hollywood. Beyond DFT, Katrib served as a senior colorist and postproduction consultant, and he has produced two award-winning documentaries.
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