Workflow Overview

Constellation is a professional dailies delivery platform that does almost everything that a dailies technician would do, but without the coffee break.

It reads in a wealth of rich Metadata, then uses AI and Machine Learning to bring everything together into a series of clip reports, data reports, deliverable packages and ultimately uploads or writes back to a drive.

It works with almost all the current dailies review platforms.

For the editors, it can create DNx files that are MXF OP-Atom compliant and generate Avid BINS, ALE’s with all the appropriate metadata embedded for a smooth editing experience in Avid. Alternatively it can create stunning packages of ProRes for Adobe Premiere, DaVinci Resolve or Final Cut Pro X.

Delivery can be made using a cloud or peer-to-peer service you have, or a UDP system that attaches directly to the editors NEXIS or local drive.
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A more comprehensive look at the workflow can be found here
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Network Attached Storage and VPN

Constellation is fully compatible with NEXIS, SNS, SAN, NAS and other network attached storage, either through the built-in 10GbE or via a thunderbolt attached Network Adapter (though we do not supply these). We can also make arrangements for the unit to connect back to your facility via VPN.

It is worth noting that the unit MUST be able to see the internet in order to authenticate back to our servers.

Handling Frame Rates

Media shot at frame rates that do match the baseline frame rate will not receive sound sync, even if sound is available. This is to avoid confusion or errors in the EDL because the temporal difference between the audio and the picture will cause the audio to distorted and will not line up correctly.

The frame rate for the editors project is considered the baseline frame rate to which everything will conform.

If you require a different outcome to this, please chat to us well in advance of principle photography.

Reports

Constellation will generate archives from footage to hard drive, RAID or LTO Tape. The unit uses the superb YoYotta Engine which will generate accurate, usable data reports for ANY file copying that takes place. Here are some examples of the reports:

Above is a typical clip report produced immediately after image and audio analysis.
Below is a typical data report that is produced at the end of each backup cycle.
Both of these are sent via email, so make sure the UPM has added you to the Notifications List.

You can request a master version of these that covers the entire production in one document but the request must be made on or before the last day shooting / delivery.

Archive Media

Because we use the YoYotta engine, we can write to any format of LTO supported by them, which is to say, all LTO formats up to 9 (at the time of writing). If you have a tape system you would like us to use, we are happy to support it. If you would like us to provide a portable deck we can do that too, though it is limited to single deck.

Please note that if the Constellation system is housed at your post facility it can, pending security verification, connect to your network or direct attached storage. Please allow time for us to make any custom coding that might be required.

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EDL (Avid Media Composer)

TapeID is preserved as the source clip name no matter what the files are called. Referencing that will ensure your EDL files connect as expected.

Constellation is full compliant with OP1a ATOM standards for Avid.

CDL and LUT Directories

These are passed through as-is from the data manager or DIT on-set. In the DIT / Colorist section we recommended that they put these inside the Day folder so they can be found by Constellation, however, it can collate those to a new directory at end of show if desired. They can also be delivered along with the editorial package each day.

We do not recommend adding CDL values into the AVID metadata unless you are very sure the editor and colorist know exactly how to handle that workflow.

Metadata Handling

Constellation passes ALL metadata though. In the case of Avid Media Composer, this can mean maximizing all MXF files, the BIN and adding an ALE.
Editing platforms that use ProRes will benefit from applying the ALE file Constellation supplies, as this contains many of the columns ProRes does not natively cover, like the scene and take.

Constellation is able add additional columns for you too.
By default Constellation adds these custom columns;
Constellation: The unit's ID name
Title: Title of the show
Show Code: The short 3-5 digit unique code

Please reach out before start of principle photography, and every effort will be made to meet your requirements.

Wrap isn't the end

We remain interested and engaged through the end of the show. If you see something let us know. This is open BETA and we are gathering information and on the rare occasion things are wrong we aim set things right when we can.
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