|
Everybody likes to be comfortable their own environment. When it comes to film scoring, generally the time constraints are quite demanding so its good to set up an environment that suits your own style of working, where everything is quickly accessable and that doesn't hinder your creativity. With that in mind I'm going to demonstarte methods of setting up your own environment. I may give a few of my own tips along the way, but mostly I would encourage experimenting until you have customized to the settings you love. Most of these tips will ultimately save you time, which allows you enjoy the creative process and helps you meet those all important deadlines!
Default File Template
The first time saving tip is about creating a default file template. Lets say that you're scoring with a small live ensemble and you know there will be a complete string section (1st and 2nd violins, viola, celli & bass). If every time you start a new cue you have to set up each track, you're going to burn valuable creative time. The smart thing to do here is to create a default file that every time you select 'New File' all of your most common settings will be installed.
To do this, set up your environments as soon as you have decided on your ensembles, load in any plug-ins or virtual instruments that you will be using often. One tip I will also say is to make sure all of your click settings are correct, your Movie & SMPTE times are set (see Frame Rates) before saving. Next, go to File / Save As Template. IN DP5 you will see a new window asking for the template name plus a little box that you can check to 'Use as default New Template'. Name your file and press OK. Now, when you want to open a new file, if you saved the file as the default template, just press APPLE KEY and N and you will see your session open with all your instruments per-loaded. If you didn't save it as a default template then when you go to File / New a pop out window appears and your template will be listed as a new file template in the list.
Consolidated Window Mode
Before we set up 'Window Sets' let me first mention the difference between consolidated and non-consolidated windows. Consolidated windows allows various types of windows to be part of one grand window. It means that all 'sub-windows' remain visible within one larger window. Each 'sub-window' can be resized within the larger window. A non-consolidated window means that each window is independent and can be 'buried' behind other windows.
For ease of navigation and convenience, I recommend being in 'consolidated window mode'. If you are not sure if you are in it or not, simply go to the Windows menu and the 4th option from the top should say 'Pop Out of Consolidated Window'. That means you are in consolidated mode. If it says 'Pop Into Consolidated Mode' then selected that option and you will be in Consolidated Mode.
Window Sets
When scoring there are some windows you will use more than others. For example, you might want to use your Track, QuickScribe (notation) and Mixer windows, have the movie window present and perhaps have the Input Quantize window open. When time is of the essence, even constantly opening and closing each window is distracting... especially if you want them open at the same time. Most sequencers now allow you to customize how all of your windows are set up. In Digital Performer 5 these are called Window Sets.
In Consolidated Window Mode (see above) you can open up multiple windows within the 'master' window by dragging the small circle in the middle of the top window down.
Once the new window has been created you can select which information to display by clicking window types (e.g. Tracks, Sequence, Drum, etc.) from the top right hand corner of the window.
Once you have all of your wondows open (and don't forget to open other windows such as the Movie Window, Input Quatize etc... and anything else you use frequently) then you can save the current window set by going to Windows / Window Sets / Capture Window Set. Name your window set in an easily recognizable way.
Now, no matter how your window sets are in other files you're working on, you can quickly and easily return to this window set by going to Windows / Window Sets... and then clicking on the name of the window set you've just created!
|
|
|
