Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/130212
cut than a dissolve. I think that is what people were up in arms about. It was disconcerting for some people who are running a business and have an infrastructure built on a platform they have been using for a long time." He does see brilliance in the new release, which allows almost anyone to open the app and get up to speed rather quickly. "Apple made it very uncluttered and less noisy," notes Martin. "When you push the app, there's a lot of depth. You just have to know how to go through the menu and bring it up. Apple deliberately put that one level down so you don't have to deal with it if you didn't need to. I kind of appreciate that. It's probably the most clean and uncluttered interface I've ever worked with. I think that's a huge benefit. Other systems seem very noisy to me. I'm not taking anything away from them, but I prefer the less-noisy interface." Ripple's training reflects a philosophy that has moved away from the classroom experience into an online presence. As an Applecertified trainer, Martin has spent time doing on-site training and hands-on classes. "I discovered that while classroom training is great and you have access to instructor, there was not a good retention level. The class's progress was only going to be as fast as the slowest person in the class. It was not conducive for getting really in-depth and getting the information you need. So I developed a training company where I script all of my tutorials out… and provide the media, and essentially make a hands-on class where people move at their own pace. They can watch the video and go back and re-watch it.That's something you can't do with a class." Those who purchase instructional videos from Ripple Training are sent a link, which, when clicked, automatically launches iTunes. All of the training is downloaded in iTunes as an HD podcast. Users can connect to their iPad or iPhone, and take it with them. They own it. "Our model is different than the Lynda.com model, which is a subscription. [Our] customers download it and they own it. They don't have to keep buying the subscription each month. A subscription works if you have voluminous amount of content. We are more of a boutique, with highly-focused, specialized training. Ripple's Final Cut Pro training begins with the Apple Pro Video Series, which is priced at just $39 (720p) and includes 40 movies, making up a collective five hours of training. Media is also included. For $10 more, the company offers 1080p versions. They also offer Apple tutorials that focus on "Sound," "Advanced Training," "Media Management," "Multicam Editing," "Compositing" and "Titles." Typically, Martin says, each video is between $29-$49, depending on how much material is covered in that tutorial. They also offer 8GB USB memory sticks as an option for those who prefer not to download the videos. The company's Autodesk Smoke on the Mac tutorials are completely free and include two hours of training. "Autodesk contacted us and they pretty much underwrote the production of that particular title," Martin explains. "They like what we are doing and how we are doing it." Ripple instruction for Blackmagic's DaVinci Resolve includes 11 hours of training, with prices starting at $79.99 for the 720p ($89.99/1080p, $99.99/USB). "At NAB, [Blackmagic] launched Resolve 10, which includes an online editor," Martin notes. "There is more editing in Resolve and they seem to be really beefing up its editing abilities. Resolve is not a light program that you dabble in. You have to learn it to get the power of the program. We are starting to release smaller focused tutorials called 'Creative Looks,' which are how to create looks in Resolve." LA-based Steve Kanter creates the Avid tutorials, which cover Media Composer 6, Avid Symphony 6 and NewsCutter 10. "He knows the Avid very well," says Martin of Kanter. "The Avid product is a very deep program, so our training reflects that." Ripple's Avid Core Training is approximately seven hours long and includes media. Pricing begins at $79.99. Martin says Ripple Training works to release new tutorials each month. The company also spends time developing plug-ins for Final Cut Pro. They offer motion graphics templates, transitions and color balance solutions that are low-cost and easy to use. They offer free tutorials showcasing the releases on their Website. Expert Advice: no cost! LOS ANGELES — Igor Ridanovic is an online/finishing artist as well as an HD and D-Cinema consultant who offers one-on-one training. In addition, he operates HDhead.com, a Website that serves as a resource for pros who want to learn more about high definition and digital cinema. The site offers tips, articles and tutorials, as well as "easily-digestible answers" to many frequently asked questions. Ridanovic's insight and expertise is provided for free. There's no catch. He's always been inspired by open source and the idea that information should be shared. He also feels that, given free stuff, users will find a way to embellish it. The strategy is a response to his own experiences in the post field, which date back to the '90s. As an apprentice, he could observe Quantel Henry and Harry artists, but always with a guarded caution from artists, who were careful not to give up their seats. "They were not forthcoming, and learning was slow," he recalls. "It's an outdated model. I decided to let information be free. I'm not afraid of losing my seat, because I have to learn anyway. I am constantly learning. You have to!" Ridanovic's expertise spans a number of tools, including Avid's DS, which he uses to put the "final icing on the cake." The post community, he feels, needs more skilled DS users, and his knowledge can help. Avid shares his insight on their Website too. To date, he's produced over six hours of online tutorials, and even a Spanish-language release. He's also conducted seminars and workshops at conventions like NAB and DV Expo, and has been a speaker at user groups and small workshops for post supervisors. "One may ask, 'What is the benefit of giving out free things?'" he asks. "Certainly there is a benefit to those who consume my tutorials. There are also benefits to myself, because I expand my reputation as an expert, and in the tutorial creation process I reach a deeper understanding of the subject matter. I think the knowledge transfer should be more open because we all benefit from it. It's a two-way street, where one of the ways doesn't need to be paved in money to make it profitable." Ridanovic monitors the HDhead Website for searches and feedback to see what the community is looking for and is able to quickly respond with a focused tutorial. "My tutorials are not as slick and as produced as the ones that can be purchased online," he admits. "They are relatively quick to make and I can respond to the demand fast. HDhead.com is really not a training site, but a general resource page. My tutorials, for the most part, address niche needs of a limited scope that established training entities don't tackle. In that sense, I don't think that I am eroding anyone else's business model." As a DI colorist and picture-finishing artist at Kappa Studios, Ridanovic has worked on an upcoming theatrical Lionsgate release, as well as on Cartoon Network's hit, Annoying Orange. By Marc Loftus www.postmagazine.com Post0513_028-31-trainingRAV5FINALREAD.indd 31 Post • May 2013 31 5/3/13 11:44 AM