Frame.io has announced C2C, which stands for Camera to Cloud. Essentially camera-to-cloud takes video village off-set for a completely safe way to produce films.
According to Frame.io, C2C is a breakthrough technology that brings IoT to Hollywood (or any) film sets, catalyzing major changes in the way movies are created.
While Frame.io C2C was not created in response to Covid, the pandemic largely accelerated the need for this remote working technology. Frame.io C2C has already been piloted on the recent Michael Bay thriller, “Songbird,” the first major Hollywood picture to be allowed to go into production under tight quarantine restrictions.
With Frame.io C2C, the off-set crew was able to watch scenes in real-time, as they were being shot, so they could safely provide feedback and even begin editing as soon as the shooting scene wrapped. This is something that was almost impossible to do previously. Instant, editable footage delivery over a 4G or LTE connection used to be a pipedream. Although in saying that, broadcasters have been sending live footage over 3G and more recently 4G and 5G for years and years using devices such as LiveU, Aviwest, and Streambox.
Frame.io states that its new technology adds unrivaled speed to the creative process. The key benefits of this being:
- Instant off-set access to what is being filmed, from any location and any device (iPhone, iPad, etc.), as it’s being filmed.
- More time and budget for creativity eliminating typical turnaround times for feedback and editing.
- Enabling a hybrid or fully remote workforce, giving film sets access to the world’s best talent regardless of their location
C2C offers two unique services
Frame.io C2C revolves around two unique services. First, C2C enables instant proxy uploads the moment cameras stop rolling so editorial can begin within seconds of calling “cut.” In addition, Frame.io C2C can live stream footage to an authorized user’s device on or off set, allowing customers to watch production as it’s happening. This is ideal for productions working during COVID, as it greatly reduces the number of people needed on set.
Frame.io C2C lets editorial and other traditionally linear parts of the creative process happen in parallel while footage is still being shot. Getting footage from a camera into post-production is a time-consuming process that requires backing up files, transferring them to a hard drive, and shipping them to another facility. Frame.io C2C eliminates that, letting customers simultaneously view a live stream of footage as it is being shot, while automatically capturing and uploading proxies as soon as the camera stops rolling.
In addition, Frame.io users with proper authentication credentials can view a live stream of footage while it’s being shot from the comfort of their computer, iPhone, or iPad—whether they are on set or halfway around the world. This lets collaborators instantly share ideas to help bring their creative vision to life, while everyone who needs to track production progress can stay informed.
Collaborative Partners
Frame.io has partnered with three leading companies involved in picture, sound, and post to make C2C possible:
Picture: Teradek designs and manufactures high-performance video solutions for broadcast and cinema. A Frame.io authenticated CUBE 655 encoder delivers live streams and camera proxy files directly into Frame.io.
Sound: Sound Devices designs and manufactures the world’s leading production sound field recorders. The latest 888 and Scorpio recorders capture and transmit original audio files directly into Frame.io.
Post: Colorfront has developed the world’s first fully cloud dailies platform. Their Express Dailies integration with Frame.io allows labs to instantly access the video and audio assets to create dailies.
Frame.io strongly believes that camera-to-cloud will have a massive impact on the entire filmmaking industry, especially given the current COVID-19 situation.
How does it work?
The camera-to-cloud workflow requires a Frame.io C2C-certified device connected to compatible cameras from ARRI, RED and Sony. Once authenticated, certified devices such as the Teradek CUBE 655 and Sound Devices 888 or Scorpio recorders will record, encode, and send timecode-accurate H.264 proxy files with matching filename metadata directly to Frame.io via an encrypted and secure connection using LTE, 5G or WiFi. This allows for near real-time delivery of editable proxy files to a producer, dailies facility, or editor anywhere in the world.
Safe & Secure
Frame.io C2C features claimed best-in-class security with full TPN and SOC 2 Type 2 compliance. Created by the MPAA and CDSA, TPN is the global, industry-wide initiative that defines requirements and best practices for protecting content. Combined with rigorous access controls, Frame.io C2C is said to be an incredibly safe way to share media with authorized viewers and collaborators.
Frame.io Cloud Devices API & C2C certification program
Also introduced today, the new Frame.io Cloud Devices API and C2C certification program enables hardware and software manufacturers to create their own C2C compatible products. Frame.io C2C is launching with three groundbreaking partner integrations from Teradek, Sound Devices, and Colorfront, making it compatible with more than a dozen professional camera systems from RED, Arri, and Sony. Manufacturers interested in building Frame.io C2C Certified software and hardware can find details at www.developer.frame.io.
No Additional Cost to existing Frame.io users
Customers can view the launch event on-demand at the Frame.io website and sign up for the beta today. Frame.io C2C will be available this spring to all customers at no additional cost.
