Expert Content Contributor: Guide to formats and file types

Hi!

Are you sending us images or video, that we will be compositing into a projection for your town?

We often get asked ‘what format and size dimensions should I send’ for photos or artwork to be suitable for inclusion in a projection show.

 

Our answer is simple.

If it already exists, send it in its original, raw format.  Don’t upscale or change it – please just send the original. If any upscaling needs to be done, its much better if we do it as we have high end tools for this purpose.

 

Still image formats we accept: All of them.  If you use some crazy out there software which you think will be impossible for us to convert, then please send it as a jpeg or tiff. But pretty much everything can be converted by our converters. We don’t mind psd, ai, eps, pdf, jpg, etc.  Anything used in the graphics industry as a standard.

You will make our life easier if your image is RGB rather than CMYK, by about 30 seconds per image.

We like 4K* images or better.

 

Video formats we accept: All of them.  We prefer to receive a high quality or uncompressed cross-platform codec such as Quicktime Animation, Pro Res 422, etc.

However, to make it easy for yourself, because obviously high end uncompressed codecs will take days to get to us, we are really happy if you output a high bit rate mp4 as the easy transfer option.

Frame rate is 30FPS preferred.

We like 4K* if you have it.

 

* What does 4 K mean?

We are using “industry jargon” to tell you the resolution.  More info here. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4K_resolution

(We will try not to use much jargon in our conversations but if there’s anything needing explanation, please ask!)

 

How we like you to deliver your files to us:

  1. If the project is part of illuminart’s community engagement programme, you’ll be given an upload form link. This enables you to upload files and permission directly to our team.
  2. If the project is being independently managed (for example are you a mentee, or a DIY community team) then we would like you to compile the material and then send it to us already compiled, as a wetransfer link.  This needs to be sent to the Art Director from illuminart who is supervising your project, before the deadline. Please remember to include the permission forms with your files.
    Wetransfer: https://wetransfer.com/
    How to use Wetransfer: https://www.acecloudhosting.com/knowledgebase/how-to-transfer-files-using-wetransfer/
  3. There are other options (Post, Dropbox, Google Docs) – just ask.

 

Important Requirements.

Every contributor to a project, needs to have filled out an image license agreement.  If you don’t have one ready for this purpose, you can use one of ours (just ask).

Images submitted by a child/minor will need to have their guardian or teacher provide that permission.

Also, cultural images and content also need permissions to be provided by a local traditional owner or cultural authority recognised by the traditional owners, to ensure that local cultural protocols are followed.

 

Working to a template:

Not every project has a template. We call our templates an Artboard and they come in jpeg or PSD format, or can be an Adobe Premier project, depending on the purpose. If there is one provided to you, please output at the exact scale and dimensions provided in the files. For example if we give you a file that’s 2400 x 7000, make sure you output your version at exactly the same size.

If you think you need a template please ask, and if its possible, we will send you the template for your project and the relevant information pack.

 

Who in our team can help you ?

If you get stuck it will be good for you to know that there is an Art Director / Mentor assigned to the project and they will be tasked to assist you. There may also be a community liaison in your town who has been designated to provide assistance to local graphic or video staff. Depending on who has engaged us and what the agreement is, potentially means there may also be a trainer attached to the project.  Consult with us for more details about what is available for your project.  info@illuminart.com.au

 

Useful links:

 

https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/video/hub/guides/best-export-settings-for-premiere-pro

https://helpx.adobe.com/au/premiere-pro/how-to/export-video-share-social-media.html