AJ and Gary...this is something I struggle with all the time. In our business we use some pretty high-tech gear...Avid Editing suites...Cannon broadcast digital video equipment...digital backs for 4"x5" and 8"x10" view cameras, as well as both Mac and PC based computer systems for publishing (Mac)and communications research analysis and database management (Pc's, mainly), in addition to studio equipment and music equipment.

If I learned everything I would like to know about all of these fantastic devices, I wouldn't have any time left to create anything. In my business, deadlines are everything, so I simply can't be the expert
at every process. Luckily, my oldest son is a tehnophobe. He takes the rough tracks I do and does final mix-down and production (I couldn't tell you much about the equipment, other than the price). He is the expert at the Avid video editing suite. I write the scripts, shoot the vital scenes and compose the sound tracks. He completes the job under my direction.

My solution is to learn enough with each system to do my part of the work and leave everything else to people who really know the systems. For instance, when I make the switch to an SD-1 plus, I know the learning curve will be pretty steep, and I've got to block out the 30 hours or so it will take. That's partially why I'm still using an 11 year old MS-60. I would probably be OK with the MS 60, but after using it for 5 or more jobs a week, I am concerned about it dying on me.

Everyone needs to find their comfort zone. I'm not comfortable with the fact that I'm not the technician I'd like to be. I simply don't have the time. But, I'm equally comitted to doing national quality work in the film production, photography, design and video production filds, and I simply can't concentrate on just one process.

The final product is what's important to me.
For my film score roughs, I still sometimes use a 4-track portastudio. I can handle it by myself, sometimes late at night. Then I let Logan handle the logistics of arranging for final production. Luckilly, the jobs we do bill out at fees which allow us to use the best equipment, editing equipment, etc.
That brings up another issue. Generally the jobs that pay the most are boring as hell
(Think films based on explaining the changes in the most recent National Electric Code).
The enjoyable jobs don't pay as well. That represents another set of choices we all must make.

Each of us must define where we are going and how we are going to get there.

And, most of all, do work we are proud of, regardless of the process.


Russ