Old VHS 4:3 footage / simulation

Hi all,

I'm working on a collection of simulated 1980's 4:3 VHS degraded motion graphics / footage. It's very relevant to the subject matter and so is something that could be used (and is used) in documentary or flashback / vintage montages by production houses etc.

My question is this; currently I'm rendering the master for upload to pond5 in 1080 x 1980 but keeping 4:3 on the footage, so black bars left and right. I think this is the most authentic look. Stretching or framing the 4:3 footage from within 16:9 master in the edit would either break the ratio or involve enlargement that would cut off part of the footage.

So, do you think buyers would prefer a 'non authentic' 16:9 version to work with?

I can create both 4:3 and 16:9 versions, but the process is quite time consuming and wanted to see if any of you had advice on what media houses or editors like to work with in regard to old 4:3 footage that's specifically aimed at 1980s historic / news / documentary use?

Do they like to keep the 4:3 'as is' or do they prefer this kind of footage to sit within a 16:9 edit, avoiding black bars or the need to have some kind of effect L&R to mask the bars etc?

I realise this is probably an subjective question!

Cheers,

Matt.

Why not put it up in its original 4:3 SD format? Then the buyer can decide how they want to handle it. Believe it or not, old 4:3 stuff still sells.

Thanks Andreas,

Interesting idea!

The footage I'm creating isn't from the 1980's, but it's of 80s hardware I'm filming / capturing in the present day. I'm making it look like 4:3 VHS in the edit and I think it looks very authentic (in my opinion). It's perfect for the subject matter and aimed at documentary use etc.... obviously being very clear it's a simulation of VHS created in 2015 rather than actual archive footage recorded 30 years ago!

So, I'm editing in 1080p, importing the footage and then artificially degrading / resizing with a long chain of filters and layers etc to simulate 1980s 4:3 VHS with some light tape damage etc.

The 'effect' of being VHS SD 4:3 is therefore contained within the 1080p master render... currently at 16:9 with the 4:3 footage in the middle, black bars left and right.

I could render out three versions at HD 4:3 + HD 16:9 full frame + 16:9 with black bars framing 4:3... however, will I be spending time for no reason creating the three options and cluttering my portfolio?

What would you do?

Cheers,

Matt.

I would suggest don't use black bars on sides. In fact I believe most agencies will reject the clips if you do that. Like Andy said, keep in in original ratios.

Upload widescreen (as shot) and let the buyer decide if they want to pillar box it.

You can create three versions and when you load them, make a note for the curator's to link them together, you'll end up with one ID# and on the purchase options (you will still see three) the different versions will appear listed with the appropriate pricing for each. you can also do this afterwards by sending an email to Support@Pond5.com too.

Thanks everyone,

Sound advice, I'll get to work...

Thanks for the tip on grouping, I wondered how that was done!

Matt.