There are many reasons to share your Silverstack project across multiple devices, like choosing another computer when leaving the set or collaborating with your team on location. This article will outline some exemplary use cases to give you an idea of how your workflow can benefit from the library sync feature – whether you are working in a team, or coordinating multiple crew units across the world.
What is the library sync feature?
The library sync feature uses the connection of the desktop application Silverstack XT or Lab to the cloud project in ShotHub to share the respective clip library across multiple devices. All clip information deriving from the desktop applications is exchanged via one Silverstack cloud project and “synced” bidirectionally with all connected computers. That way, any changes in your local clip library are automatically “synced” via ShotHub and applied to others so that all operators can work on the same project data simultaneously.
Additionally, ShotHub provides viewing access to your library so that all clip metadata and information as file locations are also available in a web browser. One side note: If your policies don’t allow or require you to share any visual content, you can disable the upload of thumbnails into your cloud project.
For sure, there are various ways to integrate the library sync feature into your workflow. For now, we’d like to share five simple scenarios in which you can benefit from syncing your Silverstack clip libraries:
1. “Homework” – continue working on your project anywhere
Many DITs have two computers, one on the DIT cart and one laptop for mobile work. By syncing Silverstack’s clip library on both devices, you can continue working away from the cart. And any time you switch from one computer to the other, for example, after wrapping up on set, all tasks can be resumed seamlessly. That way, you can edit metadata, create reports or upload dailies from home or a hotel room any time.
2. Multi-tasking – run two devices with Silverstack simultaneously
When having two computers running Silverstack, you want to use them on set as efficiently as possible. By syncing their respective clip library information via ShotHub, you can distribute tasks between them more smartly. For example, you can offload and backup files with one machine while using the other to insert metadata or transcode dailies – given that both have access to the media files.
3. Teamwork – collaborate easier on set and work on the same project simultaneously
When DIT and data loader work together, and both need a Silverstack application to handle their particular tasks, they usually need to exchange project data. And even if they already started to set up one project each, the clip libraries can be “synced” later. This way, they can work hand-in-hand on the same project simultaneously, and rest assured that no data or information gets lost when exporting or importing project data manually.
4. Work across units – collaborate regardless of location and time
The main and 2nd unit may work in different locations and probably not at the same time; nevertheless, they do need to exchange project information. When syncing their Silverstack projects, all metadata floats between their libraries, making communication easier. This information exchange is helpful to answer simple questions, like which reel number was already used, or address more complex tasks such as retrieving particular shots recorded with a special camera or its respective camera or lens information.
5. Multiple crew units – collect all information from multiple teams
What works for the main and 2nd unit will also work for multiple teams – so imagine the possibilities that arise for a project with several teams worldwide! If they all sync their clip libraries and send the shuttle drives afterward to one central location like the main DIT, a lab, or a post facility, the project data is already there. All clip information, looks, and metadata created and collected from the team on location are synced. As soon as the travel drives are mounted to the central Silverstack desktop application, the clips can be quickly processed for the next step, like dailies grading, editing, or VFX work.
These are just a few examples of how the library sync feature may help you save time and resources by eliminating the need for manual exports or imports of project data or tedious relinking of files.
However, there’s a range of additional use cases and application areas. Once you get started with the library sync feature yourself, you will quickly work out how it can support your personal production workflows and simplify collaboration across multiple devices and operators.
The library sync feature will be released with version 8.0 of Silverstack and Silverstack Lab – you can already try it out with the free beta version, which is available for download here.
