I'm clear on what ENG is but what do you consider EFP?

What is EFP? Why use an EFP setup instead of ENG?

I have my ideas on the answers but am curious to hear from others.

I think the difference between ENG and EFP is the nature of the shoot. ENG meaning electronic news gathering on the go because of the nature of breaking news and deadlines. EFP meaning electronic field production where you have more gear and time to set it up for a more formal shoot producing a more refined product such as news magazines or documentaries. Then there is EPK, electronic press kit, that is essentially the same as EFP but for creating a condensed package for marketing distribution purposes.

Makes sense, anyone else?

And then we have SNG.

Am I missing anything? Is there SFP??

Howdy from Texas,

ENG (electronic news gathering) is simply a specific sub-set of EFP (electronic field production). In other words, ENG is just EFP in a television news environment. Hope this helps,

ENG - Electronic News Gathering is an independant single camera operations normally for a news event coverage.
EFP - Electronic Field Production is a wider setup i.e. more than 1 cam and normally it comes together with a switcher, several monitors and sets of cables. It can be a live or recording coverage e.g. concert, football match and seminars.
SNG - Satelitte News Gathering is a mini transmiter to sent footages via satelitte or micro link depend on the mode of transmision.Those days, it takes a big lorry to carry such equipment used to be called OB van.
DNG - Digital News Gathering is a term for a Digital Video Camera user but it is not popular among broadcast fraternity. I dont know why.
Hope I might help

when i hear ENG or EFP = i see the basic's

ENG - camera, zoom lens, lens hood, mic on camera

EFP camera , zoom lens/lens with manual follow focus, separtate zoom control off camera & matte box . soundman/boom person .

<<<-- Originally posted by Salim Aziz :
EFP - Electronic Field Production is a wider setup i.e. more than 1 cam and normally it comes together with a switcher, several monitors and sets of cables. It can be a live or recording coverage e.g. concert, football match and seminars.
-->>>


Salaam Salim.

But this is a completely different definition than the other definition. Where did you get this definition from? I am only curious because like you I also thought that's what EFP was for a while.

So everybody... which is it? How should this term be used properly? Is EFP single camera film style setup or does it mean live multi-camera switched master. These are two completely different things.

My understanding is much more akin to Salim's definition. ENG is a subset of EFP. EFP usually includes some "Production" elements, rather than just the "Aquisition" or "Gathering" elements. In other words, ENG is a one man band (though typically could be three) and EFP will involve the ability to "Produce" on the spot. This will include mixes, switches, decks etc.

I am right on the other side of the world as per se, the hot and sunny world so the definition might differs here and there, I suppose. Technical jargon also differs form time, the used of words ENG, EFP & SNG might be different from what I believe.
I am opened for further discussion.

The application of those definitions can be hard to pin down precisely, because they tend to vary a bit depending on where you are in the world, plus the technology is always changing.

I've also heard EFP defined as Electronic FILM Production, whatever that really means...

Well, let's say in U.S. what is EFP commonly referred to as meaning.

When talking business can't really use "EFP" to mean two different things. This can cause confusion. It has to mean either multi-camera switched master or film style single camera. I think I have to look for an authoritative source, if there can be such a thing. The glossary of ASC's Video Manual doesn't have "EFP". Anyone can suggest a book of equivelant regard/stature?

Simply ....ENG is EFP at 10 times the speed.

...or EFP is ENG...with lunch breaks.

Interesting... how different it can be to some other places..

From my experience, I would say that Salim has it right. EFP packages are put together by companies such as Bexel, Plus 8, Wexler, etc. They could be as simple as a one-camera package that goes out with one operator. Or, they can be more complicated, with multiple cameras run through a portable switcher (or not) with stand alone tape decks and other nicities.

If you want a full blown semi tractor trailer with eight to twelve (or more) cameras and a big-time digital switcher and dedicated audio control room, and room for annoying network busy bodies, you can look in the yellow pages under "Remote Production Facilities."

Of course things can get confusing: is a camera operator shooting for "Entertainment Tonight" doing ENG, or EFP? Or, maybe it's an EPK, which is "Electronic Press Kit."

In the end, it all comes down to three questions:
Where's the coffee?
What's for lunch?
When do we wrap?
Oops. Sorry, those are the studio questions.

Wayne Orr, SOC

I have always understood it to be, EFP=electronic film production.

The philosophy is the deference. But I suppose electronic field production would would be a better term for industrials, commercials and such.

<<<-- Originally posted by Dale Galgozy : I have always understood it to be, EFP=electronic film production. -->>>

Interesting stuff, I have never heard that before.