Capturing, Logging, and Organizing
Each crew will be assigned a computer in the M147 lab. Using this computer and Final Cut Express (FCE), each crew will capture, log, and organize their footage. The goal is to create a well-organized, clearly labeled FCE project that includes all the footage and information that an editor needs to create a 5-7 minute documentary.
As discussed on pages 209-10 of our textbook, the crews should use bins and careful file naming to organize all material in a logical, consistent way. In keeping with our textbook directions, complete the following.
Capturing
- Each tape should be numbered with an indelible marker.
- Each master clip captured from the tapes should be identified with the tape's number and, if necessary, a hyphenated sub-number. For example:
- 03 Master Tape
- 04-1 Master Tape
- 04-2 Master Tape
- 04-3 Master Tape
Organizing
Once the master tapes are captured, create and organize subclips. Except in extraordinary circumstances, no subclip in the project should be longer than two minutes.
Labeling Subclips and Bins
For subclips, use the file naming convention outlined on page 210 of our textbook. In keeping with this, I will expect each subclip name in your project to include the following:
- the character's initials (for interviews), or other clear identifier;
- a shot description;
- the master tape number,;
- the kind of shot (e.g. "CU");
- notable technical details (e.g. "noisy audio").
For example, a subclip from an interview with Aubree Hill might read as follows:
- AH discuss childhood, #04-3, CU exterior, cloud shadows
For bins, follow the directions on page 209 of our textbook. In keeping with this, I will expect the following:
- No bin should contain more than 20 clips.
- Footage for each interview subject should be given its own bin, as should b-roll, beauty shots, etc.
- If you asked the same questions of multiple subjects, log the subclips in thematic bins as well as interview bins. For example, the subclip "AH discuss childhood, #04-3, CU exterior, cloud shadows" would be in two bins, one labeled "Hill Aubree" and one labeled "childhood."