when I import videos from my video camera, the videos appear to get imported, and I can put them in my timeline. When I re-open iMovie at a later date, the videos are "missing". Repeating the process gives the same result.

Hi, Bob,

As a troubleshooting procedure, check one of these links that explain in detail the import process:

If your camera is file based:

http://help.apple.com/imovie/mac/10.1/#/movbc953953e

If your camera is tape based:

http://help.apple.com/imovie/mac/10.1/#/mov6af9c94c1

-- Rich

I have a similar or exact same issue.

For years I have imported form a sony hand held (HDR-SR1) and the files would land nicely in Imovie where projects could be made. Now I get the import screen with the clips from the Sony, it looks as if they have transferred (after a time) , but if I disconnect the Sony video camera the files are gone.

I have a very kluggy workaround of moving the files directly to a mac folder and then importing to Imovie, however the files come as MTS files with no sound.....

I looked at the reference and have tried to ensure all those steps are followed.

Try opening the movies in Quicktime Player and then saving to desktop. You should end up with a .mov file that imports into iMovie.

-- Rich