Multi-camera shot logging help

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Level 1

10 points

Multi-camera shot logging help

Hi, I'm pretty new the discussions but could really use some advice. We are shooting 20 episodes of a preschool kids show using three cameras at 1080i60 DVCPRO HD. We shot between 9 to 15 tapes a day and it's hard to keep up with all of the logging. When I go to log the appropriate takes, the timecode for all three cameras stays the same, just reel changes. Is there a simplified way to log the different cameras without cutting and pasting timecode or re-entering the data over and over again? I've fooled around with cutting and pasting the offline clip, but when I try and change the reel(tape) the original is changed as well. The same goes for duplicating as new master. Any suggestions? Also, I'm considering batch logging using excel so that I can enter the data we get from set each day and import the logs when the editors aren't working. Has anyone had success with this or possibly suggest some alternatives/apps that do something similar? Thanks! Yo Gabba Gabba!

20 brand new intel macs. Lots of software., Mac OS X (10.4.9)

Posted on Apr 29, 2007 12:48 PM

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Answer 1

Apr 29, 2007 2:12 PM in response to Craig Windes

Give more specifics to your production workflow...

What are your timecode settings in camera? (Regen/continous or time of day)
Are you recording DVCProHD, or HDV and converting during capture for edit?
What are your Reel and Clip naming conventions?
How are you currently setting up your multiclips as a sync point? Inpoint/Outpoint/Timecode/Aux Timecode.
Are these edits being done on one mac, or many different Macs... ("20 brand new intel macs. Lots of software"...you should clarify your profile...particularly exact versions of OS/FCP/QT and might want to add some hardware specs)

One solution may be to create 'Auxillary Timcodes' on your clips. I've not done it before and can't advise the procedure, but I'm sure it's in the manual.

I would advise against renaming clips, but also think your idea of batch logging with Excel a viable alternative...not sure of specialized software for this, but others may.

I think the key here is a highly organized workflow, and make sure the students stick to it...part of the grade.

Post back with more specs/workflow details.

Kevan

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Answer 2

loyed256

Level 4

2,265 points

Apr 29, 2007 3:49 PM in response to Kevan D. Holdsworth

If you got synced timecode between the cameras you won't need auxiliary timecode for any reason. Just do as you were saying, log one clip with the right IN/OUT timecodes then it'll be a matter of changing reels and clip names.

Here's a link to info on logging with Excel.

G5 dual 2.7 Mac OS X (10.4.6) Final Cut Pro and (dare I say it) Avid.

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Answer 3

Craig Windes Author

Level 1

10 points

Apr 29, 2007 7:56 PM in response to Kevan D. Holdsworth

Thanks for your reply, we are using time of day recording, dvcprohd. We are splitting twenty episodes between two editors using mac pros, five gig of ram and the latest versions of fcp qt and osx . As far as multiclip sync point we are using timecode. I haven't done any research on Auxilary timecodes, but I'll look into it. It just seems like there has to be an easier way to log the exact same clips without having to re-enter all of the info. As far as naming conventions go we are using the following hierarchy per episode:
1. Each show has 25 Segments
2. Each Segment has X amount of scenes
3. Each scene has X amount of takes for cameras A, B and C
So on any give take you have:
"scene 1 cam A1(1 being the tape#) take1"
All that would change between cameras A,B and C is the reel and the "cam A1" in the example. If we do 10 takes, then I have to log each one with it's timecode, then repeat the process two more times per take for cameras B and C. I hope this is clear. It just seems to me that with multicam built in to fcp there should be a simple way to log them. The fact that I have to do all of this logging and capturing in off hours and I'm getting between 6 and 12 tapes each day six days a week for the next two months make it all the more daunting. Not to mention the STORAGE! Thanks!

2 Mac Pro 2.66ghz ATi x1900 Video Cards, 5GB Ram 3.5TB local storage, dual 23" ACDs Mac OS X (10.4.9)

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Answer 4

Craig Windes Author

Level 1

10 points

Apr 29, 2007 8:11 PM in response to Craig Windes

I have tried copying and pasting and changing reel and camera info but fcp does not like this and most of the time the offline data for the original will change if I try and modify the copy. Any work arounds? Thanks!

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Answer 5

loyed256

Level 4

2,265 points

Apr 29, 2007 8:11 PM in response to Craig Windes

There is an easy way. Go to the link I provided above, download the Excel template. Once you have your info for the first clips, load that into the spreadsheet. Then copy all that for eash of the other angles and change the reel. Export that as your batch list and capture.

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Answer 6

Craig Windes Author

Level 1

10 points

Apr 29, 2007 8:17 PM in response to loyed256

I think that is definitely looking to be a solution. I checked out Larry's logging template and will give it a try. Have you used it? If anyone has and has run into any problems I would love to hear them. Thanks!

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Answer 7

loyed256

Level 4

2,265 points

Apr 29, 2007 8:23 PM in response to Craig Windes

I've used these templates on multicam shows for years. As long as you have the columns correct it will work fine as a batch list is nothing more than a text file.

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