Preparing material for editing

Log Ons

The media suite contains iMacs, these are disconnected from the regular school computing network and this provides both benefits and potential for issues. Since the Macs are not connected to the network the way in which files are saved are on an individual machine basis, this means that for each individual project you must return to the same machine for the duration of the project in order to access footage and projects. A benefit of this is that should a member of the group be absent then the remaining members can still access and continue with work. An issue of this is that if there is an issue with the Mac or someone else is using the machine then you will be unable to retrieve or work with your saved materials.

SD Card Files/Where Projects and Files are Stored/Renaming

Once footage has been recorded and the SD card placed in the Mac then we must create a folder that is named with those that are included in the group and also the title of the project. After creating a group folder we must copy across the folder titled 'PRIVATE' from the SD card and this should create a folder that we must rename for locating and management purposes. All footage and projects etc. must be saved in the individuals group folder on the individual Mac.

Setting up a project

Before editing can commence we must first ensure all setting are correct in order to maximize compatibility and minimise problems. Settings chosen depend on a multitude of things including the camera used and the effect you would like to achieve.

Bins

Bins are essentially a resource pool of all relevant footage/effects etc. and are used to organize a project. Bins are vital in maintaining an efficient and productive workflow since things are complicated enough in small scale editing with huge blockbuster titles it would be impossible to work with hundreds of files and effects left unorganised and cluttered.

Paths

When identifying and selecting individual materials we can follow a set pathway. Paths are useful when working with a high volume of both footage and other effects since we can select individual things from within a huge pool. If the origional material is moved or altered then the pathway will become invalid and must be recreated.