Cataloging Tapes and Shots

[HansK]

I have been using an adhoc method for labeling and cataloging my tapes. For each tape, I label with a date(s) and short description. Also, I keep a small notepad for logging shots, referenced to the tape. Then I eventually enter the logged info into a simple spreadsheet.

I would like to learn how others keep track of their tapes and shots.

Thanks,

- Hans

btw - It's too bad cameras don't provide a simple way to add meta data on tape. It would be great to be able to specify some information manually and have other info automatically set. Each shot would be tagged with this meta data. For example:

Date: automatic (duplicated in timecode but nice to have in meta data)
Time: automatic (ditto above comment)
Scene: manual
Take: automatic (starts at 1 and increments or starts at a manually set value)

And even other info such as:

Director, cameraman, etc...

This information could then be grabbed by the capture software.

Would this be useful?

Hmm, I just thought of a possible way to encode this information, add it to a tape, and later extract it... will think about it some more.

 

[HansK]

Re: Cataloging Tapes and Shots

Ok, no responses... ??? hmm, is this in the correct forum? Or, am I asking an obvious question?

 

[danslak]

Re: Cataloging Tapes and Shots

Get the "Film Editing Room Handbook" I think the author is Norman Holland. It's a "how-to" book for assistant editors, and would be perfect for your needs if you want to find out how the professionals library all of their footage. (I speak from experience, I was a feature film/TV editor for about 17 years.)

Dan
www.DVcameraRigs.com