HELP PLEASE: 6+ tapes, TONS of takes, no clapboard used = editing nightmare!

John Rivers

John Rivers

Active member
Hey everyone,

I've been editing with FCP for some time now, and I've never had to edit a project this unorganized before, and I could really use some help.

I've got 6 or so MiniDV tapes worth of footage, yet the film is only going to last about 20-25 minutes. And the best part: NO clapboard or logging system of any kind was used during shooting.

Aside from the fact that I'm going to have a loooooong talk with the person who filmed this, I could use some help on managing this monster.

How would you recommend I approach this? Any equipment (a dedicated tape deck or whatever) which can help make going through footage before capturing any easier than using a camcorder? Naming conventions for scenes/takes/b-roll (filler footage)? ANYTHING. I'm used to editing my own material and keeping takes to a minimum, so this is just crazy.

If you need more info I'd be glad to answer any questions. I just could really use some assistance with something this large. Thanks everyone.
 
Get a copy of the shooting script and read it so you know what was supposed to be going on. Also, shot list and storyboards wouldn't hurt. I don't suppose they had breakdown sheets for the scenes, did they?
 
I know the story well enough and at least what order the scenes should go in. Unforunately, there is no breakdown sheet or shot list in existence. :(
 
John Rivers said:
How would you recommend I approach this? Any equipment (a dedicated tape deck or whatever) which can help make going through footage before capturing any easier than using a camcorder? Naming conventions for scenes/takes/b-roll (filler footage)? ANYTHING. I'm used to editing my own material and keeping takes to a minimum, so this is just crazy.
Click to expand...

I'd suggest capturing everything, then dealing with it. Much easier than shuttling through tapes. Break the clips up into takes in FCP; you can also make comparisons as necesssary more easily....
 
But really, i would go through and watch everything in FCP on the biggest monitor you can get. Have the script next to you, and name the shots and takes accordiingly. Log each clip after you name it. After you are done, do a batch capture of everything. Then organize all of the footage you have captured into different folders..i.e. Outside Dialog>actor 1 & actor 2> wide > Close up.

Organization is the thing that sets apart the men from the boys in the editing room. Be thankful that this isnt 1970 and you have 50 reels of film and a KEM. Take your time during capture... the more you watch the raw footage, the more you will know the footage. The more you know the footage, the better your edit will be!
 
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