.mxf into FCP=.mov, that .mov into Avid=lost timecode

F

FlyinRyan

New member
Disclaimer: I'm a first time poster... I'm not an editor...

Here's the story:
- The .mxf files were imported into FCP directly from the P2 card.
- The .mxf files were deleted by the shooter.
- The resulting .mov files in the Capture Scratch folder were imported into Avid Xpress Pro HD.

Here's the problem:
While the clips show up and play just fine in Avid, the timecode for each clip has been reset to start at 30 seconds. I need the timecode to match.

What I know:
- The timecode is correct when using the clips in FCP.
- We're talking about 400+ clips, so manually copying the timecodes by hand is the last option.
- The reasons why we need the timecode to match is not relevant and I don't really know, so I can't explain that for you. Sorry.
- Tell shooters to backup the .mxf files.
- I have a tasty Snickers for helpful folks who solve problems.
- I am happy to accomodate the non-Snickers loving folks too.

My thoughts:
When FCP imports the .mxf files, it just puts a Quicktime wrapper on the file. Why would that make the file work but the timecode to be lost?
FCP has some .xml capabilities that can put the information we need into a text file. I can't find anything relating to .xml in Avid systems but maybe you know something I don't.

Fingers Crossed,
-Ryan
 
FCP makes a quicktime with a separate timecode track inside the QT file. Avid does not read the timecode tracks inside the quicktime so that's why its missing.

What you want to do is to make an ALE document to get the file metadata over from FCP and luckily there is a free tool to do exactly that:
http://www.dharmafilm.com/sebskytools

So what you wan't to do is: import all the clips into FCP, export a batchlist and convert that batchlist to ALE using the ablove program.

Remember to donate to his PayPal account if it saves your company time and money :-)
 
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