If you can log with time code (and why wouldn't you?) then you should look at the vegie toolkit. You can import the log file and do a capture based on that. You need in/out TC, reel names, descriptions (which will be used for the file names).

One of the nice things this can do is give you captured clips whose names match the logs. You can then just use windows explorer to find the media files. It's helpful.

Look over the toolkit to get an idea how the clip logger works before you start to log.

http://www.peachrock.com/software/downloads/veggie-toolkit/download.html


Rob Mack

My luck with DV timecode has always been iffy. I haven't tried too hard though, so maybe it's worth a little investigating. The person doing the logging doesn't have access to a DV player either, just DVD and VHS. I think the only way to get them timecode would be to do a burn from Veags, and isn't that problematic?

Does the DVX timecode get embedded into the tape and then AVI files, or does Vegas recognize some other timecode from the AVI files?

I think our best approach might be to seperate the B-roll from the interviews and then assemble a version sans B-roll. That will reduce our source material by almost half.

I've done a bunch of them---My suggestions are as follows;

1. Complete transcript of all the interviews---makes a huge difference.
2. Complete logging of each shot with content, length and quality as your headings (also time code)
3. Familiarity with all the footage--just look at it until it becomes ingrained in your brain.

Then edit.

You can include on-screen Time Code when making VHS dubs from DV - there's a camera or deck setting. I always use it, and the same timecode is visible in thumbnails on the vegas timeline when editing.

Right-O!

I'm not sure if every camera and deck will burn a window dub of the time code. I'm pretty sure my DSR11 will do it but I'd have to check the manual. Likewise, if you're using your camera to bump to VHS look through the manual and see if you can get the timecode burned onto the VHS image as well. If so then the next thing you need to make sure of is that you know what tapes you're looking at on that EP vhs tape.

Rob Mack

I've just got up to 30 miniDVs. . .started in June this year. . .. As an aide memoire and to give the client a look see of what I've done AND I've produced a quick 'n dirty still to music "review" for both of us, I "captured" stills on the roll through Windows Scanner/Camera settings. Don't overlook this feature of Windize . it works ! I then printed-off 35 to a sheet the equivalent of 35mm proofs, for reference. Ok this is now a few sheets . .BUT after seeing how Walter Murch, the Editor of "Cold Mountain" I feel even more smug!. Walter uses stills, stuck up on his walls all around him, from the dallies to assist him - he can see them out of the corner of his eye as he edits - he can locate and scan the footage. For me I've got these precious stills in a lever arch file which I can flip through. These are another "source" material for my planning and scanning .. it helps to keep me on track and brings much needed reality checking PLUS providing me with another creative tool for my flipping about between - what - 6 months of shooting?

Also, I've prepared for the client a 3 hour VHS of all the interviews. This has got the t/c and the tape date burnt into the vhs. Before handing this over to the client I copied a BIG DV 3 hour tape 1/ for my own sanity! 2/- Backup if the client did something "unfortunate" with the VHS copy! 3/- When I get to "doing" the mix 'n match I'll have a draft scan and plan option.

Now he can spemnd time muilling over the 3 hours to get another view as to what he wants from the video and I can get on with the "other" work: Creating intros and getting graphics ideas underway . . . and doing "other" work for other clients .. I'm not waiting on the client for his immeadiate feedback! As it happens, this has dragged on.

So, use and experiment with ANY creative tools that can assist you in getting what you want - there is no right or wrong way to do this long project stuff - it's very similar to short projects but of course copuld be more memory intensive. So, use tools to assist.

Grazie

Thanks for the tips, everybody.