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Archiving projects and media files
Hello.
I started two new projects on FCP X after spending some time on this precious forum and on both the Ripple Edit tutorials. Being an optimist, I am already thinking past the edit is done and the work approved, when I’ll have the need to archive the project for future needs. Of course, even if the drives cost is getting cheaper, I’d like to keep the data volume as low as possible. If I archive a copy of the project and of the Event folder after consolidating all media, but without the “Trascoded media” folder (only original media), would it be safe? I mean, would I be able to reconnect the original files and ask FCP X to transcode them again without problems in case I need to? The clips are all coming from AVCHD cameras. I noticed there’s a huge difference in size between original and transcoded clips. Question two: could any problem arise if I import the clips from the AVCHD camera card without transcoding, use the original clips while I am still on the field building an extra-rough cut just to check I have all the shots I need to complete the documentary, and transcode when I am back in town and move the files onto my Mac Pro for the real edit?
Thank youFabrizio D’Agnano
Rome, Italy -
2 Replies
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If you delete the optimised media, FCPX will revert to using the original media and you can optimise again at any point. My archiving process is to consolidate any events, delete all the optimised media or proxy media, and delete all the project render files.
Of course, I’ll always advise to test any workflow a couple of times with small sample projects to confirm it works that way for you.
How successfully you can work in AVCHD without transcoding will depend on your computer. My 2006 Mac Pro struggles to play AVCHD as does my 2011 13″ MacBook Pro while playback is fairly useable on my 2010 iMac. From the sounds of it though, you just need to see the rough cut so pristine playback isn’t really necessary.
Jeff Kirkland | Video Producer | Southern Creative Media | Melbourne Australia
http://www.southerncreative.com.au | G+: https://gplus.to/jeffkirkland | Twitter: @jeffkirkland -
Thank you Jeff.
I already tried the workflow and it seems to work fine. I really cuts down the archive size compared to FCP 7 ProRes files. If it turns out to be reliable in the long term that would be great. The only downside seems to me to be in the fact i can’t really name the files with meaningful names so that I can search and use them outside of FCP X. I’ll use FCPX and “reveal in the finder” instead when I am looking for something for use in Motion or other. By the way, for the storyboarding I make on site, my 2011 MBP 15″ seems to work fine with the original clips.
Thank youFabrizio D’Agnano
Rome, Italy
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