Batch renaming AVCHD files for Premiere Pro CS6?

[Petros Kolyvas]

Currently there is no way to rename AVCHD MTS files without loosing the link to the metadata – it seems that utilities like Clipwrap are our only hope at the moment. The new version of Clipwrap claims to be able to re-wrap the files but maintain their “fast-track” priority in Premiere. I have not tried to evaluate it yet but once wrapped, those files can then be re-named since they’re self-contained.

I’ve recently asked Clipwrap/Divergent for a built-in rename feature and am hopeful they’ll do so as I believe the market for such a tool is very, very, very large (and growing!)

—
There is no intuitive interface, not even the nipple. It’s all learned. – Bruce Ediger

[Curt Massof]

I just sent a feature request to Adobe to show the original file path for offline media when trying to reconnect files that Premiere thinks have gone offline.

For our shop, keeping stuff organized at the Finder level is easy. Every project has a folder structure we follow. Part of that includes Footage folders broken down into Camera_Date. Redundant file names from different shoot days or cameras are now separated.

Once you import these files into a project and start reorganizing, renaming and sub clipping into new project bins is when things can go to hell. Premiere does a good job of remembering what the original clip name was and where it was for reconnecting on project open. But say an editor moves a project folder to another drive, Premiere may think the files are now offline, even if the project folder hierarchy is still still tact in the finder, and will only ask for the original file names. With several files in the project with the same name it is almost impossible to know which files it is actually looking for.

Having Premiere ask “where is file PROJECT_NAME/IMPORTS/FOOTAGE/CAM001_10292012/PRIVATE/AVCHD/BDMV/STREAM/00010.MTS” instead of “where is file 00010.MTS” makes reconnecting much easier.
FCP could do it. I assume Premiere could be made to do it as well.

[Steve Brame]

This would absolutely solve the issue. However, I submitted this feature request more than a year ago, and of course, it’s not been implemented. Not sure if they use a quantitative measurement system for implementing such features or not. Perhaps we’re the only two who have done so.

Sorry…was just watching blooper reels from The Big Bang Theory.

——————————————-
“98% of all computer issues can be solved by simply pressing ‘F1’.”
Steve Brame
creative illusions Productions

[Drew Gibson]

This hits the nail on the head with the potential problems I am facing too.

I’ve got everything well organised on a Finder level but if I ever have to relink a project in the future then Im also worried it will be too easy to get lost when trying to reconnect to redundant file names.

Did you have any luck developing a workflow or any system of batch renaming to deal with this?

[Darren Mcphee]

Haven’t discovered a real solution yet, but while searching I did discover a free program that allows you to create custom folder structures to your liking, which you can generate each time you begin a new project – great for organization and consistency. Helps me keep as organized as possible until a real solution is found (if ever). Check it out…

https://www.digitalrebellion.com/posthaste/

[Douglas Morse]

I’m not sure if this will help, but I just discovered a work around. Right click on a file in Premiere and ‘Reveal in Adobe Bridge’ You can then rename and batch rename all the files in that folder. I don’t know what happens to the metadata, but I think it remains intact.

[Charlotte Kaufman]

Hi All,

I’ve been concerned with the same issue for sometime and looking for a solution to deal with redundant file names (especially MTS) and the potential chaos that will ensue if footage goes offline.

One mitigating effort i want to make is to figure out a way to lock the folder structure and file location, while still allowing me to edit. So i don’t inadvertently move something and cause it to go offline.

Any ideas on how to do this, is it possible? Or any other tips on avoiding files from going offline?

Thanks for any suggestions!

[Lentsoe Mamatela]

Im currently dealing with Panasonic Af100 footage which is MTS. I found that option through premier “reveal in bridge” and now im a little concerned by what ever implications to the metadata.

Lentsoe Mamatela
ZA