Better Vegas project/track organization to edit documentary…

[Graham Bernard]

[Carlos Silva] “For instance, would be useful to have each interview in one different track of the same project?”

I know exactly what you mean. Most of my own work is based around the following and I’ve indicated tracks I’d using:

a] Interviews – Tracks 1 Video Track 2 Audio

PLUS

b] Voice Overs – Track 4 Audio

PLUS

c] B-Roll and its audio – Track 1 Track 3 Audio

PLUS

d] Music Undescores. – Track 5 Audio

This is an Outline of my “Track-Logic”. I can change it, but I find this gives me the most human feel to the flow (see next paragraphs)

What I’ve also learnt is to be organised about my Media, and make use of BINS:

Bin1 = Voice Over
Bin2 = Interviews
Bin3 = B-Roll
Bin4 = Additional Audio: Undescroes, Foley . . . .
Bin5 = Graphical “aids” and photos and artwork.

[Carlos Silva] “Would be better to create different projects and then join all at the end?”

IMO? No.

The very nature and need to show and demonstrate a continuous flow makes it almost an imperative to have a single Project. Why? Often there are back and forth references – visually and sound-wise – so that having separate Projects could be limiting to your own editing creative flow, and ultimately the Viewers ease with which they can take the information coming a,t them off of the screen.

However, yes, if there are very deterministic, ring-fenced items, then sure. “We are now going to speak about the ‘Liberty Bell’ and Now we are going to speak about ‘Big Ben’. But even here I could argue the need to NOT have separate Projects.

Look, Project management and the organisational aspects of getting to “closure” often can take much time to decide on which approach to take – I know! – But some thought of pre-thought/design to this aspect of your work can reap major benefits down the line.

I’m often NOT a supporter of Process over Outcome, but this is one of those occasions that actually, the “Process” can be part of the “Outcome”. I’ve got one going now that intrigues me as to just how we are going to assimilate ALL the Media assets and that’s from SHOOT to final Q&A.

You’ve asked a series of great questions. I just hope I’ve been able to give you some of my experience in finding a way through.

And yes, K.I.S.S!

Cheers

Grazie

[Carlos Silva]

Hi Grazie,

Many thanks for the teachings.
Considering my beginner level you gave me great step stones!

Cheers,
Carlos