Can’t import Alexa XML files in to FCP7

ARRI

Can’t import Alexa XML files in to FCP7

Posted by Chris Bagnall on October 1, 2012 at 1:33 pm

I’ve been digging around and can’t find a clear answer to my problem so hoping someone can help. I’m trying to import Alexa footage in to FCP via FILE>IMPORT>XML. It won’t work. It gives me the error “Non Critical Errors Were Found trying to import an XML file…”

So, a few questions:

1. Is this a bug in FCP7? I’ve followed the instructions on Arri’s website explaining the import process.

2. If my files are ProRes 4444, can’t i just drag and drop them in from my finder window in to FCP? What is the point of having the XML if i can just drag the QT’s in there?

3. Also, does anyone have a recommendation for LogC color correction tools? I’m looking at Glue Tools at the moment, but would love to hear other people’s thoughts on processing.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Chris

Oliver Peters replied 13 years, 8 months ago 2 Members · 3 Replies
3 Replies

Oliver Peters
October 3, 2012 at 12:53 am

Don’t worry about the XML files. Simply drag/import the QT movies into your FCP 7 browser. Here are 5 blogs posts I’ve done on ALEXA workflows, which cover a lot about Log-C.

https://digitalfilms.wordpress.com/2010/11/04/arri-alexa-post-part-1/
https://digitalfilms.wordpress.com/2010/11/12/arri-alexa-post-part-2/
https://digitalfilms.wordpress.com/2010/11/18/arri-alexa-post-part-3/
https://digitalfilms.wordpress.com/2011/05/21/arri-alexa-post-part-4/
https://digitalfilms.wordpress.com/2011/05/27/arri-alexa-post-part-5/

Cheers,
Oliver

Oliver Peters Post Production Services, LLC
Orlando, FL
http://www.oliverpeters.com
Chris Bagnall
October 3, 2012 at 5:41 pm

Thanks Oliver. Yep that worked! Not sure why I need the metadata from the XML. Everyone makes the import of the files seen so complicated. Appreciate the reply. Also, what do you find to better color correction software? I’m currently using Pomfort and I’m not really happy with it as it seems quite limited. I’m assuming I need to buy their SetStacker to use in conjunction and create LUT’s.
Oliver Peters
October 3, 2012 at 9:57 pm

[Chris Bagnall] “Not sure why I need the metadata from the XML”

The XML adds some camera metadata that some folks are interested in. It doesn’t really affect the edit, though.

[Chris Bagnall] “I’m currently using Pomfort and I’m not really happy with it as it seems quite limited.”

Pomfort is really only intended as a LUT filter to correct Log-C to Rec709. It isn’t really color correction software, although it has some adjustment capability. With their on-set software, you can create other LUTs for custom looks that can be loaded and applied. I use both the Pomfort filter and the Nick Shaw filter, but mainly to adjust the image for offline editing only.

[Chris Bagnall] “Also, what do you find to better color correction software?”

For actual color correction to the finished product, I have used a wide range of software, including filters inside the NLE, native color correction modes in the NLE and color grading software including Color, Resolve and SpeedGrade. There’s no real secret to Log-C. If you are going for an artistic look, you are most likely going to deviate from the Rec709 of the time of shooting. Therefore, having a mathematically accurate LUT may or may not be useful. It’s really a subjective choice. I’ve done grades in Color with and without a Log-C LUT, but I’ve also done grades in FCP X using the Pomfort filter and the built-in “color board” – and been equally happy with the results. It all depends on the look you are going after.

Hope that helps.

– Oliver

Oliver Peters Post Production Services, LLC
Orlando, FL
http://www.oliverpeters.com

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