Compression

[Chris Tompkins]

Making a self contained file exported from you sequence is when you:

1. Are taking that file OFF the machine to be worked on another.
2. Archiving Master.

Making a ref file:

1. Saves hard drive space.
2. Links back to original material.
3. Makes a temp file to create something else.
4. Deleted when done with it.

Chris Tompkins
Video Atlanta LLC

[David Roth weiss]

Chris,

There is a good reason I always suggest self contained and never suggest reference files, and I suggest you consider doing the same. There isn’t a single new FCP user who hasn’t been burned by a QT reference file gone bad, and as advisors here who can save their asses with the flick of a pen (okay, a few key strokes), it is our duty to save their asses with preventative medicine before there’s a problem whenever possible.

Hard drives storage is incredibly cheap, but losing one client because you unwittingly relied on an archived reference file can cost someone their entire career. So, argue with me if you want, but I’d rather advise people to waste a few extra gigabytes in lieu of losing a career any day.

Does that make sense to you?

David Roth Weiss
Director/Editor/Colorist
David Weiss Productions, Inc.
Los Angeles
https://www.drwfilms.com

POST-PRODUCTION WITHOUT THE USUAL INSANITY ™

A forum host of Creative COW’s Business & Marketing and Apple Final Cut Pro forums. Formerly host of the Apple Final Cut Basics, Indie Film & Documentary, and Film History & Appreciations forums.