Data recovery – Quicktime files won’t open

[Kevin]

yep, all makes sense. I was migrating towards the DVD archiving structure but I’m sure like many people it was something I was getting to. Off topic, more than anything I’m just realizing that I don’t think it’s possible to keep up the level and amount of editing I’ve been doing in my business and also run the business. Once this period is passed I will focus on either changing the nature of work I take on – more short form and creative projects which have less media and finite finish date or shoot more events and pay an editor fulltime to focus completely on post.

I hear you on the linited edits and charging for re-onlining, but unfortunately I became really busy there a few years ago and hard as I’ve tried I’ve become late in delivering which means clients probably feel they can be late in making changes too. And if I squawk, it’s referal business gone. There is infinite possibility for error in any long foram project so if somethng is noticed months down the road, it seems the onus is back to the editor if the mistake is his. Maybe I’m being too nice but that’s how I’ve built a pretty successful business but then again I haven’t had a day off in three years!!!! Regardless I have a few months of re-editing to think about it all!!!!

peace,

Kevin

[13]

Sounds like you could use a vacation. I would look into hiring additional help, but do it right I have seen people hire additional people with out knowing how to handle an employee, what proper compensation should be etc. And because of this anyone they hire ends up hating them and so they leave.

If it is a long form project then keeping it on the computer is fine, how ever just make sure that you charge bill them for drives to keep there projects on. Keep a copy on your raid and an addition al copy on the separate drive they payed for.

[Kevino] “Once this period is passed I will focus on either changing the nature of work I take on – more short form and creative projects which have less media and finite finish date”

You don’t need to change the type of project you take on just how you manage them.

You can also keep the project file and other assets on computer, so that you do not have to go looking for a disk, however I would recommend if you keep them on the computer that you also have a copy on disk as a backup.

What I do is a have a set folder template of how files are organized, every new project I duplicate the template and rename it. I then add my assets to the appropriate folder music, artwork, etc. Anytime I use an additional application like motion or soundtrack those motion or sound track files get saved in the corresponding folder. Once I am done all you need to do is delete captured video, render files, etc. Then you just burn the rest onto a data DVD and if you like keep it on the computer as well. What’s left us usually will fit on a signal data DVD. When you need it again just start the recapture, you can be doing other things while it dose, phone calls billing, lunch etc.

If you would like I will send you a copy of my New Project Template just give me your email (essentially it is just a bunch of empty folders) but if you are considering hiring an employee or two having everyone use the same one gives consistency to everything.

Also where are you located at?

[Kevin]

very good suggestions all I appreciate you sharing them. I have learned this from past experiences too that it is very difficult to incorporate hires into an individual creative professional experience.

I have actually written several procedure papers, mostly practical some on aesthetic. The project oganization think is key and I had a pretty good system going, with media, music, still image and misc folders. It was working well.

I have had several people work on projects but this has ended up being not efficient for me. I just ended up shifting my time allotment from doing the work myself to coaching, teaching and supervising.

Once I’m back on track here, my new approach is to have multiple people work on specific functions and break each project down. WIthout that I’ve found people can very quite overwhelmed trying to mimic work samples I’ve shown them and after all there is no right or wrong way when it comes to creative stuff. So my next thing is to just create distinct tasks – ie I need 70 clips, 3 seconds long fom these three hours, looking somethng similar to these screenshots and in this order. That way I can get to a polish situation sooner and also be able to see progress made. Also looking into project management so I can gauge progress.

The second or third raid though I see as essential because no matter how refined you get your operation to become, it doesn’t exist at all if you have the kind of drive failure I experienced. It’s an interesting if tough experience to endure but probably it will have an overall positive effect when all is said and done.

Again thank you for you thoughts,

warmest,

Kevin