Keeping Timecode

[Oliver Peters]

What camera formats and how are you importing? When you say a script based on timecode, do you mean the script indicates camera source timecode as notes?

– Oliver

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

[Jerry Jones]

Hi, Oliver. Thanks for your kind reply. I’m not certain his camera model, but is a fairly new Canon. But the format is MTS from his card.

Yes, the script is based on his camera timecode. He has given me a paper shot log on the clips he wants to use, order of those clips, etc. – all based on his timecode.

I just got “Any MP4 MTS Converter” – but have not yet used it. Maybe it will resolve my issues. How do you do this to preserve timecode from camera?

A related question. When I am able to see his timecode in FCPX Browser, but then drop clip to my timeline, I lose his timecode. It there a way in FCPX to keep both the timeline timecode and his original camera timecode?

Thanks again.

J. David Jones
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[Bret Williams]

Make sure you have clip skimming turned on and you’ll see the clip Tc when you scrub directly above the clip.

BTW FCPX only shows TC in the browser. It doesn’t have a “counter” function. But there is a possibility that it’s a format it can’t read.

_______________________________________________________________________
https://BretFX.com FCP X Plugins & Templates for Editors & Motion Graphics Artists

[Jeff Swanson]

The MTS files probably came as part of an AVCHD container. I’ve encountered the same issue as you. If the individual MTS files are imported directly into FCPX, it always zeroes out the timecode. I’ve found two ways to retain the timecode on import: 1) import the entire camera card folder structure (or it might be ok to just import the AVCHD container), or 2) wrap the individual MTS files using EditReady into MOV files (which is lossless, so it won’t harm the original recording quality). EditReady does a really good job of carrying metadata including timecode into the MOV wrapper, such that FCPX reads it in correctly.

Option 1 requires you to have the original camera card folder structure (or possibly just the AVCHD container), which your client presumably didn’t provide you. And I also believe FCPX will copy the AVCHD contents into the FCPX library upon import even if you select “Leave In Place” (though don’t quote me on that, I haven’t tried it in a while). You should certainly give it a try if the client can give you the original camera folder structure/container since it’s no extra cost to you.

Option 2 requires you to purchase EditReady, but it’s not expensive and you’ll see it recommended a lot on these forums. I wrap not just my MTS files but also MP4 files because the EditReady wrapped file helps import other metadata that just won’t import into FCPX any other way that I’ve found (other than the original camera card folder structure). If you like to manage your media outside FCPX, EditReady is the way to go.

[Oliver Peters]

You’ve gotten the answers, I believe, but just for illustration. I’ve attached an image of what you should be seeing in the timeline when it’s working. The burn-in over the image was generated externally.

– Oliver

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

[Jerry Jones]

Sorry to be slow to say thanks. Most appreciated. Helpful.

J. David Jones
V I D E O P R O D U C E R
Unleashing the Power of Stories
to Impact the World….
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