Logging in Excel

[Mark Raudonis]

There are so many dedicated logging programs out there, I have to wonder why you’re trying to reinvent the wheel?

Do a google search for “media logging programs” and you’ll find dozens.

If you have a computer that has excel (mac), you can run FCP as a logger as well.

Mark

[Directedbyface]

I don’t think I’m reinventing the wheel. Logging in Excel seems to be pretty popular.
Why I want to use Spreadsheets:
1. I’m actually planning on using Google Spreadsheets, which will be accessible from any computer.
2. I don’t want to download programs on someone else’s computers, and on multiple ones at that.
3. I don’t have access to any Macs. They are all PC’s.

I did take a quick look around at programs, and my thought was… why buy a new wheel when the original wheel works just fine?

[Jeff Larsen]

I’m trying to streamline our production workflow. Has anyone found a log notes spreadsheet or word processing tool/template used in the field on a laptop that matches the FCP Logging tab? Data entry fields would include:
Name
Description
Log Note
Mark (Good)
Scene
Shot/Take
Angle
Marker In Point Timecode
Marker Out Point Timecode
Log Bin
Reel Number

We’re going to have a production assistant on our documentary shoot watching a video tap with timecode displayed taking notes on a series of interviews. The videographer will stop and start the camera between questions in order to take advantage of the “On timecode break” preference in order to make new clips. At each camera stop/start, the production assistant will enter a new row of log notes information corresponding with the new segment. Rather than copy and paste this information into FCP during the log and capture process, I want to import an FCP XML Interchange Format document with all this logging information and “automate” the log and capture process.

We’re in a time crunch, so any advice ASAP would be most welcome.