Nested Sequence Update

[Lars Fuchs]

Perhaps you don’t need to make a duplicate of the nest. In the parent timeline, add the Timecode reader effect to the nested clip. When you double-click the nest, it opens up for editing, which should update properly back in the parent (master) timeline. When you no longer need the tcr, just turn it off (you don’t actually need to delete it, just uncheck it in the filter tab in the viewer.)

If you explain more clearly what your goal is, I may be able to help more. If you’re using the tcr effect when you make outputs, then the above process should work. Just disable the filter when you dont need it. (Or vice versa)

[Alexander Lee]

I just wanted to have a separate sequence with Timecode reader as I do many different outputs for DVD’s and don’t want to get confused.

[Lars Fuchs]

Basically you’re dealing with version control. Key to this is to have a consistent naming strategy for your sequences. You can use whatever works for you, but stick to it religiously – it’ll prevent the kind of confusion you’re talking about.

I like to append the date to the name of every sequence I’m working on, and I make a fresh copy every morning when I start work. That gives me a benchmark that’s useful when the client wants to review progress or compare changes etc. Its also a safety net.

I also tend to make copies of my sequence during the day, mainly whenever a biggish edit decision is made. Cutting or reordering whole scenes, changing music tracks, deleting an interview, etc. These I identitfy with a letter – Rev A is the first cut of the day, B the second, etc. This way I have a chronology of the project. Often I decide to put back a scene which was cut at some point, and this system helps me find it.

I’m also never in doubt about which version is current – its just the highest letter with the most recent date.

So – to your tcr question. If you apply the tcr filter early in the edit process, it will stay on all your subsequent versions. (just disable it when you don’t wan to see it.)

For outputting to dvd I also make fresh copies of the current edit sequence. I do this because I want to keep a copy of exactly what the client sees on the disc. If they call me up and have a question about the shot at 25:30 in the film, but I’ve already made changes since I burned the dvd three days ago, I can reopen the sequence used to make the disc and see what they’re talking about. These sequence I put in their own bin and tag them with “output” or “dvd” or “for mix” or whatever, but still keep the date and revision letter.

again, use whatever system works for you, just use it consistently. Its more a question of editing practice rather than of FCP features.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

[Lars Fuchs]

I forgot to mention one problem I sometimes get myself into with this system. I’ll make a copy of sequence, say going from Rev B to Rev C, but instead of continuing work on Rev C I actually keep working of Rev B. Then a few hours later, after lunch break for example, I look at rev C and panic, because all of my edits are missing!

After the palpitations die down I realize what I’ve done, rename the two sequences and carry on. THis is usually caused by duplicating the sequence in the bin but forgetting to open it in the canvas.

So its not a perfect system.

[Alexander Lee]

This is awesome info, thanks Lars!

[Stu Siegal]

I thought I was the only person who did this – and reacted the same way each time.

http://www.verite-media.com

[Alexander Lee]

I seriously think they should revamp Nesting within FCP. You currently have to learn the hard way unfortunately through experience.