A better way to mark the timeline?
by Carl Sundermann
on
Jun 16, 2008 at 10:34:34 pm
Hey all -
Frequent visitor, infrequent poster here...
I'm looking for a better way to use markers to keep track of where I am in a sequence. I edit a lot of training videos (yawn, but hey it helps pay the bills). I get these tapes from the shooters who taped a 45-60 minute conference on X Subject. Some are one camera shoots, others are multiple cameras that I edit using multicam. I then lay graphics over the top. While I'm doing this, I like to use markers to keep track of the different sections I'm on so that after I'm finished editing, I can go back and add transition graphics/bumpers to break up the monotony of a one camera shoot.
I've been placing markers in the timeline. However, this only works if I don't change anything before the marker, because the marker won't move with any changes I make to the video. I can't use clip markers because there isn't a clip that spans the entire length of the video. It's only in that one clip. On top of that, those markers won't retain the "DVD CHapter" info if I export the file from FCP as a full Quicktime, and I need it to keep that information.
I hope that makes sense. Essentially, I don't like the way the timeline markers work because they don't move as my timeline changes, but I can't use clip markers because they don't retain chapter info for DVDSP, and there isn't a clip the length of the whole timeline.
Any ideas on a better way to keep track of what I'm doing??? It's really frustrating!
Re: A better way to mark the timeline? by david bogie on Jun 16, 2008 at 11:05:19 pm
> I hope that makes sense. Essentially, I don't like the way the timeline markers work because they don't move as my timeline changes, but I can't use clip markers because they don't retain chapter info for DVDSP, and there isn't a clip the length of the whole timeline.
Markers totally blow in FCP; incredibly poor interface design decision.
I have had similar issues in the past, probably not as extensive as yours. My best suggestion would be to use a text generator or even timecode reader over the clips from the Browser. Or even nest the long clip with individual text items to note sections. Then go back to the upstream next and turn off the text track. I'm not exactly following your flow, though. Hope you get better suggestions, give it a few days.
bogiesan
This is my standard sigfile so do not take it personally: "For crying out loud, read the freakin' manual."
Re: A better way to mark the timeline? by Chris Borjis on Jun 17, 2008 at 4:46:33 am
when you hit the marker button twice to add a marker make sure
you click the "chapter marker" button, additionally be sure on
export that "chapter markers" is selected (underneath video & audio).
they should definitely come through compressor and into dvd studio pro.
Re: A better way to mark the timeline? by Matt Gerard on Aug 6, 2008 at 9:45:28 pm
I put a slug layer on the top of all the other layers, then pull the opacity to 0%. Then I do my clip markers on that, just remember to keep the track selector turned on so whenever you make an edit it will foloow. Not really elegant, but it works.
Kinda.
Matt
Its more fun to ride a slow motorcycle fast than a fast motorcycle slow...
