[David Godwin] "What exactly is considered a proxy?"
Lower resolution...like ProRes Proxy, or Offline RT HD.
[David Godwin] "I keep hearing that apple pro res is the mac proxy u want, but is Mpeg 4 considered a proxy?"
No. In the context you are using, it is a lower resolution EDITING codec. One that can maintain metadata needed to relink to full res footage later. MPEG 4 doesn't...it doesn't track timecode, or reel number...essential for offline "proxy" editing. And that format isn't one you can create INSIDE FCP for offline editing...part of your requirement.
[David Godwin] "please give a very detailed description on how to do this"
KNow that this will ONLY work if you shoot with a camera that is compatible with FCP...one that it can interface with via Log and Transfer. If ANY outside app is used to create the proxy...then this process will be far from simple.
Here is the offline/online workflow for tapeless media in FCP...a video tutorial:
http://library.creativecow.net/ross_shane/tapeless_online/1
[David Godwin] "Also a description on what exactly a proxy is"
Low resolution. Also called an "offline editing codec." Offline editing is the term used for basic editing...done with low resolution footage. After that is done, and "online conform" is done to relink to the full resolution media, and transcode that to full resolution editing codecs.
[David Godwin] " How do u reconnect media to do that?"
Watch the tutorial. Basically you choose the sequence, use the media manager to MAKE OFFLINE, with handles. And then batch capture the footage.
[David Godwin] "How should I go about organizing this whole ordeal?"
It's in the tutorial. Oh, it is VERY important to offload the media properly, and to name the folder it is offloaded into, as that name becomes the REEL number. SO no odd symbols in it...!@#$%^&*()/:;...stuff like that.
Shane
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