LAFCPUG: Importing FAQs

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Revision as of 16:56, 11 June 2008

How do I import Flex or ALE files?

How do I import Flex or ALE files into FCP?

From Jude Cotter

• Open the Cinema Tools application that came with your FCP install. Press 'cancel' if prompted to open an existing database.

• Select Database > New Database and change the settings in the prompt box to suit your project. Save the database.

• Then go to File > Import > Telecine Log. Navigate to your ALE files and select the ones you want to import.

• Then export a batch capture list for FCP. Import this into FCP, and you're good to go.

From Nick Meyers

• This is now much improved in FCP 5.1 / CT3
  
• You can import the Flex, or ALE directly into FCP.
  

NOTE: This is not written up in the main Cinema Tools manual, you will find it instead in the "What's New" pdf, accessible from the Cinema Tools "Help" menu

Try this:

NOTE: if you need feet & frames info in your database, then the ale format is recommended.

• In FCP create a new bin and open it
  
• Choose File Menu > Import >Cinema Tools Telecine Log.
  
• (or control click in the bin and choose Import >Cinema Tools Telecine Log).
  
• An "import telecine log" window opens.
  
• NOTE: When you import the ale into FCP, the data will simultaneously be added to a Cinema Tools database.
  
• So before you import the Flex or ALE you have to nominate a CinemaTools database to import into.
  
• Options for this are at the bottom of the import telecine log window.
  
• You can create a new CT database, or import into an existing one.
  
• Creating a new database for each new flex or ale file is recommended.
  
• You can then merge the CT databases later.
  

Once you have established a Cinema Tools database to import into, navigate to your ale file, and choose it.

The Cinema Tools database will be created first.
Hit ok on the dialogue box that opens, then the clips will come into FCP with all their accompanying film info.

How do I get my DVD into FCP?

Q. How do I get footage from a video DVD to use in Final Cut?

From Jude Cotter
A. Copyright disclaimer. It is illegal to use other people’s work without their express permission and, in many cases, payment.

Yes, but I DO have permission. Really!

OK. Just letting you know.

OTHER most likely answer
A. There are a number of third party applications that can convert the files on a DVD to FCP editable footage. Some favourites are :

• MPEG Streamclip

• DVDxDV

• Cinematize II

Other things that could help:
• In some cases you can also connect a DVD player to your deck and capture straight into FCP via the ‘non-controllable device’ setting.

But what about the copyright protection? I really, really, really do have permission.

Still more things that could help:
• Mac The Ripper

How do I import P2 footage?

How do I import footage from a Panasonic P2 card into FCP?

There's an excellent tutorial here by Shane Ross:

Importing P2 into FCP

Also download this PDF from Apple titled:

Workflow for Final Cut Pro and the Panasonic AG-HVX200 HD Camera

Also helpful are these blog entries from Shane Ross:

• P2 workflow Pt 1

• P2 workflow Pt 2

• P2 workflow Pt 3