Codec Refers to the Encoding and Decoding

Codec refers to the encoding and decoding process for files, resulting in a type of file format that can be read by Final Cut or any other video editing or playback application. The same codec during production is used during playback. ProRes is a type of codec commonly used in Final Cut Pro 7.

What does "shoot and capture fat" mean?

To "shoot and capture fat" refers to both the mindset of shooting as much material as possible, and also to shooting at the highest image quality possible. It refers to putting as much meat, or fat, onto the camera and allowing post-production (like in Final Cut) to do the rest of the work. Shooting fat can mean taking multiple takes in different lighting conditions, or using different props, or different settings. Capturing fat maxes out the potential of the camera and its memory capacity.

What is the "Rule of Thirds"?

The rule of thirds is a compositional rule of thumb that applies to any frame. It basically entails visually dividing the frame into nine quadrants. This can also be done using the camera's built-in grids, or later in post-production applying those grids during editing and cropping. The rule of thirds suggests that elements in the composition will be more outstanding to the viewer's eye when they are placed along the horizontal lines, vertical lines, or their points of convergence. In other words, centering the subject is not necessarily the best method of composing an image or frame.

4. What is being accomplished vis a vis file size, format, clip name, and clip location during the Log and Transfer process? 20

During the Log and Transfer process, Final Cut Pro-imports the material from the memory card and transfers it to the software for editing. Usually the size of the file will jump considerably during this process. For example, a video recorded using AVCHD format needs to be logged and transferred for editing. If the original file is 15GB, the ProRes format for use in Final Cut Pro 7 will be about ten times that. From this point, logging the clip involves ascribing names, description, scene, shot, angle, and other notes that can be used for organization and identification. The user also has the option at this time, or any other, to view or designate the file location.

5. When setting up a Project, what is the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd thing you should do? SPECIFICALLY (assume you've made your folder in the class folder or on your drive already) 15

The very first step after the creation of the folder is to create a disk image and copy the contents of the card into the folder. After the initial save, the user should set Capture Scratch, which is basically importing all the bulk data. Capture Scratch will create three new folders: audio render, capture scratch, and render files. Finally, this should be done with Waveform Cache, Thumbnail Cache, and Autosave Vault.

6. There are two main types of files associated with your FCP project, how do they work together? 10

The two types of files in Final Cut are Source Media and Edit Media. Source media is the master. Edit media is the media that is edited, simply. It is the same as render files and audio render files. They are both bulk, unedited material and both are on the Capture Scratch waiting to be rendered. They work together because the final cut, the final project, will include both edited audio and video files.

7. How do you back up your card directory in case you need to go back to the raw files later? 5

Backing up the card directory can be done a number of different ways, but the best way is to create a disk image of the card and copy the folder there. This allows the user to go back to the raw files later, even after the memory card has been re-formatted. It also prevents data loss.

8. What codec should be selected for your editing timeline aka "sequence"? What frame rate? What frame size? 15