Apple Cinema Tools 3 - Manual (Page 209)

Appendix A Background Basics 209
Step 3: Transfer the film to video
The first step in converting the film to a format suitable for use by Final Cut Pro is to
transfer it to video, usually using a telecine. While the video that the telecine outputs is
typically not used for anything besides determining edit points, it’s a good idea to
make the transfer quality as high as possible. If you decide against making workprints,
this may be your only chance to determine if there are undesirable elements (such as
microphone booms and shadows) in each take before committing to them. The video
output should have the film’s key number, the video timecode, and the production
audio timecode burned in to each frame.
The actual videotape format used for the transfer is not all that important, as long as it
uses reliable timecode and you will later be able to capture the video and audio
digitally on the computer prior to editing. An exception is if you intend to use the
video transfer to also create an edited video version of the project, perhaps for a video
trailer. This requires two tapes to be made at the transfer—one that is high quality and
without window burn, and another that has window burn.
It is strongly recommended that the audio be synced to the video and recorded onto
the tape along with the video during the telecine process. There are also methods you
can use to sync the audio after the telecine process is complete—the important thing
is to be able to simultaneously capture both the video and its synchronized audio with
Final Cut Pro.
Step 4: Create a Cinema Tools database
The key to using Cinema Tools is its database. The database is similar to the traditional
code book used by filmmakers. It contains information on all elements involved in a
project, including film key numbers, video and audio timecode, and the actual clip files
used by Final Cut Pro. Depending on your situation, the database may contain a record
for each take used in the edit or may contain single records for each film roll. The film-
to-video transfer process provides a log file that Cinema Tools can import as the basis
of its database. It is this database that Cinema Tools uses to match your Final Cut Pro
edits back to the film’s key numbers while generating the cut list.
There is no requirement that the database be created before the video and audio are
captured, or even before they are edited. The only real requirement is that it must be
created before a cut list can be exported. The advantage of creating the database
before capturing the video and audio is that you can then use it to create batch
capture lists, allowing Final Cut Pro to capture the clips. The database can also be
updated and modified as you edit.
UP01101.Book Page 209 Thursday, March 10, 2005 3:16 PM