RED -> FCP Offline -> DS Online

[hogie1980]

Could anyone suggest a FCP Offline to Avid DS Online workflow?

1x Camera shooting for 5 days, approx. 1hr per day.
4k 16x9 24fps

Here is how I would like this to work:

- Transcode to ProRes
- Edit in Final Cut
- Export EDL/XML?
- Create DPX files from the EDL using RedCine?
- Open EDL in DS?
- Link to DPX files?
- Color-correct
- Output to HDCam SR 4:2:2 1080p 23.98 Master

The items with "?" mean I need to figure out how to do this right... Could someone please fill in the details on how to properly track the metadata so that the conform goes smoothly?

[MichaelP]

EDL to Monkey
Create DPX with directories mathing REEL ID (same as in EDL)
Open EDL in DS and conform to alternate sources
Select "directories" as source
Conform

Michael

[hogie1980]

We're doing some tests now before we pass the footage onto the client.

We are using FCP 6.0.5. We brought the Red footage into our bin using the Log and Transfer tool, transcoding to ProRes 422. Did a simple edit and exported the EDL. When we hit the Start Render button, it says that it is retrieving metadata, but then it does not create any DPX files. If we choose Thumbnail View, the list is empty.

Any suggestions?

[MichaelP]

I would post that question on the FCP forum here since it is an issue from FCP to Monkey. Most likely something to do with the REEL IDs.

Michael

[a.falk]

@michael:

is »Select "directories" as source« a ds10-feature?
i have ds8.4 and can't remember that i've ever seen a radio button for that?
or what do you exactly mean with that?

thanks.

[hogie1980]

Directories is available as a source in 8.4. Haven't tested to see if it works yet though. Still wrestling with getting DPX files out of Monkey Extract.

[hogie1980]

We have a simple 2-clip edit using the Red files named:

A001_C003_12022C
A001_C011_1202AN

We ended up going with Crimson to create the DPX files from an XML out of FCP.

We also exported the EDL from FCP. When I open that in DS, choose Alternate Sources, scan my DPX folder, and then Match With EDL, the Paths show up as <none>.

The EDL out of Final Cut is calling then both Reel A001. However, the Tape Name in the DS Alternate Video Sources is calling the Tape Names:

A001_C003_12022C
A001_C011_1202AN

Where am I going wrong? How do I get the proper metadata into DS? Do I have to open the EDL in Media Composer first and then export an AFE?

[MichaelP]

Are the DPX files in folders called A001 and you are selecting "use directory name as source?"

Michael

[hogie1980]

The DPX files from both clips (C003, C011) are all together in one folder called A001. Is the "use directory name as source" option only in DS 10? We have 8.4.

[MichaelP]

Monkey should be creating a folder to match the A001 for all A001, etc. It may be a v.10 feature, I need to check.

Michael

[a.falk]

hi michael,

»Select "directories" as source« must be a ds10-feature.
i checked this today on our 8.4-system.

so, is there another option to conform red-dpx on ds8.4?

[akis]

Did you try to update DPX headers so they have A001 as Tape?
Monkey can do that.

[MichaelP]

That would be the only solution with your current version. DPX header must match source ID.

Michael

[a.falk]

actually i'm not a fan of using tons of tools to do the things you did before with one tool.

i don't want to use monkey & co!
i only need to be able to connect edl-reel-name with red-reel-name.

if you have a look on other tools, there are no such problems.
eg. autodesk's flame: here you are able to manipulate reel-name while soft-linking/-importing
eg. sgo's mistika: here you are able to "search for folder-names starting with reel-name" while conforming
eg. davinci's resolve: here you are able to drop reel-information and select which clip to use while conforming with timecode-conflicts

where's the simple avid-solution?
these are great approaches for conflicting reel-names.
so, please don't tell me to buy this little tool and that little app.
and please don't tell me to buy avid-updates for 55.000 €

[hogie1980]

It doesn't seem that Monkey is writing the right header information to the DPX output. The wrong Tape Name is showing up in DS 8.4. It is giving us the long file name (eg: A001_C003_1234) as the Tape Name instead of A001C003.

We also checked the headers of the output DPX files with another utility and it has the long name.

In the Output settings we have "Set DPX Reel Name to match folder A001C001" but that doesn't seem to be working.

Any thoughts?

I messaged Nigel as well.