This IS the Avid L2: Re: [Avid-L2] Multi-cam editing (group clip creation) >>> Improve it how?

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Re: [Avid-L2] Multi-cam editing (group clip creation) >>> Improve it how?

Cool idea, Mark.

Could it work like this:

Place a ton of cameras roughly into a sequence with CONSECUTIVE clips placed ALONG the timeline and CONCURRENT clips placed roughly on top of each other, so "take one" of your 21 GoPro Cameras would be stacked on top of each other (but not actually synced), then take 2 or the next file in time would go LATER in the timeline, then Avid could do "something" to sync them (waveforms or, better yet, some visual trickery or universal time stamping). And THAT would create the group. Basically build it like a lot of "rookies" do with multiple cameras stacked in the timeline, but then have Avid collapse and blend everything into a master multicamera, multigroup clip that could then be "switched" using multicam?

Steve

On Aug 6, 2014, at 8:14 PM, mraudonis@bunim-murray.com [Avid-L2] <Avid-L2@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

If you were given the task to improve the way "Group clips" or multi cam editing works within Media Composer, how would you do it? Here's my suggestion. What's yours?

Problem: Current method for creating clips is overly restrictive, requiring common traits amongst all clips and "locking" all elements at the time of creation. Changes are not possible after creation. In today's world of multiple codecs, frame rates, raster sizes, audio configs, and more, the current clip creation model is time consuming, and mind numbingly restrictive. In a world where 24 "GoPros" covering a scene is NOT uncommon, there has to be an easier way to find, set, and manage sync amongst all clips.

Another Problem: Some workflows like 4 cam sitcoms, or 6 cam concerts, etc, have much more "buttoned down" production styles using ONLY professional cameras with locked time codes etc. For them, the existing multi cam grouping works fine. Great. Leave it alone. Don't change it. Call it "Classic". However, for different genres requiring more diverse media formats, a better solution is needed.

Solution: Move from a "clip based paradigm" to a "sequence based paradigm". In this new model, a "group clip" is essentially no longer a "clip" but a sequence representing everything you want to include in that group. This change in concept allows a "group" to include many different types of media. If media can play in a timeline, it could live as a "group". It also can be editing after the fact to include additional angles, adjusting sync, or labeling cameras. Syncing by &qu! ot;auxiliary means" like audio waveforms, markers, or "phrases" is a necessary step in the automation of the post process.

This "sequence approach" is now in use with other NLE's. It can be done.