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Pro-Tip: Using a Folder Structure
Have you ever opened up someone else’s Final Cut Pro project and wondered how the hell they ever manage to finish an edit? Terrifying file-names. No archiving or organization methods. Files scattered throughout a hard drive.
Sound familiar? Finding a workflow that other people can pick up quickly isn’t always easy. However, there are ways to make the hand-off of a project much more seamless (while helping you stay organized at the same time. )
I call it a folder structure – really, it’s just a bunch of empty folders to start off with any time you begin a new project. Since these folders will be created with every project, each project will look exactly the same in terms of organization. You’ll know where to set your scratch disks, where to find your final exports, and where that whoosh sound effect is located in a matter of seconds.
Furthermore, since the folder labels are self-describing, anyone else who gets to work on your project will be able to locate certain files with ease. When you are ready to start a new project, all you need to do is duplicate the main “project-template” folder and rename it to your actual project’s name. All of the subfolders will already be set up and ready to go. It will save you time, energy, and a hell of a lot of frustration.
You can download my personal workflow folder structure below, which may work well for you based on your needs, but feel free to adjust the folder names where necessary. Putting this practice to use will really help you out in the long run.
Project Template Folder Structure (Mac + PC)
accessories roundup 1
Thanks to everyone who commented on the accessories roundup at the beginning of the month. We got a bunch of great suggestions and checked out some of our own – here’s what we’ve come up with so far.
jag35 D|Focus Version 2
$134.99 – jag35.com
The D|Focus from jag35 is the most cost-effective and easy to use focus controller for DSLRs. This thing attaches to a mount (sold separately) on the bottom of the camera for support and assists in providing much more precise focus pulling. There have also been reports of others creating DIY mounting solutions and saving a few bucks, or using existing rails for the support of the rig. Either way, at this price, it’s pretty much a no-brainer for those cinematic focus pulls.
Glidetrack LCD ViewFinder
$144.77 – glidetrack.com
This LCD ViewFinder is sold on several acclaimed websites but is cheapest at glidetrack.com, whose primary products are their portable tracking systems. The T2i’s LCD screen is admittedly quite difficult to see in direct sunlight, so this accessory is a great investment for those shooting outdoors. The website claims that using this ViewFinder is equivalent to viewing a 42″ TV from 4 feet away – sounds good to me. It attached to the T2i using a magnetic and adhesive frame, allowing for easy assembly and removal.
Manhattan 8.9″ HD Pro Monitor
$599.00 – manhattanlcd.com
If having a viewfinder on your camera doesn’t suit your needs, scaling the monitor up to 3/4 of a foot should do the trick. This monitor by Manhattan has a resolution of 1024 X 600 – not quite the definition of 720p, but close enough to show you the image as it will look when you see it again on your editor. By simply a HDMI-C to HDMI-A cable, you can transmit live video from the T2i to this monitor and get real-time monitoring. Batteries are also available for this monitor, so you can take it with you out in the field. The only drawback is a camera limitation – the T2i down-converts its output signal to 720 x 480 when it is placed in record mode to save battery, effectively giving you only SD output when it is recording.
HanGrip DSLR Rig V8
$183.16 – hangrip.com
The HanGrip DSLR came in as a recommendation from one of our members. This flexible rig has 3 grips; two of them on the sides to use like a traditional fig rig, and one above the camera acting as a horizontal handle. It also adds two extra shoe mounts to the camera, giving the possibility of adding more accessories on to your setup. Seems pretty awesome, but the website could use some work.
Canon BG-E8 Battery Grip
$179.78 – amazon.com
The Canon Battery Grip seems like something every T2i should have. Pop two T2i batteries into this baby and watch your battery life double. It also adds a bit more weight and mass to the camera, giving it more of a full feeling. This grip also comes with an adapter to use traditional AA batteries – a nice touch if you’re in a pinch and caught without a charger.
Indisystem’s indiSLIDERmini
$99.00 – indisystem.com
By now, I’m sure everyone has heard of the indiSLIDERmini, but it’s too good of a product to pass up. If you want to make your shots look cinematic, you need to move the camera cinematically. The indiSLIDERmini will allow you to do just that, giving you control over dollies and tracks over 24″. This is a great portable solution for slight camera movements to add subtle professional touches to your videos.
That wraps it up for our first roundup. Let us know what you think in the comments, and keep the suggestions coming!
