Appendix 1

The Filmmaker’s Guide to Final Cut Pro Workfl ow
Figure 1.8 Clip window in Cinema Tools
Periodically during production, the time code generator in the slate needs to be synchronized to the
time code coming from the recorder. In this case, the two are off because the telecine machine is still
fi nding sync. They will match at sticks close.
Notice also, we are parked on a time code ending in 0 and so we should be on an A frame. The pull
down cycle identifi er shows A with the 1 and 2 overprinted. This is exactly what we should be seeing.
As this is 29.97 video and has not been reversed to 23.98, the key code information will not move
forward in a smooth or readable way. There will be a clear A followed by a clear B followed by a
B and C overprinted, followed by a C and D overprinted, and then a complete D. If you refer back
to Figure 1.3 of 3.2 pull down pattern or cadence, you will see why this is so. Because of the 3 : 2
cadence, you will never see a complete C frame; they are always overprinted this way unless the
video has been reverse telecined. This is a simple way to identify reversed video: look for the C
frames. This is also why the C frame is underlined.
If you are going to fi nish in 24P or on fi lm, you have more work to do here and you will be coming
back often. If you are fi nishing on video, you are ready to start editing.
Inked Edge Code Numbers
Before computer editing, fi lm was cut with sound recorded onto magnetic fi lm, simply fi lm with
magnetic oxide for recording sound. Before magnetic fi lm, these tracks were photographic fi lm with
optical sound. Once the sound was in sync with the work print (which is a noncolor-corrected positive
print of the camera original; see Chapter 5 for more detail), both were “inked” with matching
edge numbers. This way, if the sound was moved out of sync, the numbers could guide the editor in
putting the sound back into sync.
As there are no magnetic sound tracks in computer editing, there is no reason to ink edge numbers, yet
Cinema Tools supports this. This is simply for ease of use with some workfl ows for fi nishing on fi lm.
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