Is this a useful idea for a clip library?
 

I have a nanoFlash, FCP 6.0.6., an iMac and a MacBookPro. From the nf I have the choice of .MOV or .MXF files, I can also convert .MOV files to .MXF using file converter.

I am interested in a library for storing clips in an accessible form. My interest is in natural history and it is unlikely that there will be floods of material. I have come across a simple program called Movie Note Taker that allows one to stop or start a .MOV clip any point to facilitate the making of notes. The stop and start times are recorded together with the notes and the clip identification. A number of related clips together with their respective notes can be placed in a folder in documents or some other suitable location. If the viewing option of “coverflow’ is used generous thumbnails of the Note Taker notes and the clips themselves can be displayed by using the coverflow scrollbar.

To see a larger image than the thumbnail I note the clip’s file number and double click on it in the file below. This opens Quick time Movie and I can see the clip at full screen size. If needed the clip can be trimmed in QT. It is also possible to import a clip to FCP, do things to it, and return it to its folder in documents, enabling modified clips to be stored along side the original.

For my purposes this would appear to be the basis of a suitable library. If I want further clip information I can convert the .MOV to MXF and open them in XDCAM Clip Transfer. It may be prudent to store the converted files elsewhere for safe keeping.

The big question is: - If I follow this scheme am I limiting myself in any way?

Dear Alastair,

The program, Movie Note Taker seems very interesting and userful for some.

I have not determined it it actually modifies the original files in any way.

If not, then would not be limiting yourself.

If it does, then, just save the original clips separately, then you will be safe.

Dear Dan,

Thanks for your reply. One of the many nice things about Movie Note Taker is that you can get a large clear image to work with. So far I have not noticed anything untoward but I will have a very close look just in case.

Thanks once again.