Windows to Mac files for edit in FCP at DVinfo.net

Andrew Clark · August 24th, 2009, 07:45 PM

Hello people -

Is there a way to take a project that was edited in a Windows based NLE (Premiere, Vegas, SpeedEdit, etc...) and then import it in to Final Cut Pro to edit?

If so, how would you set up the project to be exported?

(If this has already been discussed, please point me to that discussion thread; I would greatly appreciate it...and my apologies for my oversight!!)

Pete Cofrancesco · August 24th, 2009, 10:13 PM

FCP will allow you to import an avi as long as you exported it using a codec FCP can read. For example DV for SD video.

Perrone Ford · August 24th, 2009, 10:45 PM

When you say :project" do you mean video files, or do you mean the timeline with edits, transitions, etc.?

Andrew Clark · August 24th, 2009, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Perrone Ford

When you say :project" do you mean video files, or do you mean the timeline with edits, transitions, etc.?

It would be the timeline scenario.

Michael Wisniewski · August 25th, 2009, 05:21 AM

Andrew, it depends on which NLEs you are transferring between. Do a search on EDL, AAF and MXF on your NLE to see how well it handles those exchange formats. But, re-creating timeline edits in another NLE is still a bit of a crap shoot. There are rare instances where it's done well, for example, Automatic Duck for AVID & FCP, but it can also be a lost cause depending on the software.

If you're just transferring video files, yes, many formats can be cross-platform, or you can re-encode and sometimes re-wrap the video into a more compatible format.

Craig Parkes · August 25th, 2009, 05:30 AM

Creating and EDL in CMX3600 format would be the standard way of doing this, although don't expect resizes, repos, transitions, etc to come across.

Basically you ensure that you have a logical track order, ideally with a simple cuts only edit (dissolves do work too for given scenarios) and then export an EDL from the PC platform, re import EDL in FCP, then connect to the re digitised media in FCP (assuming tape/reel names and time code conforms).

Other programmes such as Automatic Duck potentially offer more advanced cross project capabilities, but totally depends on the software in Question. EDL is the closest to industry standard.

Andrew Clark · September 13th, 2009, 11:46 AM

Just wanted to say thanks to all of you for your suggestions/advice.

Thank goodness for these forums!!

August 24th, 2009, 07:45 PM	#1
Andrew Clark Major Player Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 477	Windows to Mac files for edit in FCP Hello people - Is there a way to take a project that was edited in a Windows based NLE (Premiere, Vegas, SpeedEdit, etc...) and then import it in to Final Cut Pro to edit? If so, how would you set up the project to be exported? (If this has already been discussed, please point me to that discussion thread; I would greatly appreciate it...and my apologies for my oversight!!)

August 24th, 2009, 10:45 PM	#3
Perrone Ford Inner Circle Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 4,100	When you say :project" do you mean video files, or do you mean the timeline with edits, transitions, etc.? __________________ DVX100, PMW-EX1, Canon 550D, FigRig, Dell Octocore, Avid MC4/5, MB Looks, RedCineX, Matrox MX02 mini, GTech RAID, Edirol R-4, Senn. G2 Evo, Countryman, Moles and Lowels.

August 25th, 2009, 05:21 AM	#5
Michael Wisniewski Wrangler Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Makati, Metro Manila Posts: 2,706 Images: 32	Andrew, it depends on which NLEs you are transferring between. Do a search on EDL, AAF and MXF on your NLE to see how well it handles those exchange formats. But, re-creating timeline edits in another NLE is still a bit of a crap shoot. There are rare instances where it's done well, for example, Automatic Duck for AVID & FCP, but it can also be a lost cause depending on the software. If you're just transferring video files, yes, many formats can be cross-platform, or you can re-encode and sometimes re-wrap the video into a more compatible format. __________________ "Ultimately, the most extraordinary thing, in a frame, is a human being." - Martin Scorsese

August 25th, 2009, 05:30 AM	#6
Craig Parkes Major Player Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Auckland, New Zealand Posts: 444	Creating and EDL in CMX3600 format would be the standard way of doing this, although don't expect resizes, repos, transitions, etc to come across. Basically you ensure that you have a logical track order, ideally with a simple cuts only edit (dissolves do work too for given scenarios) and then export an EDL from the PC platform, re import EDL in FCP, then connect to the re digitised media in FCP (assuming tape/reel names and time code conforms). Other programmes such as Automatic Duck potentially offer more advanced cross project capabilities, but totally depends on the software in Question. EDL is the closest to industry standard. __________________ www.afterglow.co.nz

August 24th, 2009, 10:13 PM	#2
Pete Cofrancesco Inner Circle Join Date: May 2004 Location: USA Posts: 3,005	FCP will allow you to import an avi as long as you exported it using a codec FCP can read. For example DV for SD video.

September 13th, 2009, 11:46 AM	#7
Andrew Clark Major Player Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 477	Just wanted to say thanks to all of you for your suggestions/advice. Thank goodness for these forums!!