Set metadata TO a sceNE on set for a scripted story

The purpose with setting metadata during production is to make it easier for others in both production and in post-production.

Video camera

Most video cameras today don't have any, or only very limited possibilities to set metadata. Often the only possibility is to change how files are named, tand the option is very limited.

Therefore, when don't rely on information from cameras in production or post-production, except time of day and time code. 

Sound recorder

The assumption is that the sound recorder supports metadata via iXML, e.g. Zoom F8 and other professional recorders.

This way of working doesn't work with simpler recorder as Zoom H6. 

Note: FCP/X and Avid supports iXML but not Premiere. 

Zoom F8

The recorder supports up to eight channels and our standard for connecting  microphones is as described to the right.

Zoom F8.jpeg

How microphones are connected

  1. Lavalliere, first actor 
  2. Lavalliere, second actor
  3. Lavalliere, third actor
  4. Lavalliere, fourth actor
  5.  
  6. Boom
  7. Environment (stereo)
  8. Environment (stereo)

We use the US "best practice" for naming shots, i.e. 6A, 6B and 6C for describing 3 different shots in one scene and then add take to the individual recording. We don't use slate numbering that is common in some European countries. 

We also use track name to add role (e.g. cast name). This is why we need support for iXML in order to manage different channels in post processing.

As an example from Seven Deadly Sins of IT, we used, CEO, CIO and CFO as track names for the first three tracks as each of them as their own lavalliere. When a new actor would use the same lavalliere as another cast, only we only change the track name.

Example at settings for Zoom F8 :

  • Note (free text per recording)
  • Scene Name Mode (User Name)
  • User Scene Name (6B)
  • Scene Increment Mode (Character)
  • Track name (cast name per track 1-4,  optional for track 5-6, environment for stereo track 7&8)
  • Take reset Mode (Folder Change)

Slate

If you would use metadata from a slate, you either need a dedicated electronic slate with timecode or using an application on an iPAD

MovieSlate (iPad)

The important fields to add are prod, date, scene and take as they are used to keep track of video clips via time code. 

All other metadata as DIR, DP are good to have, but optional depending on production.  

It's possible to add meta data for sound if the sound recorder don't have any options for this, e.g. a Zoom H6 or similar device.

Add notes, circle take and other information after the shot.