Importing and organizing video clips

I have a question about iMovie. I've made a few movies with it but am no pro. I am really anal about organizing my photos, music, videos, etc. and for that I love iPhoto. If i've just taken some pictures on my digital camera but don't quite have a use for them yet I can just name the roll and save them in iPhoto. With iMovie it's a different story. Whenever I hook my DV camcorder up I have been importing the video i took into iMovie, BUT it makes me save it into a project. What if I don't have a project in mind yet that I want to use this footage for but I just want to get it off my camera and store it on my computer or in iMovie for future use and easy access when I do decide to use that footage in a project or a movie I am creating? Any idea or suggestions?

One way is to do it manually. When you import to iMovie it stores the clips in a folder inside the project called "Media" and the video files are usually Clip 01, Clip 02, etc. Ya not very descriptive names, but you could rename them all after importing to give them meaningful names. If you don't need the project other than to import them, then import, rename, then drag and drop those to your storage folder(s). Trash the project or use it again to import more.
Then you can create a generic folder structure to help you organize. Something like this...
Video Clip Archives
. . . Vacations
. . . . . . Aruba
. . . . . . Disney
. . . Family
. . . . . . Kids
. . . . . . Aunt Martha
etc.
Inside the folders put the clips in. Give them date names or something to help. Like 060798-01, 060798-02 which would be the first two clips from June 7th 1998 and if they were in the Aruba folder then you know they are from a vacation you took to Aruba in June of 1998.
Nice thing about this system is you are not dependent on some application which may or may not be around years from now and in fact you are not even dependent on having a Mac. You could move this folder structure to another computer since the clips are generic DV formatted files, they can be read on other systems.
Patrick

Similar Messages

  • Importing and organizing raw video footage - options

    greetings-
    Looking for a better solution, if available, for importing & organizing raw video. I am using imovie for now. Soon to switch to FC express. After much exploring & learning on my new machine (recent convert), I’m a bit frustrated on how it video is handled.
    Please correct any of these that I’ve got wrong, but it appears that:
    Importing video (from DV camera) with programs provided on my machine can only be done through imovie and idvd.
    Importing video through these programs requires creating a project, and importing the video to that project.
    Then that imported video is associated with that project.
    So I want to take the imported clips (say from imovie), and organize them archiving, use on other projects, backup, etc. I know that I can find the actually video files by control clicking on the project in finder, hit show package, and get to "clip 1, clip 2...clip 55". This represents the raw footage, but now I’ve got say 55 separate clips, for just one import.
    I’d like to effectively organize my various raw videos by year/event etc. So that when working a project, a can pull in the different footage that I want to use. For instance, I previously imported and organzied video footage with my PC editing software, and now, thankfully, I can just bring that various footage from the external drive into Imovie and edit. If I want to do a project and grab some footage from 04, 05, 06, it's all right there.
    Is there a better solution for import & organizing my raw video clips more efficiently with imovie or idvd?? Or perhaps another program. Such that I’ve got the 1/2 hr of video "Christmas 05", one file (not 40 seperate clips), saved, and can pull it into projects as needed in the future... Ideally maintaining the clip breaks. Am I asking to much from apple? How do you all import/manage/save your imported video?
    Much thanks for any feedback!
    20" G5 core duo   Mac OS X (10.4.7)  

    Ciao Rubbersoul,
    unfortunately iMovie doesn't allow you to rename the clips (other than within the project), so if you want to label them for future reference, you'll have to do that outside iMovie.
    I personally save the best shots from each project to an external hard drive using the following method:
    • simply drag the desired clips from the iMovie project to the desktop
    • organize the clips by creating the appropriate folders (e.g. by subject, time, etc.), so you'll find your footage faster
    • rename the clips within the folders. If you don't need to give each clip a separate name, you can use tools like Renamer4Mac (http://www.power4mac.com) to batch-rename the clips.
    • transfer and organize your folders/clips on the external (Firewire) hard disk. You can do that manually or by using media browsers like iDive to organize and view your clips. iDive is a digital hub that can help you to keep not only your video but also music and pic collections under control, and it integrates with iMovie and FCE/FCP. Check it out here:
    http://www.aquafadas.com/idive-digital-video/index.php
    Always remember that DV eats up a lot of disk space and don't forget to back up your footage to tape.
    spero che ti sia d'aiuto
    mish

  • How do I re-import an original video clip

    How do I re-import an original video clip
    I want to re-edit a particualr clip (68 secs) and I have cleard the old clip (13 secs). But each time I try to import the original clip it only imports the portion I previously edited ie. 13 seconds.
    I have renamed the clip, tried to open it in a new project same thing - PREMIER PRO 5

    please be more precise about exactly what actions you took...
    by giving very detailed info on what you did (from the beginning, when you first imported "the clip" to Premiere) and what you want to do, you help people, who'd like to help youfinding a solution.
    But they need to understand what exactly your problem is.

  • I can't import and view videos from a camera.

    I can't import and view videos from a camera.  Even if I open the file and copy the .avi files onto the hard drive.  I have tried iMovie, Quicktime, and Flip player.  Flip player will open it but I only get the audio,  Quicktime freezes, and iPhoto tries to automatically import only to then error saying the files are not compatible.

    Hello Hese,
    try the following:
    1. delete preferences (com.apple.iMovie.plist) and empty the trash
    2. repair disc permissions with Disc Utility and reboot your mac
    3. use Diskwarrior or MacJanitor for disc clean-up
    4. disconnect any other firewire devices
    5. take off any non-system desktop pictures
    If nothing else helps, you might want to consider resetting your Firewire port(s)
    How to reset your Firewire ports:
    http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2001817&#2001817
    hope this helps
    mish

  • Importing xbox 360 video clips into imovie 6.0.3sk

    Hi, I have an xbox 360 that I would like to import some video clips off of onto my computer using imovie. I have a Powermac G4 with a dual 1.4 ghz cpu, 2 GB of RAM, and lots of HD disk space. I am using an ADS Pyro A/V link for capturing video. I have used this many times in imovie to capture video directly from a TV, VCR, DVD player, etc. For some reason when I hook up the cable from the xbox 360 to the Pyro (using either component connection or composite/RCA connection) and hit play in imovie to preview what's being converted, it can't process it. Sometimes it will show a bunch of pixelated squares, sometimes it won't show anything. Every once in a while it can process the sound, otherwise it doesn't show anything. After a few times, it says the pyro has been disconnected, although it obviously hasn't been. I've also tried directly importing without previewing it during the import, but that doesn't work either. I'm not sure if I need to set something a certain way? But I know you can import from the 360 because there are obviously many video clips floating around the internet taken straight from the xbox.
    Anybody know anything about this or have any ideas? Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance

    Nevermind...I figured it out. There is a little button on the video cable that toggles HDTV on or off. Apparently it has to be off. So if anyone else has this problem, hopefully they can learn from my mistake.

  • Lightroom 4 - Importing and Organizing Your Images | Getting Started with Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4 | Adobe TV

    Discover the most efficient method for downloading images into Lightroom and organizing them. Quickly import and manage your photo collection in a library that makes organizing, finding and editing your photos easy.
    http://adobe.ly/zQmi8t

    Ms. Kost,
    I am an event photographer and new to Lightroom.  I just got Lightroom 4 and am just starting to watch your videos.  This first one demonstrates your great step by step teaching method that's very informative and I'll be watching more.
    As an event shooter, I usually shoot with two cameras, each with a different lens.  I would very much like Lightroom to be able to SORT the files from both cameras during the Import phase and order them by the TIME that the shots were taken, or Chronologically, rather than to sort each group of files from each camera individually.  Since I do my editing and presenting in chronological order, I would like them sorted as if I shot them all with one camera.  My current method is to import to Lightroom after first using Bridge to import to the main SSD drive on my Macbook Pro, although I can change this method if need be.
    Is this possible? I didn't notice this option explained in this video if it exists.
    Thanks in advance!

  • Importing and joining movie clips

    hello ! here's my question to you. I'm working on a video project  (home movies) and I have 12 video clips from various tapes saved to my hard drive. I've managed to import them one by one  into the latest version of iMovie (10.0.6 I believe) and they import correctly. However, I cannot seem to, for the life of me, join all of these video clips together to create a full movie. I've tried selecting all of the clips, then share, then file. I click on it, then nothing.  I can export clip 1,2, etc, but that's not what I want. I want the whole thing all together
    thanks for any help
    John B

    thanks, GeeD. It's been a while since I used iMovie and the last version I used was 8 or 9 (back when I had my single quad core Mac Pro). Things sure have changed. Frankly, I like some of the older controls better, but what can you do? it is what it is---and it works
    Movie done
    thanks, sir
    john B

  • Importing and Organizing Thousands of Photos into IPhoto

    How can I import about 20 thousands photo into IPhotos and keep the logical organization?
    I just buy a Mac Mini and I start trying to move my photos. These are organized in directories by dates with a customize description for the occasion ( …/YEAR/YEAR-MONTH-DAY + DESCRIPTION/)
    I tried with few directories and I realized that in order to use IPhoto and keep the logical organization I will have to create and name about 500 albums manually and look for the photos for every album again one by one.
    It sounds hard because the number of albums and photos.

    There is a 3rd party application, iPhotoTool, that will let you select the top folder containing many subfolders and import all of them into iPhoto and create an album of each sub folder. That will save you a lot of manual work. Then all you need to do is create folders in the Source pane to organize your albums. Be sure to not allow duplicates each time it asks or you'll get duplicates in many of the folders. You'll be asked for each subfolder above the lowest but that's lot easier than manually finding and dragging each folder into iPhoto's Source pane.
    Do you Twango?
    TIP: For insurance against the iPhoto database corruption that many users have experienced I recommend making a backup copy of the Library6.iPhoto database file and keep it current. If problems crop up where iPhoto suddenly can't see any photos or thinks there are no photos in the library, replacing the working Library6.iPhoto file with the backup will often get the library back. By keeping it current I mean backup after each import and/or any serious editing or work on books, slideshows, calendars, cards, etc. That insures that if a problem pops up and you do need to replace the database file, you'll retain all those efforts. It doesn't take long to make the backup and it's good insurance.
    I've written an Automator workflow application (requires Tiger), iPhoto dB File Backup, that will copy the selected Library6.iPhoto file from your iPhoto Library folder to the Pictures folder, replacing any previous version of it. You can download it at Toad's Cellar. Be sure to read the Read Me pdf file.

  • Why the new itunes i can't listen and watch video clips

    it is very unconfortable that i can't watch and listen my videos clips on itunes. if i choose to watch them per album on movie-video application also i can only watch and listen one video clip. I want to watch the whole album just like the old version of itunes.
    Message was edited by: Otilio

    Did you ever resolve the iCloud problem.I am in the same position and its driving me mad!!! If you have a link to an solution I would appreciate it.

  • How to edit and splice video clips

    I have 3 video clips that I wish to edit and join together.

    Use Premiere Elements, not Photoshop Elements:
    Adobe Premiere Elements Help | Help and tutorials

  • I have been trying to create a movie from a project that is primarily stills and one video clip.  I cannot successfully create the movie without iMovie shutting down unexpectedly.  Any ideas for the cause of the problem?

    I am getting an unexpected shut down of iMovie when I try to share a movie from a project that is made up of still pictures, one video clip and music.  Have tried to create the movie several times with different formats and continue to get the message.  When I removed all music I was able to create the movie without a problem but when I added the music back, I was unable to create the movie.  I'm using iMoive 11' version 9.0.9
    Thanks.
    Bill

    I'm no expert in iMovie, but I've found that processing memory (as well as sheer hard disk space for the project to 'turn around in') can be a big issue with constructing, editing, and distilling projects in iMovie. I've improved the success by moving 2gb of image files off to an external drive, but only really got moving again on an hour-long project by doubling RAM and again freeing up h/d space.
    Some tunes are also an issue, but if you can see it in the iTunes list to place in your project, it should work okay... Does the project run with any other piece of music, or does just that one tune mess it up?
    Good luck,
    Laura

  • Trouble importing and playing video in Lightroom 5

    I mainly use Lightroom for photos, but I do use it to organize my videos. Lightroom 5.3 on a Macbook Pro running OS 10.9.2.
    Videos from all of our iPhones import and play perfeclty.
    Video from the Nikon D90 will import sometimes, but will rarely play. You can scroll across the preview icon and see the video, but when you click on to play it, it will only play a few seconds of the video but will continue to play the audio.
    I have converted the .avi files to .m4v in order to play in iTunes and Apple TV.  I've tried importing the .m4v files to Lightroom as well but always get an error: "Connecting to dynamic link server failed."
    Not sure what is going on or what I may be doing wrong.  I've successfully imported the videos from the camera to Aperture. Not sure why I can't get Lightroom to work.
    Thanks for any help.

    Exact same problem as well. When I try to import CDs either in iTunes or Windows Media Player I have problems. iTunes will play a track or two, but usually the imports ring in around 755 minutes and change and are corrupt. Windows Media Player has similar issues.
    What's strange is that my drive works just fine for burning DVDs, installing software from disc, or watching DVD movies, so I'm a little in the dark. Any ideas?

  • Importing and organizing photo files lightroom 5 for the first time. Clean up hard drive photo files

    I have a trial version of lightroom 5 and would like once and forall to bring some order to both my hard drives and lightroom 5 collection. Some photos in lightroom 5 seem to have lost their path. some are in Window 7 folders and others are in Elements 9. I have made back up copies of some folders and would like to have a more systematic approach to back them up from now on. I have a NAS (network access storage) device and an extra hard drive I thought it would be best to use my laptop as the primary working memory for my photo files as it would be faster than working with the NAS or external, and then back everything up to the NAS and external. I see the main challenge as  consolidating all of the files and whereever possible preserving the ratings I have given photos; I would like to eliminate duplicats. on both the hard drive and in lightroom. i have looked at one of the initial training vidios on the 'library' section of adobe help and the presenter talked of two methods of importing photos,. the first and the one I think I will use going forward is to open lightroom and import from the sd card directly as opposed to having Windows 7 import and then having lightroom find them. If someone kows of a comprehensive list of instructions to follow to clean up my hard drives that would be extremly helpful? Peter

    I doubt there is a list of instructions to clean up a hard drive, because every starting sitaution is different, and your "clean" is probably a lot different than my "clean".
    But let's clear up a few things first. Based on your writing, it seems like you think you have photos stored in PSE and photos stored in LR. This is not correct. Neither of these programs store your photos. All of your photos are on your hard disk, in folders, somewhere.
    With regards to missing photos in Lightroom, when you move or rename photos and folders OUTSIDE of Lightroom, Lightroom no longer knows where they are, and reports them as missing. To fix it, see: http://www.computer-darkroom.com/lr2_find_folder/find-folder.htm Related to this, you don't want to "clean up" things in Windows and also "clean things" up in Lightroom. Instead, once you import photos into Lightroom, you should do all photo management in Lightroom, not Windows, otherwise you will just be creating more missing files.
    With regards to duplicates, Lightroom has some tools to detect duplicates. It will try to prevent duplicates on import, and if you do manage to import duplicates, you can use the "AutoStack by Capture Time" to try to find additional duplicates. But if those don't work, then you're pretty much on your own.
    With regards to putting photos on your laptop to work on them rather than your external HD, I think you will find that this provides a tiny fraction of a second improvement in speed which you may not even notice, which will be offset by the time you spend moving photos to somewhere else when you are done. So, just put the photos in their final destination folder on your external HD or NAS, and don't bother moving them to the internal HD.
    Which brings up another point. Once you have accomplished this "clean up", your workflow should be to put the photos in one place, and then don't move them! (Exception: running out of space on disk, or moving to a new disk/computer) Make your life as simple as possible.
    One last point: strongly consider using keywords and other metadata to achieve organization, instead of moving photos/folders from here to there to achieve organization. These tools in Lightroom give you ability to organize in much more powerful and flexible organization than anything you can do by moving photos/folders from here to there. (Side note: if you want all photos in some sort of centralized location because it meets your storage needs, then do that because it meets your storage needs. Within that collection of photos in a centralized location, use keywords and other metadata to achieve organization and for searching)

  • "AVCHD" gets choppy when I try to edit in "FCPX" ... should I import and optimize video or create a proxy media???

    So I'm shooting some video on a Sony CX430
    60fps & 24fps
    Both on AVCHD format.
    And working out of my MacBookPro
      Processor 2.8Ghz (intel core 2 duo)
    Mem 8GB 1067 MHz ddr3
    1TB hard drive Space (440GB actual free space right now)
    im having trouble editing the video. the video becomes choppy and seems to drop frames. its no where near as smooth as when i play it back on the camera itself.
    1. should I be transcoding the files as I import them. ?
    2. And if so, which option.
       I. Create optimize media.  Or
      II. Crete proxy Media ?
    once I have played and done some editing in FCP.X
    3. Do I need to buy and use a compressor to get them burned on to a Blu Ray or DVD. ?
    4. What is a good Blu Ray burner (external) I should use/buy?

    #1 on my completely under powered MacMini, 2.26GHz/8GB, I'm noticing, it's faster to make the import/conversion a two-step process: step1 import, step2 after import select all clips, cmd-click, convert. If you import 'over night', I wouldn't care anyhow.....
    #2 for stutter free edit, I prefer Proxies; … Optimize is only recommended when you use a seperate, ext. hard-drive, due to sheer amount of data (~220GBs/h)
    #3 FCPX allows creation of DVD/BluRays - but: very simple ones, to be exact: two 'designs', just one Project, no fancy menus etc. 'Disk' isn't Apple's preferred delivery format for many years …
    #4 I'm not burning disks; LG and Samsung seem to have a good track-record ...

  • IMovie Problems: Photo import and audio-video out of sync.

    Photo import problem:
    Some times, I have problems importing photos onto my new project, the photos will appear to be that just one same photo when played. It does not transit to the other photos following the first, it's just stuck on the first. Is this just an issue with iMovie '11? Are there any other ways to resolve this problem?
    Audio-video out of sync:
    I've checked some other discussions but I'd like to raise this issue again for APPLE. There are problems exporting my 7-minute film - the video and audio go completely out of sync no matter what format I export it to. There are not a lot of clips used. I'm now trying the method to detach the audio files from the video, hopefully it works.
    These issues are bothering me, in addition to a failed firmware update on Mac OSX 10.7.2 a few weeks ago. I couldn't open my computer and I had to go to the Genius Bar to have them help me backup my files on my computer and reinstall the whole system again. Anyways, any help to the above iMovie issues are greatly appreciated. Just wish that Apple will address these current issues and not just focus on improving their products with awesome features ._.

    Hello,
    Thanks for the reply, I am using embed code generated with Flash Media Playback, as follows:
    <object width="640" height="480"> <param name="movie" value="http://fpdownload.adobe.com/strobe/FlashMediaPlayback.swf"></param><param name="flashvars" value="src=rtmpt%3A%2F%2F50.62.40.55%3A1935%2Flive%2Fchristmastime&poster=http%3A%2F%2Fsq uarestream.ca%2Fpics%2Fframe.jpg&autoPlay=true&streamType=live&optimizeInitialIndex=false" ></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://fpdownload.adobe.com/strobe/FlashMediaPlayback.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="480" flashvars="src=rtmpt%3A%2F%2F50.62.40.55%3A1935%2Flive%2Fchristmastime&poster=http%3A%2F% 2Fsquarestream.ca%2Fpics%2Fframe.jpg&autoPlay=true&streamType=live&optimizeInitialIndex=fa lse"></embed></object>

Maybe you are looking for