U-Save Paper Edit
An Off-Line paper edit is an edit performed on paper without creating a video master or having to be in the editing suite. It also saves you a "ton" of money because you don't have to pay the editing rate to view and review the video clips you want to use in your production. You only pay a small fee to have your field (source) video burnt to DVD with a time code (TC) window.
The Off-Line edit provides a foundation for your production and helps the editing process proceed fast and efficiently. The Off-Line edit can also be performed by you at your office or from your home using your computer or DVD player.
To complete a basic off-line paper edit you will need a Tape Log and the script. Complex paper edits can also include lengths of music cuts and a variety of elements to be used in the project.
Creating a Tape Log
- video master(s) are dubbed to a DVD copy with a time code window overlaid onto the video. Time code is a hidden counter that keeps track of location of the video on the tape in terms of [Hours: Minutes: Seconds: Frames].
- Create a grid or spreadsheet with several columns "Tape#", "Clip#", "TC In", "TC Out", "Good/Bad", and Comments.
- Write down the DVD name or number that you are going to view.
- While viewing the video, write down the time code number where the video that you want to use starts and then write down the time code number where the video ends, this identifies a video "clip". Generally only the Hrs:Min:Sec, the first six numbers of the time code are required.
- Identify the clip with a name and number such as "Tape01_Clip001", you can simplify the name and number even to "T01_C001". The key is to be consistent. Use leading zeros make sorting clips fast and easy during the edit. Also write comments about the clip i.e. "house on Elm Street" or "Talent reads paragraph 1". Also indicate Good and Bad clips.
Creating the Paper Edit
- Using the script, write the clip name in the "VIDEO" column next to the location where the clip is to be used. Do not try to keep the clip numbers in numerical order ON THE SCRIPT. Scenes in the script may have been shot on different tapes at different times and out of script order. For example, clip Tape03_Clip37 might be the first clip used in the script, conversely, Tape01_Clip01 may be the last clip used in the script.
- By subtracting the in point of the Time code from the in point of the time code you can determine the length of the scene. This is particularly handy for cutting a graphic or cut of music into the script... you're only limited by your own creativity.
- By adding the length of each scene on the script you can get a feel for the length of the project.
Using the paper Edit
The paper edit will tell the editor which clips are to be used in the production, the order that they are to be used in, and how long they will be.
NOTE: Many individuals keep a short description of each numbered clip.