Merge, the FCP event, clip and project management tool is now bundled into Postlab. Combine XMLs to get data from multiple sources into one updated Library.
Not only did we cover the launch of Merge X, we also covered the acquisition of the FCP data management tool by Postlab.
Toady it has been officially relaunched as part of Postlab, Paul Matthijs Lombert explains.
First, Final Cut Pro drops the X, and now MergeX does too. Meet Postlab Merge.
Postlab Merge allows you to merge Events, Clips, Projects, and more, within Final Cut Pro. Have one editor working on an edit in an Event, while another is keywording clips in the same Event, and then merging the new keywords into the project when needed – and more. Merge's granular controls allow you to manage precisely what makes it into the newly merged Event
From app to Workflow Extension
If you think about it, exporting and importing XMLs for in-app operations is a bit weird. It's why plugins exist, and Apple's supercharged version of a plugin is the Workflow Extension. So, Postlab Merge now is a Workflow Extension too:
Workflow Extensions are less intrusive to use than having to go from Final Cut Pro to a standalone app and back. Combined with Hedge's renowned user experience and UI, using Merge is now much easier. Final Cut Pro 10.5 is of course supported and thus is the new FCPXML 1.9 standard.
Ch-ch-ch-changes
Postlab Merge
Selecting a field ("Names") toggles priority. As you might have guessed, blue has priority.
Merge's biggest change is how non-priority is handled: when a side doesn't have priority, Metadata, Markers, and Ratings can be switched from having no priority to ignored ("X"). If so, if there's no value for a field in the priority Event, but there is one in the non-priority Event, it's still not included in the merger. This allows you to keep moot data out of your new Event.
In true Hedge style, we've culled a lot of options. Some had become obsolete, some no longer needed due to Merge being a Workflow Extension, and some we found a better solution for. The remaining Merging options are quite niche and required only for very specific workflows:
Merge's Settings
Event 1 has priority over Event 2
Fully Integrated
Postlab Merge is included in Postlab 20.4 and up, and doesn't require additional installation - if both Final Cut Pro and Postlab are installed, you'll automatically see Merge pop up in Final Cut Pro's toolbar:
To use Merge, you have to be logged into Postlab to use the workflow extension.
Future Speak
As always, a release is a new beginning. We have some very cool features in mind for Merge, like updating angles on MC Clips. If you run into something in your workflow where you think Merge could fill a void but lacks a feature, let us know. If it makes a lot of sense to integrate, who knows? After all, 90% of Hedge features exist because of user feedback. We don't expect less from Final Cut Pro editors 😁
I am the Editor-in-Chief of FCP.co and have run the website since its inception ten years ago.
I have also worked as a broadcast and corporate editor for over 30 years, starting on one inch tape, working through many formats, right up to today's NLEs.
Under the name Idustrial Revolution, I have written and sold plugins for Final Cut Pro for 13 years.
I was made a Freeman of Lichfield through The Worshipful Company of Smiths (established 1601). Though I haven't yet tried to herd a flock of sheep through the city centre!
Current Editing
2020 has been busy, the beginning of the year was finishing off a new property series (cut on FCP) for Channel 4 called The Great House Giveaway. I also designed and built the majority of the graphics as Motion templates. It has been a great success and the shows grabbed more viewers in the 4pm weekday slot than any previous strand. It has been recommissioned by C4 for 60 episodes, including prime-time versions and five themed programmes. The shows have also been nominated for a 2021 BAFTA.
Although both were postponed to later in the year, I worked again on ITV's coverage of the Tour de France and La Vuelta. 2020 was my 25th year of editing the TdF and my 20th year as lead editor. The Tour was the first broadcast show to adopt FCPX working for multiple editors on shared storage.
BBC's Snooker has played a big part in my life, I've been editing tournament coverage since 1997. I'm proud to be part of a very creative team that has pioneered many new ideas and workflows that are now industry standard in sports' production. This is currently an Adobe Premiere edit.
Covid cancelled some of the regular corporate events that I edit such as trade shows & events. I was lucky however to edit, from home, on projects for Amazon Kindle, Amazon Black Friday, Mastercard and very proud to have helped local charitable trust Kendall & Wall secure lottery funding.
As for software, my weapon of choice is Final Cut Pro and Motion, but I also have a good knowledge and broadcast credits with Adobe Premiere Pro, MOGRT design and Photoshop.
Plugin Design & Development
I'm the creative force behind Idustrial Revolution, one of the oldest Final Cut Pro plugin developers. It hosts a range of commercial and free plugins on the site. One free plugin was downloaded over a thousand times within 24 hours of release.
I also take on custom work, whether it is adapting an existing plugin for a special use or designing new plugins for clients from scratch. Having a good knowledge of editing allows me to build-in flexibility and more importantly, usability.
FCP.co
Now in its 10th year and 4th redesign, running FCP.co has given me knowledge on how to run a large CMS- you are currently reading my bio from the database! Although it sounds corny, I am pretty well up on social media trends & techniques, especially in the video sector. The recent Covid restrictions has enabled live FCP.co shows online. This involves managing a Zoom Webinar through Restream.io to YouTube and Facebook.
The Future
I'm always open to new ideas and opportunities, so please get in touch at editor (at) fcp.co. I've judged film competitions, presented workflow techniques to international audiences and come up with ideas for TV shows and software programs!
