Any Control Over Tape Import Clip Names?

Hello -

Importing from tape shot on a Sony HVR-A1U and unlike previous imports, clip names are coming in chronologically, but not named in any particular order. Here's an example:

2013-12-16 05_10_20 (id).mov
2013-12-16 05_11_53 (id).mov
2013-12-16 05_12_19 (id).mov
2013-12-16 05_19_47 (id).mov

And so on...

Two questions,

1. Is there a way to set clip naming schemes based on first clip imported like: A1 12-16-13 01 so that all subsequent clips are the same sytax, but ending in 02, 03, 04...? That would save a hell of a lot of time renaming clips for different cameras.

2. Any idea what the sytax above represents beyond the date?

Thanks,
sp

1. No.

2. Looks like a date/time stamp.

Hiya Aqua,

While you may not be able to re-name and sequence on import, you can easily batch re-name and sequence your clips, just like you have there, with the Apply Custom Name feature in FCPX. After you import, as Tom mentioned, those clips you have are/can be sorted in your event browser window (It's easier in List View for this) by Date Imported, Content Created, etc. etc. Use Group and Arrange Clips By to order your group of media the way you'd like.

Then under Apply Custom Name, you can choose preset token chains or set up custom tokens/chains to apply to groups of your clips. I use, for example, Scene_CurrentName_Counter as a blanket naming scheme, prior to doing additional notations in other columns, like Shot, Notes, etc. I have attached a few screen grabs for you.

Hope this helps in the stead of doing it on import.

Cheers,
Dusty