We shoot PAL video that has 25 frames every second. As well as recording video and audio on the tape, our cameras also record timecode, frame by frame.
So, every shot or clip has a unique start and end timecode.
We give the client the rushes (all camera footage) of their film, on VHS or DVD, with the timecode burnt in, so, using an Excel worksheet that we format and supply, the client can advise the start and end of each clip they want us to include. And because this edit log is an Excel worksheet, they can also name the clips, and sort them into the order they should appear.
Using this system, many hours of edit suite time are saved, and the client can log the material at their own pace.
Transcription with timecode
We also offer a timecoded transcription service; our transcriber views the timecoded rushes, and creates a transcript in Word that includes the timecode every few sentences. The client is emailed the timecoded transcript as it progresses. They simply highlight the dialogue of the required clips, and forward their version to our editor, who can locate the highlighted clips using the timecode reference. Brilliant!
