An app that adds camera EXIF metadata to files imported into Final Cut Pro has just had a large update. evrExpanse 3 now supports transcoding and XML import.
The problem with niche apps is that sometimes it's a bit hard to work out what they do. We covered the launch of EVR X back in March 2019 with the tagline:
'EVR X is an inexpensive app that turns EXIF camera data into keywords for video files in Final Cut Pro X. They can then be searched, sorted and even turned into Smart Collection.'
And that is still correct, by running files through the app, EXIF camera data can appear as finder tags and thus become keywords in your FCP Library. Let's take a look at this handy chart from the developers that shows what data will work from each camera.
The new version, on sale at €44 has had a major update that takes the concept further with bulk transcoding and import.
So what is new in evrExpanse 3?
- Final Cut Pro XML import with media file and metadata.
- Assimilate SCRATCH integration with media and metadata.
- ASC MHL integration for creating MHL’s files.
Now, the first line is obviously of interest to FCP users, the FCPXML export function produces a *.fcpxml (FCPXML v 1.9) or a *.fcmld (FCPXMLD v 1.10) file that allows you to import the processed media files and their metadata into a new FCP event within an existing FCP library. Every media file already present in an FCP library/event/ timeline inherits the imported metadata of the corresponding processed files.
This could save a lot of time if in the post production process you need to sort media by this metadata from the table above. You could sort by camera or even lens type which might help when sending off shots for VFX for example.
We suggest you download the free trial to run the app in your post production timeline. Well worth exploring the possibilities as this app just might be the final piece in a post workflow that would allow Final Cut Pro to do some very clever things.
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!
