Brandan Fisher from FDPTraining likes organisation in his FCPX projects. In fact he likes organising so much, he's offering his 'Template Library' with colour coded folders to everybody for $4.99.
We will let Brandan explain his methods:
At the start of 2015, I asked myself how I could be a better editor. I’m always looking for little nuggets of information that make me better and that differentiate me from others in the industry. What am I doing that I can improve upon, and how can I provide a little more professionalism in my work?
Organization has never been a big priority for me in the past. In fact, I have handed clients projects that had all of the assets in one folder. Like an extra closet in a house, I tossed everything in and closed the door. Sound familiar? But then, I got a glimpse of how valuable well-organized files can be when dealing with clients.
It started when I made the switch to FCPX. I was slow to adopt FCPX because I am a Master Certified Pro in the FCP7 Suite. It took me two weeks to break the old way I used to do things and fully embrace FCPX, and now it is the best NLE I have used. It makes file management so easy.
One day, I was asked to cut some videos for Microsoft. The agency needed 5 videos done, but they only wanted me to do two of them and they were going to find another editor do the other three because of time constraints. I got the drive on a Saturday and had time to process the media from all five videos. I catalogued all of the assets and Multicam synced them.
When I showed the client my progress on Monday, he was shocked and said I could go ahead and do all five videos. This gave me a glimpse of how being more organized could make me more money.
I love that FCPX gives me confidence to be able to work efficiently and keep all of my assets in order. But I started to want even more in terms of organization.
So, I decided to integrate a new file system in 2015 where I can be completely organized. I’m tired of searching for a file on my computer, only to find I am missing media, or that I need to reconnect something. I want everything in proper order, with my libraries easily navigable, so that I can find things quickly when I need them.
I got together with a friend and designed these awesome color-coded file folders that compliment the look and feel of FCPX, to manage all of my project assets. There’s icons for every file type: video, audio, graphics, exports, e.t.c. This pack of folders and the Library are available on my site for $4.99.
Each time I start a new project, I create a new file system exclusive to that project. As the assets come in, I sort them into each folder. The folders have preassigned finder tags so they are easy to find. This system has transformed the way I stay organized and has made my life so much easier and I truly feel like I am delivering a better product to my clients.
Some of you might be thinking, “It’s so easy to make new folders on my computer already, why would I ever want this?” And you’re right, you can spend the time to create a bunch of new folders every time you start a project, but using these new folders is so much faster and easier.
After you have downloaded my template & folders, just keep the .zip file. Double Click to unpack it. Rename the folder, now or later, for the project you will be working on and open the Library Folder. I have even provided a Library file with all the smart collections you need to get started on your next corporate shoot. Double click the file to open it in FCPX.
You can use this template as a base and delete or add to it, and customize where you want your backups to go. Then close it and re-zip the folder to be your workflow.
Thanks for checking this out. I hope it saves time, inspires you to want to be organized and gives you another wow factor for deliverables to your clients.
Brandan Fisher
FDPTraining
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!
