LAFCPUG: Importing FAQs

From FAQwiki

How do I import Flex or ALE files?

How do I import Flex or ALE files into FCP?

From Jude Cotter

• Open the Cinema Tools application that came with your FCP install. Press 'cancel' if prompted to open an existing database.

• Select Database > New Database and change the settings in the prompt box to suit your project. Save the database.

• Then go to File > Import > Telecine Log. Navigate to your ALE files and select the ones you want to import.

• Then export a batch capture list for FCP. Import this into FCP, and you're good to go.

From Nick Meyers

• This is now much improved in FCP 5.1 / CT3
  
• You can import the Flex, or ALE directly into FCP.
  

NOTE: This is not written up in the main Cinema Tools manual, you will find it instead in the "What's New" pdf, accessible from the Cinema Tools "Help" menu

Try this:

NOTE: if you need feet & frames info in your database, then the ale format is recommended.

• In FCP create a new bin and open it
  
• Choose File Menu > Import >Cinema Tools Telecine Log.
  
• (or control click in the bin and choose Import >Cinema Tools Telecine Log).
  
• An "import telecine log" window opens.
  
• NOTE: When you import the ale into FCP, the data will simultaneously be added to a Cinema Tools database.
  
• So before you import the Flex or ALE you have to nominate a CinemaTools database to import into.
  
• Options for this are at the bottom of the import telecine log window.
  
• You can create a new CT database, or import into an existing one.
  
• Creating a new database for each new flex or ale file is recommended.
  
• You can then merge the CT databases later.
  

Once you have established a Cinema Tools database to import into, navigate to your ale file, and choose it.

The Cinema Tools database will be created first.
Hit ok on the dialogue box that opens, then the clips will come into FCP with all their accompanying film info.