XMiL Sequencer converts an XML file exported from a Final Cut Pro timeline and turns it into an Avid Log Exchange (ALE) file, which serves as shot log. This file can then be imported into an Avid nonlinear editing system, turning the segments used in the FCP timeline into Avid master Clips, to be batch-digitized from the Final Cut Pro output tape.
File-Based Workflow
- Shoot with the RED One Camera
- Create QuickTime movies from the Red's R3D files
- Import QuickTimes into Final Cut Pro, string them out in a sequence
- Play the sequence out to video tape
- Export an XML file for the sequence from Final Cut Pro
- Use XMiL Sequencer to create an Avid Log Exchange file that lists the QuickTimes in the Final Cut Pro sequence as clips
- Import the ALE file into the Avid and batch digitize the clips from the video tape made with Final Cut Pro
- Edit on an Avid
- For a video finish the video tapes output from Fina Cut Pro can be used as masters in an Avid, or any other finishing platform.
Because XMiL Sequencer keeps track of the QuickTimes' metadata, such as source time code and source reel, it is also possible to go back to the Red Camera's original R3D files and use those to finish the program. And XMiL Sequencer can aslo extract the secondary time code from the Red Camera R3D files.
XMiL Sequencer also keeps track of any audio time code and source information synched in Final Cut Pro to the video footage.
XMiL Sequencer is made for those who shoot on a data-based format and want to edit on an Avid. Workflows like the one described above utilize Final Cut Pro to make a video tape from file-based footage, and XMiL Sequencer to create an ALE file to go with that. The advantage of using XMiL Sequencer is that one can always trace back to the original footage via time code, if needed. In an offline workflow working with video tapes avoids the need to import ‘un-decomposed’ QuickTime files into the Avid for preview screenings.