Organized file structure with FCS?

Spartan2 · Been around the blocks Joined: 15 Sep 2009 Posts: 21

I'm deploying Final Cut Server at work, and we want to keep some kind of human-readable file structure on our SAN just in case FCS goes down for whatever reason.

I don't want to let the editors move files around in the finder at will, but I don't want FCS to just dump all our files into a single huge folder either.

Is there a way to use Final Cut Server to organize the files logically, or does everyone just let FCS do whatever it wants with the files?

I even thought about using the upload dialog to create new folders on upload to store the files in, but the new folder button is always grayed out.

Thanks,
Mario

nrausch · Xsan Master Joined: 14 Sep 2007 Posts: 202

If you make a folder for each production/ project in the filesystem, then make that folder a device in final cut server... You can use scans to analyze the folders occasionally.
-Or just setup your main capture scratch folder for production scans...

Although, the best results I have seen are to let FCSVR manage the location of the media, and forbid moving of that media in the filesystem.

As far as "if the server goes down" scenario...
- Schedule regular FCSVR database backups.

-Keep project autosaves and checkout archives locally. The most recent can be used to media-manage the project. (For offsite work or archiving.) While you restore the failed server.

The other option, though tedious, would be to make a new directory in the file system for each job/project... make each a device... and upload media to the correct folder.

You'll want to stay away from moving media in the filesystem regardless, as your database will be a complete mess.

bildon · Been around the blocks Joined: 23 Apr 2008 Posts: 20

I've always found it much easier to setup fewer devices with Scan Productions enabled.

So you would create a "projects device" with a scheduled scan productions response. Then you can make a new folder in the projects directory, those folders will then be made productions of the same name.

Let me know if you need some additional detail on this, i've done it several times and it works quite well (especially for FCP Capture Scratch folders).

ogminlo · Xsan Master Joined: 29 May 2008 Posts: 149

Not only can you do this, you should do this. A tidy filesystem is important MAMS or no MAMS.

You can use script responses to make directories with the mkdir command. You can pass mkdir field values from a newly created Productions and have that happen upon Production creation with a subscription.

If you'd like more help with this, feel free to PM me.