Hello, I just started working on a short documentary as an AE. The footage was shot on Sony and I noticed that source files have generic, duplicate names. What would be the best workflow in this case? Should I rename source files within the finder structure, at least adding the date of the shoot, and then transcode and bring into Avid? I also read it's not recommended to change source files names not to mess up the metadata. Thank you in advance.

No, I would not change the filename. Instead, I would add a TAPE ID.

In the bin make sure you have the tape ID column showing (right-click a column > choose columns), Select all your clips, then right-click the empty area under the tape id column and hit modify tape ID for all selected clips (something like that) and type a sensible name in there.

Generally its not reccomended to rename files. With some formats it can really cause issues. But with simple generic files its less of a problem.

Duplicate names aren't an issue as long as you also manage the location of those files. Some Post houses use Tape ID and copy the folder name (so there is a distiniction between files with the same name)

If you do need to rename files this has to be done before you start working with them.

There are various tools that will  bulk rename files based on user parameters.

If you rename you must re backup those renamed files. You original files and their backups are less helpful after that renaming.

I second Pat here.

What is a good practise is to create a folder structure that includes camera number, shooting date, etc..., copy camera media into that structure prior linking. This folder structure is almost always identical to the folder structure you would use for backup purposes of the original files.

That way, in case of media being lost, you can (relatively) easily restore a timeline or project.

Jeroen van Eekeres:

I second Pat here.

What is a good practise is to create a folder structure that includes camera number, shooting date, etc..., copy camera media into that structure prior linking. This folder structure is almost always identical to the folder structure you would use for backup purposes of the original files.

That way, in case of media being lost, you can (relatively) easily restore a timeline or project.

Does MC now provide a Bin column that auto-populates with the shooting dates which are embedded in the individual camera files? 

I think that an accurate shooting date is one of the most important clues when sorting through a brand new pile of file-based media, often part of a multi-camera shoot & not logged consistently in the field. Even if the camera's date was not set properly, it can still provide a clue that can be useful.

I like the idea of mimicking the folder structure. It requires a certain level of overview, pre-planning. The Source Path bin column would bring those file shooting dates into view and potentially sortable by shooting date.

Hi Jeroen, thank you for the tip. Yeah, after doing research I rather not change the source files names. I'm using a Davinci to Avid proxy workflow creating a folder structure within Media Pool that way it gives more flexibility with assested reel names. In that case, would you still reccommend recreate that folder structure on the drive with the copied camera media?   

Got it. Thannk you.