ABSTRACT
Timecode is a data stream that synchronizes each frame of the digital signal so that computers can refer to frames of video in the proper order. When you edit video, each clip has its own timecode and most clips from video cameras have continuous time code. This means that if you record 60 minutes of video, even as you stop and start recording, the timecode is recorded without starting over at the beginning value (00:00:00:00, hours: minutes: seconds: frames). All this data is especially handy to an editor if the camera operator or an assistant keeps record of the starting and stopping timecode for every shot and records notes regarding scene, shot, take and the resulting quality of the particular take. In this way, the editor receives a list of shots, the corresponding timecode and whether or not the take was a good or bad take. Lucky you, the video has already
Not everyone can make shot lists on the fi eld, especially if you’re the only crew member or the content of your video does not allow you to start and stop the camera. Even then, you may be able to fi nd a few seconds here and there to jot down timecode at key moments. For example, when shooting a wedding video, I’d often memorize a few good moments and write them down later when I had a second to stop. Let’s say you’re shooting the photo session of a wedding and the cute 4-yearold nephew of the bride tugs at her dress to tell her she looks like a princess. Money shot. Make a quick mental note of the timecode. You’ll write that down when you move onto the next scene of the event.
