Organized from the start

001- Well here I am world. Post #1 (!) and what better place to start than at the beginning of any project. Being organized at the start is critical to keeping everything under control (corny, perhaps…but true). And I like to keep the housekeeping as simple and pain-free as possible. That’s why I have it down to a few simple steps.

When I first create an Avid project I immediately add to the same project folder a new folder I call INGREDIENTS where I keep all my other “stuff “. It’s where I put any files related to the job: Audio, Photoshop, scripts, etc. But lumping all these files in one place can be extraordinary confusing as projects start to bloat. So I keep subfolders within the Ingredients folder. Now it will vary from editor to editor but I usually have it broken down into commonly used categories: After Effects project files, fonts, graphics & logos, movie clips, music & other audio, references, and still images.

But hey, I’m waaaayyy too lazy to make these each time. So I keep a SET of pre-made folders off to the side (actually on a different drive). Then I just drag a copy of the whole clean set into my project folder.

Whenever I get something for a project, say a revised script – dropped into the Reference folder. New audio mix – dropped into the Audio folder.

And if I’m missing media for some reason a quick batch import finds these files in the same place even after I’ve restored the job and makes the process of fixing and finding painless.

{I go so far as to create an After Effects template project that includes the same folders in AE’s project window and including that template already in the After Effects sub-folders. That way when I bring stuff into After Effects it’s organized the same way}

What I like about this is it can become a standard in any office. No more guessing where Bill keeps the audio files for this or Sue keeps the imported quicktimes for that. All in one place. Get an assistant to do this and you’ll always know where they put files for you.

And this reaches beyond Avid & editing. Change the subfolders and it’s pretty much an instant and constant way to keep on top of any professional process.

Anyone else have something similar they’d like to add?

© ATTM 2010