Collecting metadata
Metadata in Reeltime describes recorded clips and helps organize the clip library. Some metadata is received automatically from the camera signal, while other information is entered during recording or added later in the clip library.
This article explains where metadata originates and how slot metadata and global metadata are collected during a recording workflow.
1. Metadata sources in Reeltime#
Metadata can originate from different stages of the recording workflow:
- slot metadata received from the camera via the SDI signal
- global metadata entered before or during recording
- clip metadata added in the clip library after recording
- labels used to categorize media items
- annotations attached to segments within clips
All collected metadata becomes part of the clip metadata and can later be used to organize and search the clip library.
2. Slot metadata received from the camera#
If the camera embeds metadata in the SDI signal, Reeltime automatically reads and records this information as slot metadata.
Typical metadata fields include:
- timecode
- clip name
This metadata is associated with the corresponding input slot and is recorded together with the clip.
3. Entering global metadata#
Slate and production information can be entered as global metadata before recording.
Typical fields include:
- scene
- shot
- take
- additional production metadata
Global metadata is entered in the metadata panel and applied to all armed input slots when recording starts.
Updating the slate information before recording ensures that each take is recorded with the correct metadata.
4. Adding metadata in the clip library#
Additional metadata can be added after recording in the clip library.
Common examples include:
- rating clips
- flagging clips to identify important takes (for example a circled take)
- adding comments
Metadata can be edited directly in the table view of the clip library or in the clip detail view.
Info tab
Displays all metadata of the selected clip. If multiple clips are selected, certain metadata fields can be edited for all selected clips at once.
5. Categorizing clips with labels#
Clips in the clip library can be categorized using labels. Labels are color-coded and help distinguish different types of media.
By default, Reeltime assigns labels automatically for common media types:
- Recorded Takes
- Rehearsal
- Reference
- Composite Recording
- Imported Media
Label names can be customized in Label Names in the library settings. Automatic label assignment can be configured in Automatic Label Assignment.
Labels are also used when organizing clips with smart groups.
6. Annotating clips with markers and ranges#
Metadata can also be attached to specific segments within a clip.
Reeltime allows annotations on:
- markers
- in/out ranges
These annotations can include ratings and descriptive text and allow important frames or segments within a clip to be documented.
Detailed instructions are described in the article Annotating clips with in/out ranges and markers.
7. Using metadata to organize and find clips#
All metadata collected in Reeltime can later be used to organize and locate clips in the clip library.
Examples include:
- structuring clips using smart groups
- locating clips using text search
These workflows are described in the article Searching and organizing clips with metadata.