RELATED TOPIC:
How to create accurate color bars and tone in Avid »
     
    

   
   
     
For those working in broadcast television, we are always adding filler to the beginning of our sequences to accomodate bars, tone, slate and countdown. Because I've seen some editors struggle with adding the necessary filler and getting their content to start correctly at 01;00;00;00, I thought I'd post a couple of methods.
  

    
CHANGING SEQUENCE STARTING TIMECODE (2 Methods)
Before you add filler at the start of your sequence/timeline, make sure that your sequence begins at the correct Time Code value.

METHOD ONE:
Changing The Starting TC At Any Time

1. Load the sequence into the Timeline.
2. Place your cursor over the Record Monitor.
3. Click your mouse to activate the Record Monitor.
4. Go to: FILE MENU > Get Sequence Info
   Note: in earlier releases the menu selction will be "Get Clip Info."
   The keyboard shortcut is Command (Apple Key) plus the letter "i".
5. A dialog box will appear (as pictured below).
   You may then type in the required starting TC value.
   

METHOD TWO:
Setting The Default Starting TC For All New Sequences

1. Open up your Settings and scroll down to the General Settings as pictured below:
   
     
2. Double-click to open the General Settings and simply enter the default starting value you require:
   
     
3. Now, each time you create a new sequence it will begin at the TC value you set as your default.

ADDING FILLER AT THE BEGINNING OF A SEQUENCE FOR BARS, TONE & SLATE  (2 Methods)

METHOD ONE:
Adding the filler manually and adjusting the starting TC manually
This method assumes that there is no filler currently at the beginning of your sequence/timeline and that the first frame of your edit/content is the first frame of your sequence/timeline.

1. Change the starting TC of your sequence to DROP FRAME TC of 00;58;30;00 (using Method 1 described above).
2. Go to the Clip Name Menu which is above your Source Monitor and click on it to reveal the menu.
3. Select "Load Filler."
   
    
4. Mark a duration of 1:29:28 (1 minute, 29 seconds and 28 frames).
5. Splice the filler in on ALL tracks.
6. You should now have the following:
   - Your sequence begins at 00;58;30;00 (DF TC)
   - The first frame of your content is correctly at 01;00;00;00
7. You may now Overwrite your color bars, tone, slate and countdown into your timeline.

METHOD TWO:
Adding the filler quickly
This method assumes that your timeline is already set with a starting DROP FRAME TC of 01;00;00;00, that there is no filler currently at the beginning of your sequence/timeline, and that the first frame of your edit/content is the first frame of your sequence/timeline.

1. Go to Timeline Settings:
   
     
2. Double-click Timeline settings to open them.
3. Click on the Edit Tab to reveal the  window below:
   
     
4. Enter the duration you require. I've entered the value 1:29:28 (1 minute, 29 seconds and 28 frames).
5. Click the OK Button.
6. Now, any time you need to add that duration of filler at the start of your sequence/timeline,
   go to CLIP MENU > Add Filler at Start, as pictured below
   
    
7. For added speed, you could map the "Add Filler at Start" menu slection to a key on your keyboard.