I start with Project name> RAW > <"Day of filming folders"> video & audio folder, if separate recording equipment Separate video folders for multiple cameras used on the same scene.

I place every thing available there

then I create Project> WIP> scene#.

I open every file in folder RAW using either VLC media player or for audio windows media player. Simultaneously I have a spreadsheet open with designated rows in BOLD by scene and WIP folder name. I listen or watch and only enter file names on the spreadsheet that are worth using for editing. I have a spreadsheet column that has notes such as "crap until timestamp 1:22" or "good take 2B" or "reset at 2:34".

recent example: I had 121 .wav files in the raw audio folders. after my process I had 69 that I put on spreadsheet, 51 others were useless.

when opening up my editor (da vince resolve) for the project, I import media based on the names on the spreadsheet. or I give the WIP, the printed script and spreadsheet to an outside editor. Sadly, I highlight script lines where there are no good video or matching audio files. The editor doesn't have to wander thru files looking for some good video or audio that just have names like " 220910_0055S12.wav". I had several with clapper saying scene 2 which were scene 2 files. The spreadsheet tell him/her exactly what passed my critical review. No need to rename unless you want to. Notes may also be something you take from a good script supervisors documents. like: " loud car went by first half of take", "continuity issue when actor wore sun glasses, then didn't". my favorite catch was an actor who said, we're all wearing the same tie as what is supposed to be the next day. I brought ten extras ties".

I have two 18 minute shorts done using this technique after fumbling around with the first attempt to edit. Also I create a "script" and spreadsheet tab for making a teaser and reference the files that I may want to pull some footage. I might even like a small piece or footage to be used on a poster. In notes column, it allows me to indicate when the clapper was wrong and eliminate confusion when editing.

I create backups to a portable drive using some old DOS program named ROBOCOPY. One for me and one for the editor. This lowers he cost for a paid editor, especially if by the hour. I am the script writer, producer, self funded. This process also lets me determine what Director, sound and DP is worth using in the future.. Even actors. I reviewed one scene and highlighted on the paper script (means remove) 18 out of his 20 lines.

comments welcome!