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Shot Files - File Naming

Layout Files:

[Scene]_LAYOUT.user.version.blend

Sequence Files:

[Scene]_[Sequence]_STEP.user.version.blend

 

Shot Files:

[Scene]_[Sequence]_[Shot]_DescriptiveName_STEP.user.version.blend

ex: 010_B_030_YokoDrives_ANIM.blend    <- Pipeline-valid shot file

ex: 022_C_010_SierraSings_FX.baku.v002.blend    <- user backup or working copy

  • Scene = Scene Number
    Typically three numbers. Scenes always count up by tens (10s) to leave room for additional insert scenes.
    • Scenes always start counting at 010. The next scene, by default, would be 020.
  • Sequence = Sequence Letter
    Typically a single letter. Sequences count up through the alphabet starting at 'A' and going to 'Z'.
    • Always Uppercase
    • 'I' and 'O' are skipped
  • Shot = Shot Number
    Functions the same as Scene Numbers
  • DescriptiveName = Optional! A user may choose to give a shot a very brief descriptive name to aid comprehension when working with multiple shots.
    • Can denote a distinguishing factor such as a camera angle, character, or action in the shot.
    • Limit to 3 words, if possible.
  • STEP = Marks the pipeline step for the shot file
  • User = Optional! While working on a shot, a user may use this space to denote:
    • alternate versions
    • progress
    • their name to show who is working on it
    • backups
  • Version = a temporary addendum to the shot file to save versions or backups.

IMPORTANT! Shot files MUST NOT include ".user" and ".version" tags in order to be Pipeline-valid.

Rules:

  • Underscores '_' separate items that identify the shot (Scene, Shot, DescriptiveName, Step)

  • No spaces. Use PascalCase to denote word separations

  • Dots '.' are used to mark versions or users for local files. Should not be present on final pipeline files

  • No special characters like +=#^*&^$()?!

  • Keep DecriptiveNames simple, less than 3 words if possible.

  • Steps are always ALLCAPS for legibility

Possible Steps:

  • STRY = Storyboard

LO = Layout

ANIM = Animation

FX = Effects, 2D and/or 3D

LGT = Lighting

RENDER = Final, Renderable file

Best Practices:

  • DescriptiveNames are optional, but should be used wherever possible

  • If a user adds User/Version tags to a file locally, they should always push their changes into the main pipeline file when they are done, and make sure it saves without the additional tags

  • When inserting a new shot between existing shots, give it a number halfway between the two original shots

    • ex: Shot 020_015 would go between 020_010 and 020_020
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