Drop Frame Timecode
Definition
Drop Frame Timecode is a type of SMPTE timecode used in NTSC video (the television standard used in North America and Japan) that compensates for the fact that NTSC video runs at 29.97 frames per second rather than exactly 30 frames per second. To maintain synchronization between the timecode and real clock time, Drop Frame Timecode "drops" (skips) frame numbers 00 and 01 at the start of every minute, except for every tenth minute. Despite the name, no actual video frames are dropped — only the frame numbers are skipped. Drop Frame Timecode is essential for broadcast production where the program must be exactly the right duration.
Contextual Usage
The assistant editor sets up the project: "I've set the project to Drop Frame Timecode because this is a broadcast delivery. The broadcaster requires the program to be exactly 44 minutes and 30 seconds, and Drop Frame Timecode ensures that our timecode accurately reflects real clock time. If we used Non-Drop Frame Timecode, the program would appear to be the right length in the edit, but the actual running time would be slightly different."
About this section
Post-production management is the administrative and logistical backbone of the entire post-production process. It encompasses the roles, tools, and workflows that ensure the project is delivered on t...
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