We have a proxy maker .command file in GlobalNAS/_Resources that when placed in a folder with footage, generates compressed video files in a proxies folder that is widely recognised by Premiere Pro. Our proxy maker uses FFMPEG.
What is a proxy and why should I use it?
A proxy is a lower-resolution version of a video file that’s easier to edit due to its smaller size and lower processing demands. Using proxies on our Global-NAS improves editing speed, reduces network bandwidth consumption, and lessens our computer’s load. Premiere automatically renders the video using the highest quality files it has access to, so we don’t have to worry about output quality.
What is FFMPEG?
FFmpeg is a free and open-source software project consisting of a suite of libraries and programs for handling video, audio, and other multimedia files and streams. At its core is the command-line ffmpeg tool itself, designed for processing of video and audio files.
The proxy maker is located here:
/Volumes/_Resources/MoGraph/proxy-maker-231207/ProxyMaker-231222 - v3.command
Setting up Proxies in Premiere
This will guide you through loading up proxies in Premiere.
Old src instructions
These instructions are now old, because in v3 of the ProxyMaker, we have added a function to automatically copy the src folder to the documents folder. In case that doesn’t work, here are the legacy instructions:
Using the proxy maker command file is super easy, but before you can use it you have to move the src folder to your documents. The src folder contains the FFmpeg executable, which is what is actually doing the proxy generation.
All you have to do to get started with the proxy maker is copy/paste the src folder located here:
/Volumes/_Resources/MoGraph/proxy-maker-231207/src
And paste it into your Documents folder. Voila.
Using the Proxy Maker file
After you’ve set up the proxy maker file, copy/paste the ProxyMaker-231222 - v3.command file in the folder where your footage is located and double-click it. Please follow the Import footage guide to set up your files before making proxies.