Inventory the source before editing
Create one row per incoming clip with a stable filename, source location, generation date, operator, intended shot, duration, dimensions, frame rate, audio presence, and rights note. Capture the actual media properties with an inspector rather than copying an unverified caption. Keep the original asset immutable and place working copies under version control appropriate to the production. If a clip arrived through a third-party tool, record that transfer without presenting it as an official partnership. This inventory lets an editor reject ambiguous media before it contaminates the timeline and gives the final approver a traceable starting point.