The most critical parameter when setting up a sequence, especially for a mixed media project, is the frame rate that matches the final delivery specifications. The sequence's frame rate (or timebase) is a fundamental property that dictates the temporal resolution of the entire project. All clips added to the timeline will be conformed to this rate. Choosing the wrong frame rate at the start can lead to motion artifacts like stutter or judder in the final output, and it is a setting that cannot be changed once the sequence is created without significant technical issues. Therefore, establishing the correct frame rate based on the intended delivery platform (e.g., web, broadcast, cinema) is the most important initial step.

A. The aspect ratio of each clip you will work with.

In a mixed media project, clips will likely have different aspect ratios. You set one aspect ratio for the sequence based on delivery needs, not based on each individual clip.

B. The overall length of the longest clip you will work with.

The length of a source clip is irrelevant to the technical setup of a sequence. The sequence's duration is determined by the edit, not by the length of the source media.

C. The codec of the edited film you intend to deliver.

The final delivery codec is an export setting, not a primary sequence setup parameter. While you choose a preview codec for the sequence, the final output codec is configured during rendering.

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1. Adobe Premiere Pro User Guide

"Create and change sequences": The official documentation states

"The settings for a sequence determine how the video is processed and played back. It's crucial to choose the right settings for your project

especially the Timebase (frame rate)

which cannot be changed after clips have been added to the sequence." This highlights the foundational and immutable nature of the frame rate setting. (Source: Adobe Help Center

Premiere Pro User Guide

"Work with sequences" section).

2. Adobe Premiere Pro User Guide

"Sequence settings": In the detailed description of sequence settings

"Timebase" is listed as a primary setting under the "Video" section. The guide explains that this sets the frames per second for the sequence and is a critical choice for conforming all media. (Source: Adobe Help Center

Premiere Pro User Guide

"Sequence settings reference" section).

3. Butz

R. (2016). Filmmaking Foundations for the Digital Age. University of California

Berkeley

Advanced Media Institute. Course materials emphasize that pre-production planning must define the project's technical specifications

with frame rate being a primary decision based on the intended distribution platform (e.g.

24 fps for cinematic

29.97 fps for NTSC broadcast). This establishes frame rate as a core project-level decision made at the outset. (Reference to standard university-level video production curriculum principles).