diff --git a/pandora_incoming.py b/pandora_incoming.py
index de5371d..1d3321e 100644
--- a/pandora_incoming.py
+++ b/pandora_incoming.py
@@ -46,6 +46,20 @@ class Incoming(object):
 
     def import_media(self, f):
         filename = os.path.basename(f)
+        defaults = self.config['defaults']
+
+        # try to load default values from tree
+        folder = os.path.dirname(f)
+        while len(folder) > len(self.config['folder']):
+            defaults_json = os.path.join(folder, 'defaults.json')
+            if os.path.exists(defaults_json):
+                try:
+                    with open(defaults_json) as fd:
+                        defaults = json.load(fd)
+                    break
+                except:
+                    pass
+            folder = os.path.dirname(folder)
 
         # register file with pan.do/ra
         info = ox.avinfo(f)
@@ -68,7 +82,7 @@ class Incoming(object):
         # update item with default metadata
         item = r['data']['item']
         item_info = {'id': item}
-        item_info.update(self.config['defaults'])
+        item_info.update(defaults)
         self.api.edit(item_info)
 
         # upload media file