Can I make a 3.5 Hour Video on FCP7?

[Mark Suszko]

It is unlikely to play off the timeline uninterrupted at that long of a running length, but if you have the processing power and drive space, you should be able to render out a QuickTime .MOV that long.

If you have what they call a “Producer Account” on YouTube, you can post longer material.

Where I would disagree with your client is that it is rare for a YouTube audience to watch something that long, uninterrupted. It would have to be damn compelling content. Not to mention, it’s just easier to break something like this up into smaller chapters. Even if “small” is relative, say, an hour.

So, which Wagner opera cycle is it? 🙂

[Ned Miller]

Thanks Mark. The client prefers one long video because this is for Continuing Legal Education credits so she feels the viewer will bookmark, watch a little, and return several times. Also, I suggested doing 8 videos and wanted more money but when she didn’t offer any, then fine, one long video. I had no idea there would be this many PP slides!

What settings should I use for FCP7 export knowing it is for the web only? Although I shot in 1080 I set up the sequence for 720 and can tell it’s not as crisp looking. Is it possible in 7 for me to change my sequence settings to 1080 without re-rendering 3.5 hours?

I have a powerful 27″ iMac with Thunderbolt 1TB drive.

Thanks,

Ned

Ned Miller
Chicago Videographer
http://www.nedmiller.com
www,bizvideo.com

[Mark Suszko]

Do a five minute test at 720 that includes said power point graphics, and decide for yourself. I think you will have to re-render, but you can set it up overnight.

“Bookmarking” somewhere inside a timeline of 3.5 hours? Versus shorter, easy-to-track, self-contained chapters? Your client is making a big mistake, IMO.