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Copying events WITH track motion keyframes
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Yes, when I have the project open, I’ll provide a snapshot.
meanwhile, which example are you referring to Stephen? I don’t see your example?
Gilles
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A snapshot won’t tell us anything, upload a few seconds of video showing what you’re trying to do.
Here’s the sample again.
Steve Mann
MannMade Digital Video
http://www.mmdv.com -
Thanks Stephen, I’ll upload a sample.
In your example, you’re not moving the text with the white background that slides in. If you were (as I’m doing), parent track motion is a perfect tool.
Gilles
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That’s even easier. Still, no keyframes, no parent/child tracks.
Steve Mann
MannMade Digital Video
http://www.mmdv.com -
When I do lower-thirds for a client it is often for two or three-dozen people. I need a fast solution and can’t spend a lot of time on it.
Still, Keyframes, but no parent/child tracks. (Note, no audio in these examples).
I decided to try using parent/child. This may be a little easier because there is no need to design the motion more than once, so no keyframes need to be copied. I may use this method in future projects as it may shave a few minutes.
Lower thirds using parent/child
Steve Mann
MannMade Digital Video
http://www.mmdv.com -
Yes Stephen, parenting and using parent track motion does save time when creating composited motion.
The downside, as mentioned in my original post, is that when you copy the set of tracks which make up your animated lower third, the keyframes in the parent track motion don’t get copied. You must copy them using the technique described by Dave.
Unless there is a method not yet suggested here.
Gilles
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Maybe we skipped a step in our explanations.
Let’s say I want to use the same lower-thirds graphic for Mickey, Donald and Goofy. I start with the graphic and one name over it. Make new copies of the name track for each additional name. (Don’t duplicate the track as the text events are irrevocably linked as references to the same event). Now add a blank track and make it the parent of all the name and graphic tracks. Do your motion keyframing on the parent track. Now, one at a time, mute all but one name and save the project file. For example, “mickey-lt.veg”, etc. Do the same for each name. In your main project, add a video track and drop your lower-thirds project files where you want them. No copying keyframes and no keyframes on the master project.
Since I don’t like to move the text because it can stutter on the viewer’s system, I’ll keep doing it with the text fade-in and no parent/child relationship.
Steve Mann
MannMade Digital Video
http://www.mmdv.com -
I see what you mean Stephen.
Here’s a screenshot of my method for the animated lower third. I personally prefer it as I’m not fond of having tons of nested projects for the lower thirds. By using parent track-motion, it’s all in my main project and if the need to be adjusted (ie. match new music, etc), it can easily be done efficiently, without having to individually opening/editing each nested project.Does this make sense?
Gilles
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There are always at least two ways to do anything in Vegas, often more. So there is no right method. There is simply what works.
As I said, I look for the fastest, easiest way to do the job, and while your process works for you, it would take me too long to duplicate the keyframes for every moving event. It’s just too much work.
Nested projects are treated like any other event and it’s not unusual for me to have a dozen on a single project. Once you make the lower-thirds project file for each name, why would you ever have to open it again?
Steve Mann
MannMade Digital Video
http://www.mmdv.com -
Absolutely, many ways to skin a cat in Vegas 🙂
“Once you make the lower-thirds project file for each name, why would you ever have to open it again?”
I often have to tweak my lower thirds. For instance, I’ll provide a rough edit to the client for review. Once I receive the feedback with desired changes, I implement these and sync everything up. Having a musical background, I love syncing to the beat including syncing the lower thirds. Because my lower thirds can be complex with layers of audio and video, I personally save time having adjusting when everything is at hand.
As you say, it comes down to personal choice. Both accomplish the same result.
Gilles
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