Andrew Wilson
Forum Replies Created
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Like was said by someone else above, the anamorphic setting should never be used when using native HD images. That checkbox is from the olden days when SD cameras (like the XL2) could be set to shoot “16:9” only they did it using a SD frame size and stretched the pixels to essentially letterbox the image. (I never understand the appeal of that). Anyway, those days are long gone.
As for when you dropped your image into the sequence and it filled the frame: check the motion tab – I bet the size is boosted up above 100%. FCP will automatically try to fill the frame best as possible when you edit in a clip. Just like if you’re editing HD footage into a SD sequence, it will size it down to 37%.
I try not to ever work with proxy sizes – I find that the trouble they cause when it comes time to conform far outweighs the benefits of lightning the load on FCP.
Andrew Wilson
WestView Digital Video & Design
http://www.westviewdigital.com -
Also I’ve been known to fade to black and put a simple graphic on the screen that reinforces that the interviewee is taking about. Then you use that technique a few more times so it doesn’t look out of place. Sometimes for the serious stuff that can be effective.
Andrew Wilson
WestView Digital Video & Design
http://www.westviewdigital.com -
I assume editing in sd isn’t an option. Otherwise you could “zoom in” without losing quality.
Andrew Wilson
WestView Digital Video & Design
http://www.westviewdigital.com -
You should set your sequence to match the settings coming out of after effects which is 1920×1080 square pixels. I would use prores 422 instead of jpeg for both your AE render and your fcp sequence settings.
When it comes time to export smaller frame size for review choose a true 16:9 aspect ratio with square pixels. I use 640×360 a lot for client review.
Andrew Wilson
WestView Digital Video & Design
http://www.westviewdigital.com -
Make sure your field dominance is set to none throughout your entire process. Double check clip settings in both the browser and the timeline as well as the project settings in color.
Andrew Wilson
WestView Digital Video & Design
http://www.westviewdigital.com -
Make sure your track’s auto-select is enabled in the timeline. It’s the little button to the right of the lock icon. Also make sure you have enough of a handle on both the outgoing and incoming clip.
Finally, if all else fails, park close to the edit and hit V before hitting CMD-T…
My money is on the auto-select being turned off.
Andrew Wilson
WestView Digital Video & Design
http://www.westviewdigital.com -
Yep… exactly what Eric just said. Make sure that the image of your bug faces to the right or Snap Alignment to motion will have him crawling sideways.
You can also add a Wriggle Shape behavior to the paint stroke layer and dial the amount way down. This will give it a more buggy crawly look.
Andrew Wilson
WestView Digital Video & Design
http://www.westviewdigital.com -
Do you need to make its legs move or do you just want to animate its movement along a path?
Andrew Wilson
WestView Digital Video & Design
http://www.westviewdigital.com -
Depends on the broadcaster. Every one I’ve sent to has different compression settings that they like to see. Most are bitrate variations of H.264 and MPEG2.
I usually find out who’s going to get the digital copy and what their preferred encoding specs are like. Usually calling and asking for master control or the traffic department is a good start. Then I’ll make a preset in compressor and save it with the station name or broadcaster.
For broad distribution I used to use DG-Fastchannel but I’m not sure they’re around anymore because stations have set up their own dropboxes – a lot using YouSendIt.
You’ll save yourself a lot of trial and error by just calling up the station or client and asking for final encoding specs.
Andrew Wilson
WestView Digital Video & Design
http://www.westviewdigital.com -
It’s a competition. Make it easier to participate and harder to compete. Is pulling a good key part of the competition? I would go with h.264 and explain that you know that it’s not the best format for editing but nobody wants to download gigs of material to enter a competition.
Sometimes the most creative ideas come from the limitations we are given in life. Stop holding their hands. 😉
Andrew Wilson
WestView Digital Video & Design
http://www.westviewdigital.com