[John Fishback]

It’s been a long time since I had a similar issue. I think I used Sound Devices “Wave Agent” to change the out-of-sync audio file’s metadata. Basically, open the audio file in Wave Agent, enter the sample rate and desired fps and the Wave Agent will adjust the file’s metadata. Hopefully, the file is now in sync. Be sure to back up the original file. I don’t remember if Wave Agent creates a new file or modifies the original file. https://www.sounddevices.com/product/wave-agent-software/

I hope this helps.

[John Fishback]

Try applying it to smaller segments. There’s a large variation of the background across the entire image. Content Aware Fill may be averaging the fill in some way.

[John Fishback]

https://9to5mac.com/2021/08/17/best-4k-usb-c-displays-for-macbook-and-macbook-pro/

Here’s a link to an article from 9to5Mac re monitors. Look to the bottom for mention budget monitors. These will work with a Mac Mini

[John Fishback]

My suggestion is to use hardware to capture the highest quality clip as possible in the same resolution as the original. Then use software to upscale.

I just finished a job that had a similar objective. I had a 320×240 avi file from a surveillance camera that needed to be upscaled for use in a legal matter. It didn’t involve hardware, but the upscaling was with software.

I used Shutter Encoder to convert the avi file to ProRes 422 in the same resolution. In FCPX I improved the exposure then exported the result as ProRes 422 in the same resolution.

My final step was to use Topaz Labs’ Video Enhance AI to upscale 400%. It took an M1 Mac Mini over 5 hours to render an almost 19-minute clip. The result looked considerably better than the original.

Video Enhance AI is an incredible app. You can find it at topazlabs dot com. They have a fully function trial so you can test how it’d work for you.

I have no connection with Topaz Labs other than being an extremely happy customer. I own and use many of their amazing products.

[John Fishback]

I think any of the transitions you mention might work. Try them all on one edit and pick the best 2 or 3. Then show them to your client and let them choose their favorite. A thought I had was to make a transition in Motion where the new clip simultaneously zooms up to fill each grid, or maybe blur one to the next, or a combination blur and slide within each box to the next. But, let your client pick the transition. That will save a lot of potential pain down the road.

[John Fishback]

FCP can’t do what you want, but there’s an app that I believe can. I’ve only read about it. It’s called WORX4 X.

[John Fishback]

I haven’t used the plugin, but I saw a pin in an image on their website’s description of the plugin.

[John Fishback]

Pixel Film Studios has an animated map effect. It’s not 3D, but check it out. https://store.pixelfilmstudios.com/product/promap/

[John Fishback]

My suggestion is to use the double-system approach as is/was used with film cameras. The camera records the visual and a separate audio recorder is used for the audio.

A slate with a clapper is used at the head of every take and occasionally at the end of a take (tail slate) to sync the audio to the video.

Be sure to also audibly slate each scene and take so you can identify the audio takes in post.

In the edit, you look for the point where the clapper just closes and that’s the point where you align the audio of the clap. Here’s an excellent detailed explanation of the process.

There are many portable audio recorders available. Search for “Zoom audio recorder” and “Tascam audio recorder.” Both are well-respected recorders.

[John Fishback]

I am not an AE power user. I’ve never had what you describe happen. However, on other programs when they start acting strange one fix that has often worked is to trash the preferences.