[Neal Carter]

Hi Edwin- I’ll try to help, but it’s been a while since I’ve played around with an effect like this. First, I think you want something more along the lines of the “bloom” effect than the dip to color effect. The bloom does blowout light colors (therefore it wont work on black), but the length of time shouldn’t affect the effect.

However, I would suggest two other options. First, I use a series of transition effects from Nattress. They are pretty fantastic and I think you can demo them. If you like them (and I think you will), you can purchase from the site.
https://www.nattress.com/?q=FilmTrans%20

The only other thing I can think of at this point is to do a lens flare over the center of the screen and then play around with the blending modes to see if you can get the look you’re going for. If you haven’t already, I’d suggest reposting your question to see if someone else might be able to offer better guidance. Good luck to you!

Neal

Neal Carter
Editor|Videographer

[Neal Carter]

Thank you Arnie.

A few notes for anyone else who comes along with this problem. Log and Transfer does work, but converts the AVCHD clips into Apple ProRes. My 90 minute clip took up 80 GBs of space. Additionally, I found these apple forum articles quite helpful for anyone diving into AVCHD.

https://support.apple.com/kb/TA24840

https://support.apple.com/kb/TA24811?viewlocale=en_US

Neal Carter
Editor|Videographer

[Neal Carter]

Probably what I’ll end up doing, but I was curious if there was any software that could help me get there once the QT file was exported out of FCP.

Neal Carter
Editor|Videographer

[Neal Carter]

If you’re searching for tutorials on the subject, the term you’ll want to use is “Heat Distortion.” I created this once (many years ago and I think I did so in AE) to simulate the heat distortion caused by a jet engine.

You can create a similar effect in FCP, but if you have a very specific area you are trying to distort, then I suggest going with AE because of the ability to create more unique mask shapes.

This is my best method to create it quick/cheap in FCP: Duplicate the layer and place it on top of the original footage. You will only add effects to the top layer from here. Crop the top layer so that it only covers the area where you would like the heat distortion to occur. Feather the clip between 50-70. Drop the opacity to 60 or so.

Add a blur (I prefer Gaussian with a radius of at least 10).

Then add the “Wave” distortion effect. Set Amplitude to .2, Wave Length to 6, Speed to 40, check both “Vertical” and “Repeat Edges.” This should get you on the right path…

Season to taste using a bit of glow, possibly an echo effect, and desaturate the clip.

N Carter
Editor || Videographer

[Neal Carter]

I will experiment more with the film effects color settings, but I do enjoy the ease of use within FCPs Color Correction. As for HDV, our show is delivered for broadcast on an HDV tape (stations requirements) so that it can be broadcast in HD. I am always willing to try a new workflow, but is there another suitable workflow if we are shooting in HDV and must deliver the final on an HDV tape?

N Carter
Editor || Videographer

[Neal Carter]

I did double check the sequence project/sequence settings this morning and all of the sequences (those that did and did not work) are set to HDV 1080i60.

Neal

[Neal Carter]

The workaround was more of a project specific one than a software/hardware work around. I simply duplicated the animated logo I had used in the first spot (that worked correctly) and overwrote the troubled area in the second spot. So, unfortunately, its not a universal work around, but it worked for my project.

Neal

[Neal Carter]

I do agree with Alan on the DVD Recorder point. In fact, I think if you have several VHS tapes at home it is a wise purchase so you can begin archiving old tapes on to DVD media. In my experience, Samsung has some of the best (here is an example: https://reviews.cnet.com/dvd-recorders/samsung-dvd-r135/4505-9141_7-31778396.html)

If you are editing on Final Cut, there is a decent chance you have a camcorder with firewire/usb as well. You can always record your VHS onto the media in your camcorder and then digitize it into FCP and then use iDVD to make your DVD. Or, some camcorders have an analog to digital converter built in. You can playback your VHS into Final Cut by connecting VCR -> Camcorder -> Computer. If you do this, you must make sure that you set your capture settings to “Non-Controllable Device.”

N Carter
Editor || Videographer

[Neal Carter]

I’d check online to find some royalty free sound fx to purchase. I’d also recommend investing in a service or CD/DVD set of quality sound fx.

Neal

[Neal Carter]

Edward,

If you have time I would suggest keyframing the brightness/contrast settings 2 or 3 frames before you transition to the still image (and then fade the settings back to normal a few frames into your still). Or, if you have a robust package of effects, use a Glow/Bloom filter to get the desired effect. A white flash works, and may be best suited for your project, but it basically overlays a white color matte while brightness/contrast/glow uniquely affect each element within your composition based on its original color/brightness. It will give you a more realistic look, like a bulb that has just flashed in the background.

Then add a camera ‘click’ and your good to go… remember, sound design is [at least] half the battle.

Good luck!

Neal