[Rob Stemm]

you may be able delete the media for that file and batch import it with different settigns. Click on the file you want to batch import and click on Clip menu drag down to batch import. Change your imports settings appropriately to import the graphic with a longer duration.

You probably should cut it into the sequence multiple times if you are concerned about hard drive space. A graphic imported with a duration of 10 seconds and laid into a sequence 2 times takes up half as much hard drive space as a single graphic imported with a duration of 20 seconds.

It’s all personal preference

[Rob Stemm]

I usually create my photoshops and keep them layered. Open Aftereffects and import the photoshop as a comp. You now have control over each layer in After Effects if you want to tweak something. click on your timeline with the playhead at the point you would like to make a still image. Press (mac) apple + option + s to save a single frame to the Render Que or go to Composition menu drage down to Save Fram As and click on File… Now set your output settings in the render que to pict sequence. Click the Channels Drop down menu and choose RGB + Alpha. Choose the Color drop down menu and choose Straight (Unmatted). Chang all other appropriate settings to fit your needs. Render and it should just render one still frame pict file. Just import this into your appropriate bin in Media Composer. Make sure you use Invert Alpha when importing otherwise you won’t see your lower third.

This seems like a lot of work, but when you make output module tamplates in your render que you can just select those and hit render. I have one saved as NTSC Pict Alpha.

Hope this helps!

[Rob Stemm]

If you have CAPS lock on the audio will scrub. Also if you hold shift down while moving the playhead you will hear the audio scrub.

Hope that helps with the audio issue