[Sandeep Sajeev]

Hi,

There seem to be a quite a few different Text effects employed through out the video. All of them are very simple to create in Motion. So if you could indicate which one(s) exactly you’re referring to, we can chip in with specific information.

Sandeep.

[Sandeep Sajeev]

[Amber Creed] “The new rectangle layer is above the camera layer, and the text layer I’m wanting to cover up. But for some reason, it still shows like it’s going underneath the text.”

When you’re working with 3D layers, Z Axis Position is given more priority than the layer stacking order. So in the Inspector, click on the Position triangle and compare the Z Position values for both the layers.

So for example if your text is at -100, then Positioning the Rectangle Layer at any value from -99 upwards will give you the effect you want.

I like to go into Top View to see the position of my various layers in relation to each other (and the camera).

[Amber Creed] “Do I have to keep this camera on for the rest of the video? I wanted the camera movements only happening for maybe 5 seconds. And then I wanted to get back into a 2D mode. But I don’t know how to do that at all now..”

If staying in 3D is bothering you, you can duplicate your group from the point where you want to stay in 2D and then adjust/reposition your layers/groups accordingly.

Hope that helps.

Sandeep.

[Sandeep Sajeev]

My take on this is is that it might be more beneficial for you to pick one NLE or 2 at most and then complement that with expertise in other tools.

For example if you’re partial to the visual side of editorial pick something like Mocha or Syntheyes/PF Track as your tracking package and something like Smoke/Fusion/AE/Motion as your Compositor/Mograph tool and become proficient at that.

Or if you’re partial to Sound, pick one of the many Sound/Music tools and learn them well.

That way you can do more than just accomplish the same thing in 3 different NLE’s. You’ll be able to deliver a more polished/refined end product. Even if you plan on slotting into a facility somewhere as opposed to working on your own.

IMO of course.

Best,
Sandeep.

[Sandeep Sajeev]

The only thing that’s different is that now you don’t have to wait while FCP transcodes the footage (if you’ve chosen to transcode).

Some of the terminology has changed, but if you’re coming from 7, the way in which FCPX handles import is basically the same. Unless you’ve never used Log and Transfer or had footage outside the default Capture Scratch folder in 7.

[Sandeep Sajeev]

[Simon Ubsdell] Why not simply convert the ease keyframes to bezier interpolation and then drag out the handle asymmetrically to get the effect you want?

Too fiddly. This is how I ended up doing it after I posted this question, but when you’re trying out various in+out combinations and the client says ‘let’s see it at 65 35 again’, you actually have to go and manipulate the handles again, as opposed to just keying in the numbers. And with savvy clients, it needs to be just right every time, as if it’s off even a little, they can tell.

Personally, I feel that manipulating the curve handles is great for when you’re finessing your animations, but when you’re in look dev, it’s a drag, and has an impact on the interactivity of the process. And as everything’s so fast in Motion, slow-downs are even more obvious than in say something like AE.

[Sandeep Sajeev]

Hi Denis,

The workflow between FCPX and Motion can get quite complex. It’s very powerful, but things need to be done in a certain way.

There are close to a 100 pages in the manual that cover this, so it’s probably beyond the scope of a ‘Send to Motion’ button type post.

Your best bet is to go through the Rigging/Publishing and Final Cut Pro X chapters in the Motion 5 User Guide.

Best,
Sandeep.

PS: apologies for sending you the manual, but it has the best information on this particular topic. And if you’re incorporating this interoperability in your workflow, the last thing you want is stuff not linking, or not working as expected etc.

[Sandeep Sajeev]

[Michael Aranyshev] “One by one for each take in a feature instead of arming whatever track layout you’d like and start cutting away?”

Not one by one. You can assign a role to multiple items at once. There are obviously occasions where this approach will not work, but no workflow is perfect right?

[Sandeep Sajeev]

I don’t know, I think using X as an Online tool is assuming a level of risk that you’re better off avoiding on anything complex, with people in the room who are used to a certain speed and flexibility at this stage.

Hopefully the .1 release will make this go away.

[Sandeep Sajeev]

Simon,

off topic – you’re using a pen to drive Motion right? Have you been able to wrap your head around the insanity of the hand/brain work required to use Gestures?

I’m looking at the documentation now, and it seems ridiculous to me. Are you using them and/or do you know anyone who is?

[Sandeep Sajeev]

Yep, it gives you a softer look with lots more highlight control.

So many ways to do something, but there’s no waiting around for stuff to render!