[Cipher13]

Anyone know of any good plugins for Final Cut Pro, preferrably 1.25?

Mainly video transitions and text generators... FCP's inbuilt text sucks.

I've got After Effects 5, but that thing is a pain in the ass to use... I can't remember anything form it.

TIA

[opallaser]

I use photoshop as my text generator when using FCP. FCP keeps the layers in tact so you can animate these using the motion tools or apply filters to them individually. To animate individual letters within a word, simply put the letters on different layers in your photoshop comp.

After Effects 5.0 is outstanding. Once you get the workflow down you'll love it. For simple transitions and even some mild compositing FCP is great, but when you want to go to the next level AE is the go. The basic principles of key framing your animation and effects applies in both programs so if you're comfortable using the motion and filters in FCP you shouldn't find it difficult to learn AE.

[Chuck_star]

Photoshop is a great idea for text in FCP. For transitions and effects, the only one I've found is CGM transitions and effects. http://cgm-online.com/eiperle/cgm_e.html

Boris red is the best tool I've seen for text. http://www.dvdirect.com/Prods/ART/2027.htm

Both are native plugins for FCP. Needless to say $$

[Cipher13]

Thanks

Yeah, I'm gonna use Photoshop... but how?

I made a PSD... its about 5000 pixels tall... 500 wide...

2 layers... black background, and a text layer with a list of names... layer effect on the text layer.

I tried getting the PSD to scroll like credits, but it just woldn't work

Any ideas?

TIA

[Quiet Man]

Originally posted by Cipher13:
<STRONG>Thanks

Yeah, I'm gonna use Photoshop... but how?

TIA</STRONG>

Well, If you want to do pan and scan type stuff, create your PS files at 300 dpi, and use the motion panel for the P'n'S.

If you want titles, then no need to create layers. Just do your text on a black background, and import. Then, as above, use the Motions pane to move/scroll them.

In general, you don't need to save to any specific format, FCP will import PS files directly, but remember that FCP will treat layered images, as a stack of seperate clips, one clip per layer. great if you want to move/apply FX to each layer differently. Ive done some relly nice titles this way. Remember that PS layered files must be rendered to get the Layer effects to show in FCP.

All this sort of stuff is covered in the manual, especially in FCP2 (the manual is more like a telephone directory! Congratulations to Apple for giving us proper documentation, especially in these days of PDF's and nothing else!!!) Also, see the excellent book by Lisa Breneis on FCP by Peachpit Press, in their Pro series. Not a shameless plug, I bought the book (not expensive) and have learned an awful lot about FCP from it!

[Quiet Man]

sorry guys, for the triple reply, but I got an error message each time I posted, so I assumed it didn't get through.

[Chuck_star]

Hey Cipher
-Import the file.
-Double click the psd file in the browser to make a tab.
-Pull out just the text layer from the tab. and place it back into the browser.
-Go back to your project tab.
-Place the new text layer into a new video track above the position where you want it to roll.
-Resize it for the proper duration.
-Double click the clip to get it into the Viewer.
-Click the motion tab
-Scrub to the beginning of the clip
-Expand the "basic motion" file (if its not already done).
-In the "Center" option there are two windows, in the second window make the number around 300 and Key Frame.
-Scrup to the end of the clip and change the numer to -300 and Key frame
see how that works and change the numers as your see fit.
good luck

[Cipher13]

Very cool, thanks, you guys rock

I'll post back once I try it; hopefully it'll be a story of success

Thanks again.

[Cipher13]

Works like a charm... thankyou everyone

[Cipher13]

Brilliant guys - worked like a dream.

Infinite thanks,

[godzookie2k]

Color me picky, but I prefer to use illustrator to do my titling just because it tends to have WAY better type control than photoshop. But then again, maybe I'm just a type-snob graphic designer.


Nick

Originally posted by godzookie2k:
<STRONG>Color me picky, but I prefer to use illustrator to do my titling just because it tends to have WAY better type control than photoshop. But then again, maybe I'm just a type-snob graphic designer.


Nick</STRONG>

[ph@lmi.net]

one wonders how cipher13 (who cannot afford ram) can afford both final cut pro and after effects 5...let alone fancy plugins. better fire up that bootleg photoshop.

[Cipher13]

Originally posted by ph@lmi.net:
<STRONG>one wonders how cipher13 (who cannot afford ram) can afford both final cut pro and after effects 5...let alone fancy plugins. better fire up that bootleg photoshop. </STRONG>

I never said I can't afford it - its too expensive, and I won't justify the cost to myself right now.

Photoshop, Final Cut Pro, After Effects 5... licenses purchased for my use by my place of work.

I hate baseless insinuation...

EDIT: Oh yeah... I've also just ordered another 512 megs. If its any good I'll get another chip of it

[ 10-24-2001: Message edited by: Cipher13 ]

[ph@lmi.net]

i do enjoy adobe's licensing policy:

"2.4. Home Use. You, as the primary user of the computer on which the Software is installed, may also install the Software on one of your home computers. However, the Software may not be used on your home computer at the same time the Software on the primary computer is being used."

that does rock. most software allows this.

BTW. point taken.
BTW.BTW. after effects is not very hard to understand, and is very useful.

[Cipher13]

Indeed, the leniency is welcoming...

Hm. I just don't know where to start with AE. I suppose I could grab the manual, but I don't have it on me... and I don't do manuals... at all

Hmm.