Final Cut Express "Light Rays" Effect

Might also be called 'Trap Door Effect'.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1FhvN_PUxc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPuh61ivmyg
It's commonly used in Sony Vegas productions.
One complicated way of doing it in FCE would be to use multiple layers of video, add a Gaussian Blur and increase the zoom on the bottom layer while lowering the Opacity on the top layer, but in order to smoothly animate the rays you'd have to do some rather convoluted things.
Is there a simple way to do this in Final Cut Express (using 3.5 right now, considering upgrading) for both video and text?

I don't believe the "Light Rays" filter included with FCE 4 is the effect you want. It makes the clip look a lot different than the examples you provided. Effects like the one you are looking for need to be created by themselves, and not just applied. Tom's book definitely explains how to do this, but I was unsuccessful as of yet in finding the exact lesson (part of the problem is that I don't know exactly what such an effect was called, so I can't just look it up in the index. It's a 300-something page book, so finding a particular section without remembering its name is a little tricky...)
I will continue to keep my eye out. I believe it has something to do with creating two text tracks, applying some sort of glow to the bottom one, and keyframing its movement. Will let you know when I know for sure.

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Final Cut Express 4.0 - Effects List

Does anyone know where I can find a complete list of the included video effects for Final Cut Express 4.0?
Also, can additional effects be purchased?
I need to create a "cartoon like" video effect. Any suggestions?

Thank you to both who answered.
I do not have the software yet. I wanted to make sure there were plenty of good quality effects before I purchased it. I've worked with a few programs in the past (mostly freebies) that had tons and tons of really crappy effects!
I will certainly keep the "cartoon effect" in mind, the website looks very interesting...and free too! Thanks.

How do I make titles in Final Cut Express HD

How do I make titles in Final Cut Express HD?

Effects > Video Generators > Text -or-
Effects > Video Generators > Boris
Select the kind of title you want, drag it to the Viewer. Click the Controls tab in the Viewer. Enter your titles, tweak your settings (color, font, etc). Then move the clip to your sequence. In general, Boris Title 3D and Title Crawl work best.
If you want the titles to appear over video, place the title clip(s) on a track that is higher than your video.

Do I need a blu ray burner to burn HD using Final Cut Express?

I just wanted to ask a question. I am new to burning after editing is complete. I am using Final Cut Express and have recorded my footage in HD. After trying to burn a disc using IDVD I realized it does not burn HD. So to be clear, in order for me to burn my HD finished sequences and have them be HD I need to purchase a blu-ray player?....also everyone keeps talking about Toast, what is this and do I need it to burn HD. Any advice would be much appreciated.
Thank

ANY DVD player cannot play HD content no matter what media it is on. HD content needs HD decoder and other circuitry and S/W which is not present on standard DVD player, just like standard definition TV cannot play HD programing. HD content has to be down converted with application such as iDVD to play on ANY DVD player, at which time it is no longer HD of course. In order to play high definition disc, you'll need HD content on HD media, blu-ray player and HDTV.
Message was edited by: ComPH1

After Effects and Final Cut Express

Hey,
Is it possible to export a project from After Effects into Final Cut Express? I just want to make sure before I get it.
That's all, thanks,
Leroy

You can export a QuickTime movie from After Effects and use it in FCE. AE projects will not open in FCE.

Can i export an Imovie project with special effects as a quick time movie then import into final cut express keeping the special effects?

Hi, Can i export an Imovie project with special effects as a quick time movie then import into final cut express keeping the special effects?

Absolutely. Go to File->Export->QuickTime Movie (do NOT use QuickTime Conversion). Make sure you check the Self-Contained box. The export will be an exact copy of your Sequence, complete with any filters or other effects you've added. Import the self-contained movie back into the project (or another project) if needed.
-DH

Recreating this on final cut express (effects)

Hello, I was wondering if anybody knows if it's possible to recreate the intro effects from this tv show (it's dynasty from the 80's) on final cut express. I'm talking about the pictrues thats slight up in strips (the character intros) Any info on how to do this would be greatly appreciated.
Here is a clip...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMIQ92AZdko

Pretty simple in FCE. There are a number of different ways to do it, cropping the video, using garbage mattes or mask shape filters, or using travel mattes. There's a lot to learn here so you might want to read the manual about these or get a good instruction book or DVD.

The airport card on my macbook pro is not functioning. In the airport firmware folder it says that it opens with final cut express. Is this the problem and how do i solve it?

The airport card on my macbook pro is not functioning. In the airport firmware folder it says that it opens with final cut express. Is this the problem and how do i solve it?

Hopefully one of these steps should solve the problem.
1. System Preference > Sound > Output > Internal Speakers
    Highlight Internal Speakers
    Make sure that Mute is not enabled.
2. Remove the headphone.
    If you see red light in the headphone port, plug the headphone
    in and out of the port 5 or 6 times to flip the microswitch inside.
    Sound output may be stuck in the digital mode.
3. Reset PRAM. http://support.apple.com/kb/PH4405
4. Reset SMC.     http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964
    Choose the method for:
    "Resetting SMC on portables with a battery you should not remove on your own".
5. Applications > Utilities > Audio MIDI Setup
    Audio Devices window
    Side Bar
    Click the Built-in Output.
    Under Mute any of the boxes checked? If so, uncheck it.
6. System Preferences > Sound> Sound Effects
    Play sound effects through:
   Select "Internal speakers" and then back to "Selected sound output device".

Best Settings using the new Canon HV30 and Final Cut Express HD v3.5.1?

My wife presents programs at schools and uses digital movies that we make and edit as one of her media materials. We want to present higher quality videos that look more film-like. I am hoping that the combination I described above will enable this improvement. In the past we used a Canon ZR20 and iMovie HD and put these on DVD's that were then played on a MacBook Pro with with QuickTime or iDVD hooked up to an Epson PowerLite projector.
I am now the proud owner of a new Canon HV30 and Final Cut Express HD3.5.1 (had FCE for a while so know how to use it). From my research, though, it looks like FCE will not be able to handle CINE MODE recording in combination with 24fps progressive frame rate [HDV(PF24)] which would allow the enhanced effect of the Cinema Mode. I can't justify the cost of Final Cut Studio 2 so I am hoping that the new [HDV(PF30)] will allow me to more easily edit in FCE.
Does anyone know if this is true and if so can please tell me the settings that I need both on the camera and in FCE to get the best quality movie that can played directly from my MacPro using QuickTime or iDVD or from a DVD in the MacPro using the iDVD player. I won't have the opportunity to always play the videos directly from the camera to an HDTV because of the school setting and the need to use a projector.
I know this is a lot to ask for, but I am sure that it will come up again and again as more people purchase this new camera. Thanks for your time.
Sincerely,
Lou Hosta

Without totally repeating myself with my post to MaccyLeopard, I haven't shot any footage yet. After doing a lot of reading I think I confused myself more than helped myself as far as settings go. So if you remember from my initial post I am asking for advice and guidance primarily on camera settings with the HV30 that will be used in a classroom (artroom) setting and then edited using FCE HD v3.5.1. I wish I was the type of person that could jump right into using a new piece of equipment but I like to get the advice of others beforehand. That way I'm not always questioning myself as to 'whether or not is this the best I can get'. I also am wondering if the 30fps frame mode would be the best to use in the classroom setting? From my reading, this mode should allow more light onto the tape allowing me to shoot in conditions with lower light levels that are typically found inside? Finally, is FCE HD able to edit this new 30 fps frame mode of the HD30? I've heard that FCE HD can't handle the 20 fps frame mode.
Thanks for taking the time to help me out.
Sincerely,
Lou Hosta

Slo-mo in Final Cut Express?

I'm very new to video editing. I've done a bunch of little iMovie projects but it's time to step it up. My first project using Final Cut(haven't bought it yet) will be a slow motion exercise. I bought a Casio EX-F1 because it can shoot 300 fps(512x384) and it looks very cool but it's a little small. It also shoots in HD but because of my budget constraints I can't afford a camera that shoots high speed HD so I'm trying to get creative.
Can Final Cut Express or Pro slow HD footage down to whatever is the equivalent of shooting at 300fps? My other idea was to shoot at 300fps with the Casio and then project it and re-shoot in HD. I know this isn't the best way but it still may yield a cool effect!?

I don't know how high speed works on pro cameras but is the footage not already being brought down to a standard frame rate? Here's an example of what I've done with no effects. I just pulled the clips off the camera and edited them. I think the Casio plays it back or converts it to a standard frame rate for you!?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6C2aQZ3bfYg
So I love the rate at which it's slowed down but like I said the native size it shoots in is very small. My goal is to achieve this dream-like quality in HD using only Final Cut (Pro or Express) and my Casio EX-F1. I also own a Canon G9 but I don't think it shoots in HD although it has a better lens than the Casio.
Not knowing a whole lot about it I figure my options are shooting in HD mode on Casio and slowing it down in post in Final Cut.
or
Shooting at 300fps on the Casio, drag the clips on to my computer, play it out through a projector and film that on a tripod in HD with the angles and framing worked out as best I can. Assuming the lighting of my source footage is good and I have a decent projector(and a belly dancer) this might be worth trying.
I'm assuming Final Cut can't achieve this fluid motion with frames that aren't there- meaning it's always better to shoot at high speed if fluid slo-mo is the desired effect?
Thanks in advance for anymore thoughts this.

I am new to Final Cut Express and don't understand why I am unable to drag transitions into Canvas? Something wrong in my setup? It's not the overlays they are "on" so can anyone advise me please?

I am new to Final Cut Express and don't understand why I am unable to drag transitions into Canvas? Something wrong in my setup? It's not the overlays they are "on" so can anyone advise me please, by the way the "L" doesn't appear in the bottom left hand corner either? and by the way how can I get rid of that irritating Blue badge saying "AutoFill your contact details" all mine are in "address book" already!

You can't drag a transition into the canvas. If you're dragginmg a transition from the effects tab you drag it between the edit point of two clips in the timeline.
Make sure show edit overlays is turned on in the Canvas view popup.

Adobe CS4/5 and Final Cut Express On a MacBook Air?

Hey all
Im planning to get a MacBook for my GCSE's, and im leaning towards the air.
I will be running applications such as Adobe Photoshop CS5, After Effects CS5, Lightroom CS5, and Final Cut Express regularly, so would a 13" 1.86ghz MBA C2D Processor with 4gb of RAM be able to run these apps fast and efficiently with no lag? Or should I opt for the baseline MBP 13"? Im also looking for portability, as im going to be taking it into school
Thanks

After effects!? Yikes... that is a beast of a program! Depends how in depth you plan on using it. Are you going to be doing 3D animations with several camera layers? If so, I don't think a MBP is going to work too smoothly. If you are doing basic to moderate use of AE functions then I think it would work fine.
Just a heads up before buying, check out the apple refurb store. They have a bunch of MBP with different specs for a very reasonable price. I got my 17" MBP from there and it works awesome with the same warranty as new... for like $500 off!

Downgrading from Final Cut Pro Studio to Final Cut Express

Will Final Cut Express let me use the Boris Title 3D Video Generator effect that I now use in Final Cut Pro Studio?
Does it have an outline text video generator effect?
Since I have DVDSP 4.1.2, will I be able to drag my exported non self-contained quicktime movie into DVDSP? I have read I can use iDVD.
I see from the tutorial (http://www.apple.com/finalcutexpress/tutorials/) it does not have the ability to log clips for batch capture later but it does have a project button. Does anyone use that and can share what it does?
I have a Canon DV20 HD camera which I use for DV also. Since I have read that FCE will not read HDV from this camera, has anyone brought DV in using this camera?
Does anyone see any other negatives to downgrading?
I have been using Final Cut Pro from version 1.5 since it did what I needed it to do. Over the years they have added a plethora of packages to it, none of which I use. So why spend 700.00 to upgrade when I can spend 200 to get what I will use?
Thanks for your input.

Lots of questions:
"Will Final Cut Express let me use the Boris Title 3D Video Generator effect that I now use in Final Cut Pro Studio?"
Yes.
"Does it have an outline text video generator effect?"
Yes, but don't use. Use Title 3D.
"Since I have DVDSP 4.1.2, will I be able to drag my exported non self-contained quicktime movie into DVDSP?"
Yes. Or you can use Compressor, which you should have, to encode your video.
"I see from the tutorial (http://www.apple.com/finalcutexpress/tutorials/) it does not have the ability to log clips for batch capture later but it does have a project button. Does anyone use that and can share what it does?"
It allows you to log your material first, selecting the pieces on the tape you want to capture and then going back and letting the machine capture the selected pieces.
"I have a Canon DV20 HD camera which I use for DV also. Since I have read that FCE will not read HDV from this camera, has anyone brought DV in using this camera?"
Never heard of camera.
"Does anyone see any other negatives to downgrading?"
What version are you using?

Final Cut Express Vs. Final Cut Pro Vs. Adobe Premiere

Hey all,
I just bought my first Apple computer and I'm loving it. I have worked with Final Cut Pro in the past and I really enjoy working with it. However, $1000 is a bit steep. I would like to ask what your opinions are on maybe getting Final Cut Express or Adobe Premiere Pro.
I have the trial of Adobe Premiere right now, but whenever I place a clip into the timeline, it needs to be rendered. This was never an issue with Final Cut on the computers at my school. I was wondering if you knew if Final Cut Express would have better rendering times and wouldnt need as much rendering. Also, it may be the graphics card in my computer. If you think this is the problem, can you provide me with a solid video/graphics card that I should look into?
Thanks all,
Kevin

I own all three programs actually - here's my advice.
Stay the heck away from Adobe Premiere. It is no where nearly as Mac friendly and for the price, just isn't worth it. I purchased it for the Blu-ray authoring capabilities of Encore, so that's all I use it for. The plus to Premiere is that it can edit some native formats that Final Cut Pro cannot. For example, native AVCHD as well as MPEG-2 in program streams. That being said, Encore is the best option for Blu-ray authoring at a reasonable cost that gives you the ability to modify menus, etc.
Final Cut Express is a great application - my only reason for having final cut pro was my need to edit footage at 23.98, 29.97, and 59.94 fps. FCE only handles 29.97 (and 25 fps). Final Cut Pro also gives you the ability to edit more footage natively. FCE only supports DV, HDV, and AVCHD, with the latter two being transcoded into Apple Intermediate Codec for editing. FCP supports a myriad of formats and allows native editing in HDV - although it still transcodes AVCHD. FCP also gives you access to the ProRes set of codecs which are significant improvements on Apple Intermediate Codec that offer high quality in transcoding and editing.
So the real question is, what are you going to be doing?

Importing HD footage to Final Cut Express?

I am going to edit my own wedding video and I am hiring a professional to shoot the raw footage in HD. I have a small, hand held Panasonic PV-GS300 that shoots in SD on Mini DV tapes. I understand that I cannot effectively upload HD footage through this small camera and still maintain the HD quality from the original footage. My conclusion is that I am going to have the HD footage converted into Quicktime files and loaded onto my external hard drive that I can import into Final Cut Express. Will somoene just confirm that this will work? Is there anything I am missing? I just don't want to pay for professional footage and ultimately not be able to edit it, so if you think I'm forgetting something or if there's a specific type of footage or setting that is optimal for Final Cut Express, please let me know and I can pass this on to my videographer. Thank you for your help!

Hi there,
Yeah, it should work fine to get the videographer to give you the files. Make sure he/she shoots in a frame-size of *1280x720, 1440x1080, or 1920x1080* at a frame-rate of 29.97fps.
Ask him or her if it is possible to give you the files in the *Apple Intermediate Codec* with *uncompressed audio* at 48kHz.
Sasha

Final Cut Express "Light Rays" Effect

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