I have a 13 sec clip that gets shortened to .5 sec when I drop it into the project and can't adjust the destination to the source length

Question

I created my clip from 3 PPT slides (as movies, one of the options) and it imports into the event browser fine.  I am using the theme Forever is never long enough and it has little boxes where you are supposed to drop your clips.  When I drop them in, the clip only plays for the destination duration time.  If it is .5 sec but the source is 13 seconds, it won't let me adjust it to play the full 13 seconds.  Anybody know how to adjust them?

Answer 1

It appears that you are using a Trailer (as distinct from a Theme). These are templates designed to give you a quick preview, similar to trailers you see at the movies. The clip lengths and music are all preset so that the video works perfectly in sync with the audio soundtrack. They are intended to be short, sharp and shiny - hence the very brief snippets of video employed, together with the accompanying matching music.
A Trailer template can't be altered unless you convert it to a standard project. To do this conversion, firstly, it's a good idea to duplicate the Trailer. In Project Library view (where all your projects are listed) click on the name of your project then from the menu select File>Duplicate Project. Now click on the duplicate and from the menu select File>Convert to Project. Now you can edit the converted duplicate Trailer just like a normal project - but bear in mind that changing the clip durations will cause the video to go out of sync with the supplied soundtrack.
Unless you are doing a highlights reel, your best option is to create a normal project from scratch, rather than using a Trailer template. When you create a new project you are given options as to whether you want to use a Theme or No Theme. Themes are quite different from Trailers and serve a different purpose. They help to spice up your video by introducing snazzy titles and transitions. You have complete flexibility as to clip lengths, transition styles, added music tracks and so forth.
Hope this helps to clear up any misunderstanding you may have regarding Trailers versus Themes.
John