Motion filters in FCP

I'm trying to give some live footage a cartoon look using Ben Balser's technique, but I just installed Motion 2.1 on my Mac Pro (OS 10.4.8) restarted, booted up FCP 5.1.2 and still the Motion filters don't appear in my effects browser. What am I not doing right?

I'm not in front of 5.1.2 now, but under the effects menu, down near the bottom, there is an option to 'turn on' the Motion effects using FXPlug. You can select user, and all, and other options. To see which one turns on all the effects, check the effects tab in the browser and you should see double ups on the basic effects, with FXPlug next to the ones coming in from Motion.
Good luck!
Tim

Similar Messages

"Wobbly"/un-interlaced images when transferring Motion file to FCP

I'm at wit's end here. I did a short 10 second intro for a press reel in Motion that is pretty basic and looks good in Motion (it's just images from the show flying across the screen, with a cloud emitter as background). The problem is that when I import it into Final Cut Pro, the images get all jittery and wobbly. It looks as if they are going in and out of different interlacing stages, which makes no sense.
The images were taken from the theater's website, and I have have tried them both in JPG and PSD formats. They are all being scaled down from the original size a touch after I import them into Motion (would that be the problem? Didn't think to try that...). As I said, they look fine and clear in Motion, but when I export into a Quicktime movie or render it and play it back in Final Cut Pro, they get all jaggedy/wobbly (for lack of a better technical term). Stills exported from the Motion file look fantastic in Photoshop (and in Final Cut Pro when I use them as background) but a paused image in Final Cut Pro looks very jagged.
I've tried everything I can think of, and even upped all the render settings in the project, to no avail. Any ideas/suggestions?

I have tried exporting from Motion using the Animation settings, per the suggestion of other threads, which made it look really good when I opened it in Quicktime, but it still is jerky and the resolution is dreadful in Final Cut Pro, even when viewed through a Firewire connected monitor (the settings I have in Final Cut Pro are the DV NTSC 48 khz basic settings...720X480, pixel aspect NTSC-CCIR 601, Field Lower (even)[I tried 'none' for fun and no change], 29.97, compressor: DV/DVCPRO-NTSC, quality 100%. I've played with the video processing settings, using Motion FIltering as 'best' and rendering in RGB, to no avail).
I have tested it with photos that are 300dpi instead of 72dpi, and while that seems to have made a slight difference, the pictures still move across the screen in a jagged/wobbly format (the final picture looks great when it reaches the endpoint and just sits there)
As for the motion settings, as I said, I have tried exporting it using the Animation setting (which made it look great in Quicktime) and using Field to "none" and nothing has changed once I import it and render it in FCP.
It's a simple 10 second file created in DV/NTSC. Very few bells and whistles.

Keyframing filters in FCP

Thanks for the replies everyone to my earlier post re: FCP/AE workflow. I see that I will need 3rd-party support in order to realize the benefit of a Final Cut Pro/After Effects workflow. Have another question. What are the kinds of filters that you can keyframe in FCP but not in FCE? And are there many filters in FCP that are not included w/ FCE? As I deal mainly w/ animation as opposed to footage of live video I am trying to justify the investment in Final Cut Studio 2 in terms of it being a benefit to me as an animator. I currently use FCE 3.5 (which includes versions of SoundTrack and LiveType) and After Effects CS3 plus other graphics programs. I would love to be able to work within DVD Studio Pro as iDVD is so limiting as an authoring program but am not sure how much I will benefit from the standpoint of what I do by switching from FCE to FCP. This is what I am trying to nail down.

I'm betting many (most) FCP users have never opened a copy of Final Cut Express and so wouldn't be able to tell you the difference in the effects/keyframe handling even if there was any ... I'm one of those users for the most part (at least, its been a very long time since I last saw FCE in action and its changed a lot since way back then) but I'll hazard a guess that barring a very few exceptions, like FCP's 3-way color corrector vs FCE's 2-way color corrector, then there is little to no difference whatsoever.
The real difference between FCE and FCP these days is less about effects and how they are handled and more about pro workflow features like timecode display, batch capture, multicam editing and media management tools, and most significantly, FCP's wide ranging camera native and intermediate format support.
If you work in stop motion animation then you can maybe sell yourself on the idea of working with a better higher quality HD or SD intermediate format such as ProRes instead of the limited codec choice offered by FCE.

Motion slowdown in FCP

I have a Mac Pro with 10 gb memory Quad-Core Intel Xeon, NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT. I am an editor for weddings and family projects, who is starting to livin up my projects with motion. I don't have a speed problem using motion, but when I drag a motion file into FCP, the program is exremely slow and gives me the spinball. I never get this problem using FCP with tons of filters and layers. I recently dragged one title into fcp and could barely edit a 10 minute project. Also it took 30 minutes to render! Is there something I need to upgrade to make motion run more smooth? i am worried about adding multiple motion files, which I was intending to do.
Thanks

hi
I have exactly the same problem. It only started when I upgraded to FCS3 and wasnt helped by Snow Leopard. I havent got to the botom of it yet, but as you state FCP has a huge problem 'seeing' motion projects on the timeline. It takes an age for the program to respond, almost as if the motion project is getting loaded into memory. I can also report that the finder has the same problem. If you import a motion project via the import dialog box and it is set to hierarchy list mode it will take forever if you click on a motion file as it prepares the quicklook preview. This is of no help to you except to know that you are not alone.
adam

Does Motion Filtering setting affect Export Using Compressor?

Hello!
Can anyone tell me if my Motion Filtering setting in the video processing tab of my sequence settings has any effect on the ultimate quality of my export when using the "Export Using Compressor" command? I know it certainly would when exporting to Quicktime, but I'm wondering if it matters if I'm going directly to Compressor. I am sending a completely unrendered sequence.
Thanks!
Cameron

Don't feel too bad. None of us can match what the big guys do with our software encoders and burners.
They have the advantage of very expensive encoding hardware/software. They have tons of technical expertise (the so called black art of encoding). And they are working with source material that is expertly lighted, shot and graded. Then they physically stamp their disks, rather than relying on dyes.
It's not a fair fight.
But we can do a very decent job using FCP and/or Compressor and/or DVD Studio Pro and/or iDVD. (I've seen – and made myself – some great looking DVDs by simply taking a ProRes 422 file into iDVD and choosing Professional Quality.)
I always start with a Pro Res master file – either 422 or HQ, depending on the original material. When possible the frame rate and size are the same as what was shot.
A Compressor>Create DVD or Compressor >DVD Studio Pro can produce superior results because you have more control over the process. Starting with the DVD stock preset, you adjust as necessary – bit rate and sometimes Frame Controls. So, for example, using Frame Controls you could reduce the chances of introducing artifacts in the down-convert from HD to SD by turning on the Resize Filter.
Open up the Preview window. Set in and out points to encode a manageable length test file with he stock settings. Burn a test DVD directly from Compressor using a DVD-RW disk. If you like it, great. Make a disk image (select HD as output device in Job Actions) and burn. Or if you want better menus, use Toast,
We're seeing less and less interlaced footage these days, but if working with a video intended for the Web or computer display, the video should be de-interlaced – again, in Frame Controls.
Finally, buy good media like Verbatim.
Good luck.
Russ

Error message when importing motion files into FCP

In FCP.
I choose a clip/clips in my sequence. Then choose send to motion project and follow the directions from the training dvd.
By unchecking (embed "motion" content) then save the file with a different name. Then continue with making my graphics over the video clip/clips.
When I am done I then shut off the video layer of the clip in the motion timeline. Then I save the project. Then close Motion and try to import the motion project in FCP.
When I try to import, I get an error message stating "File Error: 1 files(s) recognized, 0 access denied, 1 unknown."
I go back to the training file to try the same procedure and it works fine.
Go back to my own project and it doesn't work.
Any ideas? Anyone?
I have a Mac Pro 2.66GHz / 5 gigs of ram / 512 vram ATI graphics card
Also working with universal software for FCP studio.
Intel 2.66GHz Mac OS X (10.4.9)
Intel 2.66GHz Mac OS X (10.4.9)

OK???
Don't know what the deal is. But I made a new sequence in my project and copied my other sequence with in the new one and then tried to do the whole clip step for step process of send to motion and importing back in and it worked!!!!
I check all the listed settings of my sequence in my browser window and both the old sequence and new sequence are the same.
I am happy that I can move on with my work, yet I am frustrated with the fact that I am not sure exactly what the problem is.
Thank You Again!

Motion filters no longer accessible from "filters" button

After installing Leopard, my Motion filters (image control, stylize etc. are no longer visible). I can see this party plugs,such as Fx Factory, but none of the Motion ones. I was wondering if I should reinstall motion as a whole...

I've got the same problem too. I did an Archive & Install of Leo. I haven't used case-sensitive drive formatting which caused a similar problem:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=5527981&#5527981
The only filter I have is Primatte RT.
I can see the rest of the filter files:
Motion.app/Contents/LibraryContent/FIlters/
But Motion doesn't seem to know where they are. I looked for some reference to filters in the plist files to redirect Motion to the filters, but can't find any reference.

Importing Motion Files to FCP

I've searched for this problem and have yet to find a thread with a conclusion - please point me in the right direction if I've missed it.
I'm running Motion 3.0.2 and FC Pro 6.0.6 along with OS 10.4.11. I'm due to upgrade all these asap - but as I'm in the middle of a long project I'm holding back. I've never been able to import Motion files into FCP either by using Import or dragging into the browser - I get a "File Error: Unknown File" message. Instead I make a QT file and work on that. Usually I don't have many files in a sequence so that's never really ben a problem.
However, I've now putting together some much longer sequences and it's a pain when shots need tweaking to have to re-make QTs each time.
I've trashed both Motion and FCP preferences without luck. I have Snow Leopard sitting waiting to be installed. Could that fix the problem? Does anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks in advance.
Andy

hi,
seem to remember someone else having this problem, have you repair permissions etc on your system. Can you double click a motion file for it to open from the Finder. Does the Finder know they are Motion files and should be opened by Motion? er can't think of anything else
adam

Color profile off when importing motion proj into FCP

Color profile off when importing motion proj into FCP. Is there a way to set the profile?
I deleted preferences in FCP.

No, profile do many things. It is a color space. It allows different apps and systems to view colors the same. Also fcp typically works in a tub color space not rgb.

Filters for FCP

Are there any sites that I could download filters for FCP such as grainy old film look, and a way to put a black halo around the video like you may see in the movie The Illusionist. The edges fade to a black and its in a oval shape around the video. Let me know.

A shaped soft edge vignette (as opposed to a simple
round darkening of the extremities) can be prepared
in Photoshop to the pixel count of your image.
I'm doing this in HDV a lot recently.
In that frame size, I make a 1440 x 1080 pixel
rectangle and have PS adjust it for HDV aspect. There
are quite a few ways of shaping the frame. Paint,
blur selection and invert, etc.
When you have a frame you like, import it into FCP as
a JPEG or as a PS layer with a Blending mode already
in place. Float that above your image or sequence and
make the Blending mode Multiply, for instance.
Instant shaped frame.
A similar path can matte fancy titles, crawls and
stuff.
Thanks Peter. I had an idea similar to that just was too lazy to do it. Thanks I will take your advice and make a vinette in photoshop. Do you have a link where I could preview your videos? You can see my videos at web.mac.com/sxeseis

Importing a matted Motion project into FCP

I did a bunch of work on a shot in motion, maskes, etc.
The shot was greenscreened so I use Primatte to Key in motion.
When I try to import this motion file in FCP for coloring it does not display correctly. I'm sure it has to do with the Key. I regularly move projects back and forth with no issues.
Is there some different I need to do to deal with the Alpha channel, or is it not possible?
Thanks
steve

I think I am viewing only the alpha channel when imported to FCP. It has a light blue hue - as if I was was looking at a channel view in Photoshop.
Also, I created multiple layers in Motion as I did masks. I believe only the top mask is translating. Very weird.
Must be a setting somewhere.
Thanks

Does rendering Motion Templates in FCP use the GPU?

I know that FCP when it comes to rendering relies almost completely on the CPU, but when Motion Templates are involved, does it somehow use Motions rendering system and involve the GPU? I only ask because i'm getting stupidly slow rendering times with Motion Templates in FCP, and i'm wondering if a graphics upgrade will help.
Many Thanks in advance.
Message was edited by: Ben Pirozzolo

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1868492&tstart=0
An ATI HD 3870 will sort you out.

Motion Codec in FCP

If I just save a Motion project (not export it) just save it and then open the Motion file in FCP by going file import....the Motion file comes into FCP and in its item properties for compressor it reads ......motion codec decompressor......
What is this? I can not set the FCP SEQUENCE settings to have the same "motion codec decompressor" as IT"S compressor. This creates a situation where you always have to render the section coming from Motion. What is this "motion codec decompressor" The Motion manual says to open a Motion file in FCP this way. Is there a way to set the compressor in MOTION for when you save a project/graphic you create ratherr then when you export it?
Any ideas anyone??

I understand why it would need to be rendered...I never get an error or mentioned one....the question is...what is this "motion codec decompressor" and can a Motion project be saved...not exported....without it.> FCP ≠ Motion.
Of course you have to render Motion projects. It is
not an error.
Patrick

"Missing Media in Motion" warnings in FCP

I recently downloaded a FontManager and installed it and ever since all my Motion files in FCP projects are no longer recognized. When I open the files in EDITOR from FCP they are all there and fonts in place but save and return and I still get the PICK WINDOW that says "Missing Media in Motion"...does anyone know what I did to cause this and how I can correct it? I'm desparate ... and have not idea where to go from here?

Linotype express... Motion finds the fonts just fine though... and when I go to TEXT insert in FCP I see that all the fonts are recognized in that list... it is such a mystery...thanks for the response though...I was feeling pretty alone out here with this puzzling dilemma.

White screen Motion projects in FCP

I have created a Motion Project on my father in-laws Powerbook, my old machine, and used it in a FCP project everything was fine and as it should be.
Saved the files, and brought everything to my new machine.
On this new machine it has the crossgrade version of FCP,(5.1.4) and Motion (2.1.2) on it, and when I bring the Motion file into FCP I get a white screen. Nothing else. Just 10 seconds of white. The project plays fine in Motion. I have tried to resave and re-import. Nothing. Plays perfectly fine in Motion.
I made a new project in Motion, assuming it had to do with the old files. Imported it into FCP, white screen for 10 seconds! This is a huge issue, but not sure what to do if I can't import my Motion projects into FCP.
Now this is something to considerI will throw this into the mix.......the Motion Projects do open up in my DVDSP 4.1.2.
So it opens in Motion, opens in DVDSP, but not in FCP. So its the import into FCP, not the file itself.
What gives? Any clues......
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
OS 10.5.4, MacBook Pro 2.4, 4 gig RAM

OK, so I've been importing motion projects into FCP (for a while now) and rendering them each time they're changed...and finally wondered: why? If I click "open in editor", change something and go back to FCP, I should only have to re-connect it, right?
Unfortunately for us, whenever the source media - a video clip, still image, Motion or LiveType project file - changes, FCP trashes the associated render files. As far as I am aware, it's a hardwired 'housekeeping' thing within FCP.
The usual advice is to render only as a last resort, but I take it your workflow doesn't allow for that?
I busted open the FCP manual and it only said that LiveType and Motion clips must be rendered (red render bar)...but not why. Is it because they are inherently motion effects/graphics intensive?
It's because Motion or LiveType files typically do not match the codec - what FCP terms 'Compressor' in your Sequence Settings - that you're working in. Sure, the files may match the frame size and rate - for instance, 720x480 at 29.97 fps - but Motion and LiveType files are 'interpreted' as Animation codec files. If you're working in DV, for instance, you'll have to render files that are not DV. Another issue is that no machine/setup I've ever worked on can do Animation files - at Full Quality - without rendering (they are simply too data intensive). However, beefier machines can get some amount of RT playback, depending on the settings and number of tracks being composited.
Or did I misread your questions?

Motion filters in FCP

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