DC Metro FCP UG

This is a behind the scenes peek featuring influential and emerging new filmmakers who are making, creating and challenging the independent film scene and how we view entertainment. This is a four part series. The last one premiers on the 15th of February 2009… The next series starts in March so look for it in a separate posting.  You can also find them on iTunes; just search for Zacuto.

What are your thoughts on FilmFellas? Webisode 1,2,3 and 4 now posted:

                                                     Zacuto and Vimeo presents, FilmFellas

FilmFellas from Steve Weiss, Zacuto USA on Vimeo.

 
FilmFellas – webisode 2 from Steve Weiss, Zacuto USA on Vimeo.

 
FilmFellas – webisode 3 from Steve Weiss, Zacuto USA on Vimeo.

FilmFellas – webisode 4 from Steve Weiss, Zacuto USA on Vimeo.

Here’s what I like to think happened:  I posted a request for instructions on how to put together an animated heart-rate graphic in Motion on the Apple forums.  Producer/Editor Andy Neil responded with a step-by-step primer for Motion beginners.  I turned those steps into an illustrated tutorial (with Andy’s blessing).  Upon seeing my tutorial, Andy was inspired to put together a slightly more sophisticated video tutorial himself.

Here is what I think actually happened:  All of the above, except Andy had been working on his own tutorial for a while and was merely prodded to finalize it after I posted mine.

Here is what I hope didn’t happen:  Andy saw what a hack job I did, and felt compelled to post something more, uh, usable – to save poor FCP users, and his own reputation.

No matter how it happened, Andy’s tutorial is better in most every respect than mine.  First, it’s in video format, which is always nice.  Second, Andy has a better understanding of Motion and its capabilities, and presents those options clearly.  Third, his process gives you more control over the final graphic, which also looks better.

So, please check out his tutorial and look for more as he builds his site.

What did I learn from the tutorial?

1. How to more effectively use the Paint Stroke Tool.  (I had relied on the Bezier Tool because I didn’t realize how easily you could smooth out the initial freehand drawing).
2. How to batch-move keyframes in the timeline.  (Awesome time-saver).
3. That prodding more skilled artisans is sometimes the best service I can provide.  Uh, you’re WELcome, FCP users.