LAFCPUG: Effects FAQs

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Revision as of 19:35, 10 June 2008

How do I get good slow motion?

Probable answers:

A. From Kevin Monahan:
The only way to get good quality slow motion is to use the Twixtor Plug-in from Re:Vision in FCP or After Effects. You can do both variable and constant speed effects and the quality is much higher than you see in the stock speed tools in FCP.

B. From Nick Meyers:
I've got a "poor-man's" smooth slo-mo that i do in FCP. It really only works with 50% speed, but here it is:

Slow clip to 50% Double clip up on itself. Add de-interlace to both Set one to upper, The other to lower Add the blink filter to the V2 clip, Set to 1 frame on, 1 frame off.

You do need to render a small section and see if you have the right field order, and that can change if you trim the clip.

C. From Graeme Nattress:
You can use Compressor or Shake for their optical flow to get great slomo, similar to Shake. Or if you just need a nice 50% slowmo from interlaced video, my G Map Frames plugin does that well and fast..

How to fake a camera flash

Q. Is there an easy way of simulating a camera flash?

From Jude Cotter
A. Yes. Several ways. The quick, simple and free way is to use a 'dip to colour' dissolve. Once you have applied the default transition to your cut, double click the transition in the timeline to load it into the viewer.

Now change the parameters to 6 frames, and the colour to almost white. It's best not to use absolute white with video. Also, think about adding a sound effect such as a camera click, as this will help 'sell' the effect.

Other things that might help
• You can also download a free 'flash frame' plug-in as part of the Too Much Too Soon donationware pack here:

http://www.mattias.nu/plugins/

• For a more controllable effect, you can buy the Nattress Film Effects set which includes 'G Film Flash' here:

http://www.nattress.com/Products/filmeffects/G_Film_Flash.htm

From Loren Miller:
Determine what *kind* of camera flash.

Older bulb-type flashes take longer and 6 frames is about right. Think RAGING BULL.

Newer strobe-type digital flashes are shorter. Think CSI.

Each flash starts very bright and ramps down in a millisecond as bulb energy fades.

A method using simply FCP:

- Blade out frames for flash effect so your filter won't affect surrounding action. You could even peel this section up above by dragging with Option held. Then remove the blading from the clip below. - Apply Brightness/Contrast filter effect (to the dupe if you've done this). - Open the section in Viewer. - Step in and ramp one or both settngs from full to half strength.

Experiment against the particular action background for best effect-- include a fade UP frame if it adds authenticity.

Sound effect is always critical to a good flash.