[This article was first published in the January, 2008, issue of
Larry's Final Cut Pro Newsletter. Click here to subscribe.]

The problem with adding a constant speed change to a clip is that it always changes duration when you change the speed of a clip, thereby pushing everything out of whack downstream.

Here's a very slick technique that prevents that problem.

But, first, a bit of background. By definition, if you change the speed of a clip it MUST change duration if it is going to play every frame from the In to the Out.

However, if you are willing to not play every frame, then this technique works perfectly. Here's how:

1. Put your playhead into the clip who's speed you want to change.
   
   
   
   
2. Position your playhead on the frames you want to keep. Those frames that are furthest from the playhead will be lost in the speed change (assuming you slow the clip down. If you speed it up, frames prior to the In or after the Out will be added to the clip.
3. (Here's the secret trick!) Press Option+Command+F. This loads the source clip into the Viewer (notice there are no sprocket holes in the playhead scrubber bar at the bottom of the Viewer). This acts like a Match Frame, but without setting an In or an Out.
   
   
   
   
4. Select the Viewer
5. Choose Modify > Speed and change the speed of the clip. In this example, I'm slowing it to 50% normal speed.
   
   
   
   
6. Without moving the playhead in the Viewer or the Timeline, drag the clip from the Viewer to the Canvas and drop it on top of Replace edit.
   
   
   
   
7. POOF! Your timeline clip has changed speed without changing duration (see the green render bar at the top of the clip?)!
   
   

I use this trick frequently and still marvel at how well it works.

Larry Jordan is a post-production consultant and an Apple-Certified Trainer in Digital Media with over 25 years experience as producer, director and editor with network, local and corporate credits. Based in Los Angeles, he's a member of both the Directors Guild of America and the Producers Guild of America.

The information in this article is believed to be accurate at the time of publication. However, the author assumes no liability in case things go wrong. Please use your best judgment in applying these suggestions.

The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. This newsletter has not been reviewed or sanctioned by Apple or any other third party. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are mentioned here for editorial purposes only.

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