[This article was first published in the April, 2004, issue of
Larry's FCP Newsletter. It's FREE! Click here to subscribe.]
Here's a simple technique you can use to create some truly interesting
transitions using Final Cut's gradient wipe. (And half the fun is in
creating the gradient, itself.)
Here's how it works. Final Cut has a transition, called the Gradient
Wipe, that transitions between two shots based upon the gray scale
value of a graphic that you create and reference as part of the transition.
It sounds complex, but it isn't.
First, start by opening the graphics program of your choice and create
an image that gradually shades from pure white to pure black.
Now, apply an interesting effect. Ones that I like are twirls, or
this one -- a glass block effect. The only limits are: don't add colors
and don't remove the gradations. (Well, you can, this also makes for
an interesting effect; but, for right now, don't.)
Import your newly created gradient into Final Cut.
Now, click on the Effects tab in the Browser (or select your edit
point, then go to Effects -> Video Transitions -> Wipes -> Gradient
wipe)...
...and drag the Gradient wipe down on your transition.
Double click the transition to open the transition editor and drag
your gradient graphic from the Browser into the graphic "well" on
the far right side of the transition editor.
Render your effect and watch how the various shades of gray affect
your transition. This is a very cool way to create some truly eye-catching
transitions.
I've created five simple ideas you can use to experiment with. These
are TIFF images in 720 x 534 format. I created them, so they are royalty-free.
But the ZIP download is fairly big -- 1.7 MB. Click
here to download.
Enjoy.
This article is from the April issue of "Larry's
FCP Newsletter," a very cool FREE monthly
Final Cut Pro newsletter -- subscribe by sending an email to larry@larryjordan.biz or
visit Larry's web site: www.larryjordan.biz.
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 and
Producers
Guild.
Click here for printer-friendly version.
Text copyright 2004 by Larry Jordan. All rights reserved.
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.
Links to my website home page or this article are welcome and don't require prior permission.
