Thursday 27 January 2011

Moving image workshop and practice

This is a brief summary of the Moving image workshop as much for my reference as anything.


There are a number of considerations when dealing with moving image including:


1. Number of images working with
2. Digital video has industry standards called PAL (Phase, Altering, lines).  A UK standard video frame is '720x576' pixels.  The maximum frame rate is 25 frames per second.
3.  Preparation of the files because of PAL is very important.  


In Photoshop we need to re size our image pixel size to 720x576.  This is the correct proportion for RGB screen.  


Mike gave us a few tips on using actions in Photoshop which saves a lot of time.


To re size a large number of images :
1 open first image
2. Create a new action (under actions not paths)
3. Name action
4. Click record
Add action (This was to re size an image)


5. Image, image size, apply re size, OK
6. Save as, chose location, folder for re sized image
7. Close image , stop recording.


To automate this for a batch:


1. Images need to be in one folder
2. file, automate, batch, options: play : select action (re size)
                                                  source : choose folder
                                                  Destination: choose if not included as an action
3. OK



To use images for an image sequence the images need to be numbered sequentially. i.e. 001 to 100.


There are a number of ways to automate however the simplest is using Quicktime player 7


1. Select open image sequence on menu
2. Select first image
3 frame rate 25/12, can chose which frame rate we prefer.
4. Play
5 Once happy with speed.  Convert to a piece of video by:
a. Choose export from menu
b. 'Movie to Quicktime mvie' 
c Options setting Compressor = H.264
                          Frame rate- 25 frames per second
                          Quality - best
To post video on blog use Vimeo or YouTube.


Once logged on Vimeo you can upload videos to a blog.  Copy and paste the embed code into a new blog.


Quicktime player is not as flexible in terms of the number of images, using video clips and music. 
Video editing software, Final cut Express offers more flexibility however still need to prepare and number files sequentially. (If Illustrator files rastorize by opening in Photoshop)


1.  Ensure Final cut is setup correctly.

  1.      Choose setup
  2.      Easy setup
  3.      Video UK standard - PAL (NTSC = US standard)
  4.      'DV-PAL'      (Anamorphic is wide screen format)
  5.      Check Final Cut is saving files correctly.  System Settings, Scratch Disc Tab,Set
  6.      Set each four the same.
2.  File save project as


The screen looks like this:


The top left is called the 'Browser. use the 'list view' in the Browser.  
                   
3. Import file or folder


4. Each set of images can be saved as a different sequence.  By creating different sequences you can group them by duration of each frame for example.


5. Click and drag the file into the video track in the bottom window of the screen.


6. To play back drag the yellow triangle back to the beginning of the sequence.


7. Either press play in the right video screen or 'space bar'


8.To change the duration of the frame either CMD A to select all or click on frame


9.  Right click - chose duration on menu


10. This may gave you a red line at top of sequence bar.  This mean the file needs rendering - Menu, render both.


11. Shift Z allows you to see the whole sequence in one window.


12.  Can delete frames by clicking on frame then backspace


13. Can create any number of sequences. then can consolidate in one sequence by dragging each sequence from the browser window into the final sequence.


14 Can import Wav file and MOV files and edit in Final Cut.


15.  When the video is complete.  

  • File
  • Export
  • Use Quicktime conversion (For smaller files) or Quicktime movie to burn to a DVD
  • Save in user work.  Check video settings H.264, 25 frames and best quality.

To create text in Final cut


1.  Onthe first video viewer window. click 'A' button.  Various options including standard text at bottom, change fonts, font size etc in the Control tab.
2. Click and drag text down to sequence on video track 2.


To fade Video or sound in and out 



Use the pen tool to chose where the video or sound is to fade in or out.


Use TOAST to write files to a DVD disc.
Options


DVD Video
No Menu
Play all continuously
Best quality
Press red button. 
Record

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