Blog Archives

In this short video tutorial, watch as Larry Jordan shows how to create and animate a dotted line in Motion 5. This is the perfect technique to use to illustrate a path across a map.

Motion 5 can create visually stunning motion graphics for Final Cut or any other video editing software. In this short video tutorial, Larry Jordan shows how to export a Motion project to use in Adobe Premiere Pro CC.

Motion Simulators create very cool effects – and they are also very well hidden. In this short video tutorial, watch Larry Jordan explain what they are and show you some of the effects they can create.

This short video tutorial shows how to use the multicam Angle Editor to organize and adjust clips and angles in preparation for editing.

Three keyboard shortcuts you can use in FCP X to move a clip, a connection, or the playhead.

One of the questions I get asked frequently is: “How much RAM should I have in my computer?” The specific answer varies, but there is a tool that can help us determine the best number. It’s called: Activity Monitor. I’ve …

A short video tutorial illustrating the differences between opacity and blend modes. This also provides examples of the different blend mode categories and shows how to add texture to text.

A short video tutorial on creating a “grad filter” effect using gradients and blend modes inside Final Cut Pro X to enhance landscapes and other outdoor shots.

A detailed, step-by-step guide on exporting projects from Final Cut Pro X for Adobe Audition, then bring the master audio files back. This is an essential step in creating complex audio mixes.

This short video tutorial illustrates which fonts are best for video and which ones should be avoided. These “rules” apply to all video projects in all NLEs, on both Mac and Windows systems.

A short video tutorial showing how to apply multiple color masks to create visually stunning color effects in Final Cut Pro X.

Two quick DVD burning tips when using Apple Compressor 4.1.

A secret, yet quick tip to make color correcting multicam clips in Final Cut Pro X a lot easier.

Two very powerful edits in FCP X are the overwrite and back-timed edit. This step-by-step tutorial shows you how these work.

A short tutorial on how to get high-frame-rate video clips to play back at the frame rate they were shot to create very clean slow-motion effects.

A collection of thoughts on new products and industry trends on the eve of the 2014 NAB Show.

A detailed tutorial on how to animate text along a curve, also called text on a path, using Motion 5. This isn’t obvious, but it isn’t hard, once you know how.

A detailed explanation of how to get text to flow around a shape using Motion 5.

A caution to check preference settings before importing clips into Final Cut Pro X, with an explanation of why this is important.

Show how, where, and why to set performance and media preferences in Final Cut Pro X, v.10.1.

A step-by-step guide to changing project property settings in Final Cut Pro X v.10.1.

A step-by-step guide to assigning, modifying, and searching on keywords in Final Cut Pro X. This tutorial applies to all versions of Final Cut Pro X.

A step-by-step tutorial on how and when to optimize media in Final Cut Pro X, vs. proxy or camera native media.

“Publishing” allows you to send Motion effects settings to Final Cut Pro X so that you can adjust a Motion template inside Final Cut. Sounds complex, but it isn’t, as this short video tutorial explains.

Final Cut Pro X can’t open Motion projects directly. But, using Motion 5, you can convert any existing Motion project so it will open and play in Final Cut Pro X. This short video tutorial explains how.

Rigs and widgets extend the power and flexibility of Motion into Final Cut Pro X. In this short video tutorial, learn how they work.

Secret insider tips to opening the right libraries inside Final Cut Pro X.

A step-by-step tutorial on how to trim connected clips, then how and why to convert them to a connected storyline for trimming in Final Cut Pro X.

A detailed video tutorial, hosted by Larry Jordan, explaining how to create new projects, import media and choose between all the different import options.

A short video tutorial on how to create libraries and events inside Final Cut Pro X (v.10.1).

A short video tutorial explaining how to copy or move events between libraries in the new Final Cut Pro X (v.10.1).

A tutorial on how to manage, backup and archive libraries, media and projects in Final Cut Pro X v10.1.

A comparison of Adobe Media Encoder and Apple Compressor running on a new Mac Pro. [Updated]

A description of using multiple instances of Compressor and when to use them.

A speed comparison between the iMac and new Mac Pro, testing video compression speeds. The winner may surprise you!

A step-by-step tutorial on how to create a dual-boot drive on a Macintosh system.

An explanation of hardware acceleration in Compressor 4.1, along with a step-by-step guide on how to use it.

How to adjust compression settings for DVD media using Compressor 4.1 or Compressor 4.0.

A detailed step-by-step guide to managing projects in the new 10.1 version of Final Cut Pro X.

A detailed step-by-step tutorial on working with libraries in the 10.1 version of Final Cut Pro X.

A short video that details what you need to know to safely update events and projects for Final Cut Pro X 10.1.

A detailed look at media management in Final Cut Pro X 10.1, with a special focus on updating existing events and projects.

A quick explanation of what the two performance playback preference settings control in Final Cut Pro X.

An explanation of compression artifacts, and how to create test movies to make sure video images compressed with the best possible quality and smallest file size.

A step-by-step tutorial showing how to add a motion path to an object, then change its timing, speed, and path shape using Apple Motion 5.

A short tutorial showing how to spell-check, find and replace title text in Final Cut Pro X.

A fast way to view the timecode of source clips in the Event Browser of Final Cut Pro X.

Hidden tricks to merge or cut connected storylines in Final Cut Pro X.

A step-by-step tutorial on creating a soft-edged wipe to a full-screen color in Final Cut Pro X.

A step-by-step guide to moving Final Cut Pro X Events, media and Projects.