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.

A step-by-step tutorial on how to boost and smooth audio levels in Premiere Pro CC. This technique is especially helpful for podcasts, interviews and reality projects.

In this short video tutorial, learn how to synchronize multicam clips using the new “audio sync” feature in FCP X, or by manually setting sync markers.

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.

In this short video tutorial, Larry Jordan explains the different options for importing layered Photoshop graphics into Premiere Pro CC, and helps you decide which to choose for your projects.

This short video tutorial shows you how to create and modify text on a curve in Premiere Pro CC.

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 tutorial on how to use the Tiffen dFX visual effects filters.

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.

An explanation of what you need to consider, technically, when purchasing a RAID for a server or direct-attached storage. Written for the mostly non-techie.

A commentary on the issues surrounding analog to digital audio conversion and the problems with using a Mackie Onyx mixer in a digital environment.

Thoughts and commentary on announcements and trends at the recent 2014 NAB Show in Las Vegas, NV.

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

A look at Dolby Labs “Vision” – a way of improving video image quality by enhancing image bit-depth and color grading.

A detailed explanation of the workflow and staff the Digital Production Buzz is using to cover the 2014 NAB Show in Las Vegas for both live and recorded broadcasts.

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 detailed review of the new music plug-in from Smartsound that connects with either Final Cut Pro X or Adobe Premiere Pro CC.

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

A step-by-step tutorial on how to merge separate audio and video files using QuickTime Player 7 Pro.

A detailed review of “Final Cut Library Manager” from Arctic Whiteness.

A step-by-step tutorial illustrating how to separate a stereo audio clip into two mono channels for editing in Adobe Premiere Pro CC.

This short video demo showcases Coremelt’s TrackX motion-tracking software for Final Cut Pro X.

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 collection of in-depth articles covering media management in the 10.1 update to Final Cut Pro X. This collection makes finding the information you need quick and easy.

A detailed product review of the ioSafe 2014 – disaster recovery storage for your data.

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.

A first-look at a new Adobe Premier Pro CC extension from Pond5 that simplifies finding, editing and conforming stock footage — all inside Premiere itself.

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 step-by-step tutorial on creating busses and sub-mixes for use in audio mixing a video project, using Adobe Audition CC.

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).