Creating video
How to add transitions and effects in MoviePlus X3
Transitions in Storyboard mode
When you drop multiple clips onto the
Storyboard, MoviePlus places a
default one-second Cross-Fade
between them. To alter the duration of
the fade, select the transition, click on
the default 1.0s and type in a new
duration. Apply the changes by clicking
elsewhere on the Storyboard.
Transitions in Timeline mode
In Timeline mode, you’ll see that the
same two clips overlap by 1s to create
the Cross-Fade, indicated by a red
dotted rectangle. The duration of the
fade depends on the amount of overlap
and can be adjusted by dragging the
clips. The effect is shown in the
Preview window. As transitions are
time-based, make sure that the video in
the overlap area is not part of the main
action.
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Creating video
Cuts
The most common type of transition
in movies is a simple cut – where the
end of one clip is immediately
followed by the start of the next with
no space in between them. In
Timeline mode dragging one clip
right next to the previous one with
no overlap creates a cut. In
Storyboard mode, type 0s as the
duration, or highlight and delete the
transition frame.
Snapping in Timeline mode
MoviePlus has a function called Snapping that ensures your edit jumps to the nearest object
automatically so there are no gaps in the
action. Snapping is enabled by default in
MoviePlus X3. The example shows a clip of
pedestrians walking by the Thames, which
then cuts to a shot of the London Eye
without any transition effect.
Special transitions
There are a few occasions when film convention does call for a more elaborate transition; usually to
show time passing, for a flashback or dream sequence, or to
introduce a change of location: but take care not to overdo it.
Use fancy transitions very sparingly, if at all, for a more
professional movie.
If you want to replace a default Cross-Fade, select the relevant
transition. The Transitions Gallery button appears. Click on it
and select a suitable alternative from the preset styles in the
dialog window. Selecting a category in the upper pane allows you to preview its associated variations
in the lower pane by clicking on the
thumbnails. Click OK to apply the
change. You can also add a
transition by dragging it from the
Transitions Gallery and dropping it
onto the selected transition frame (or
overlap area in Timeline mode).
Preview your work and save it.
The example shows the same two
clips as before with a 3D Page Roll
transition applied.
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Creating video
Special effects
There are also times when it may be appropriate to add
other effects to your movie. Some effects aim to correct
technical problems such as adjusting colour balance or
brightness/contrast. But MoviePlus also offers special
effects that imitate different genres or film styles like black
and white film, old film, and comic strip.
Select the clip that you want to apply a special effect to
and choose the Effects tab on the Properties pane. Click
on the Add Effect … button to bring up the Choose
Effect dialog. Select any of the categories in the top pane
to preview their variations in the lower pane by rolling
your mouse over the thumbnails. Click OK to apply the
effect. Use the controls in the Effects pane to customise
the effect by adjusting its parameters. Preview and save
your work.
The example shows a customised Solarize effect that has been added to create a sinister
atmosphere.
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