FCS 101: Motion Graphics and Effects in Final Cut Studio 2

Course Description
Course Outline

Final Cut Studio This three-day, hands-on course familiarizes students with real-world effects techniques, including filters, layering, composite modes and animating video, graphics and titles. The practical approach to motion graphics focuses on the features of Final Cut Studio that editors and designers need to use in their daily work. Using Motion, Final Cut Pro and LiveType, you'll build creative titles, motion menus, show bumpers and news opens as you learn everything from text animation, compositing, and keyframing to 3D set creation and camera animation.

Who Should Attend

This class is designed for anyone who wants to learn more about the motion graphics and effects capabilities of Final Cut Pro, Motion and Live Type and who prefer prefer hands-on and interactive instruction.

What You Will Learn

  • When and how to use Final Cut Pro, Motion and Live Type to create animated titling
  • Integrating Motion and Live Type into Final Cut Pro projects
  • Creating DVD menus and overlays in Motion and applying them to DVD Studio Pro
  • Building motion graphics projects from scratch
  • Manipulating video with filters, composite modes and behaviors
  • Working with 3D sets and cameras in Motion

Prerequisites

Students should have the following prerequisite knowledge prior to attending the course:

  • Basic knowledge of Mac OS X
  • Level One Final Cut Pro End User certification is required
  • Ideally, students will have attended an FCP 101, 200 or 250 course

Course Schedule

Day 1

Compositing and Animating Text in Final Cut Pro

Using the Boris 3D Text Generator, Adding a Graphic, Using a Travel Matte, Animating Text with Keyframes, Saving the Animation, Animating Text with a Generator and Building a Credit Roll

Creating an Animated Lower Third

Preparing the Project, the LiveType Interface, Placing the Background Movie, Adding and Styling Text, Using Preset Animations, Modifying the Animation, Adding an Animated Background, Integrating LiveType into Final Cut Pro and More on LiveType

Final Cut Pro to Motion and Back: Building an Animated Title Sequence

Sending a Clip from Final Cut Pro to Motion, Animating Text with Behaviors, Creating an Animated Background, Round-Tripping, Sending Multiple Clips to Motion, Applying Transformations and Blend Modes, More Text Behaviors, Working in the Timeline, and Returning to Final Cut Pro.

Creating Motion Templates for Final Cut Pro

Setting up the Template for Drop Zones, Applying Drop Zones, Saving a Template, and Applying the Template in Final Cut Pro.

Compositing in Motion

Creating and Saving a Custom Project Preset in Motion, Building Animated Background, and Creating and Animating Shapes

Day 2

Creating Custom Text Animations

Creating a Custom Text Behavior, Separating the Title Sequence, Completing the Title Sequence, and Adding DVD Menu Items

Working with Particles

Understanding Particles, Creating Particles, Modifying Particles, Particles in Z-Space, Modifying Preset Particles, and Using an Image Mask

From Motion to DVD Studio Pro

Setting a Loop Point, Using Overlays, Preparing Audio, Importing into DVD Studio Pro, Simulating the Menu and Roundtripping

Working with Shapes

Creating Custom Shapes, Using Blend Modes, Animating Shapes, and Adding and Animating Graphics

Creating Animated Background Elements

Creating Patterns with the Replicator, Using the Sequence Replicator Behavior, Applying Parameter Behaviors and Integrating the Background Element

Using Masks

Working with Video, Using the Vector Mask Tools, Animating within a Mask, Animating a Mask, and Adding a Touch of 3D

Day 3

Building a Multi-Layered Text Effect

Working with Preset Text Behaviors, Working with Layer Clones, Animating Layer Clones, using the Sequence Text Behavior, and Saving Custom Animating to the Library

New Open: Working in a 3D World

Seeing Motion in 3D, Creating a Set, Moving the Camera, Adding the Second Set, Adding the Third Set, Animating with Camera Behaviors, Refining the Animation and Adding a 2D Background

Show Open

Using Blend Modes, Keyframing, Working with 3D Layers, Using Paint, and Animating Text on a Path in 3D

Manipulating Video

Using FXPlug in Final Cut Pro, Retiming Footage, Stabilizing Shots, Match Moving, and Keying Footage

More Motion Techniques

Animating Filters, More Replicator, Using the Audio Behavior, Working with PhotoShop Files, and Working with Keyframes


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To Register

Check the course schedule for a list of courses available for registration at Apple Authorized Training Centers worldwide.

Build Credibility. Get Certified.

Demonstrate your knowledge by passing the Final Cut Studio Level One exam and earning Apple Certified Pro - Final Cut Studio Level One certification.

This certification also counts towards Final Cut Studio Master Pro certification.

Apple Authorized Training Centers offer exams either as part of the course or separately.

Apple Pro Training Series Book

The book for this course is Motion Graphics and Effects in Final Cut Studio 2, by Mark Spencer and Jem Schofield. Click here for a 30% discount code.