After Effects -> FCPX

Question

Level 1

6 points

After Effects -> FCPX

Hello!

I have a workflow problem.

I create graphic animations with alpha channels, for the purposes of placing them over video that's going to be edited in Final Cut Pro X.

But, I'm on a PC and I'm creating these assets in After Effects, and exporting them using Media Encoder.

The codec I'm using is QuickTime, so I expected it to work fine in FCPX since it's an Apple codec.

Nope!

Here's what happens on the other side:

I can think of two solutions, but I need some guidance.

1- Install the "missing plugin" on the Mac that's trying to open this

2- Switch to a different codec when I export

HELP.

Posted on Jan 29, 2021 11:41 AM

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Answer 1

baterax Author

Level 1

6 points

Jan 29, 2021 12:21 PM in response to baterax

Ok so here's a problem already.

I exported with these settings:

Then I imported it back into DaVinci Resolve just to check, and it now has a black background, so it got rid of the alpha.

What am I missing?

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Answer 2

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

151,022 points

Jan 29, 2021 11:46 AM in response to baterax

QuickTime isn't a codec. It's a video framework that can uses many different codecs. I don't know if it's available on Windows, but the best option is to use the ProRes 4444 codec. If that isn't available use the Animation codec.

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Answer 3

baterax Author

Level 1

6 points

Jan 29, 2021 11:57 AM in response to Tom Wolsky

Alright, so right after I posted, I took a look at the options inside Media Encoder and saw the 4444 one.

I just exported using this one.

Now I have to wait until the other fella I work with tries to open them on his Mac.

From what you guys say, it WILL work, yeah?

I'll make sure to come back here and click "This solved my question" if it does :-)

Thanks in advance, dudes! That was QUICK, dayum.

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Answer 4

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

151,022 points

Jan 29, 2021 12:23 PM in response to baterax

On most editing system the default background appears as black. The black is empty space if the file is encoded properly with alpha channel. Check in Resolve preferences to see if the background can be changed to something else, like checkerboard.

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Answer 5

Meg The Dog

Level 6

13,561 points

Jan 29, 2021 1:13 PM in response to baterax

In that panel that you are showing in your screen shot, can you choose QuickTime as the Format, then choose ProRes 4444 with the depth set to + Alpha?

MtD

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Answer 6

Meg The Dog

Level 6

13,561 points

Jan 29, 2021 11:52 AM in response to baterax

As Tom says, you need to use a codec that supports the alpha channel (that FCP-X can Read).

If you can access ProRes 4444 then set the Channels to RGB+Apha and the Depth to Millions of Colors +:

MtD

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Answer 7

baterax Author

Level 1

6 points

Jan 29, 2021 12:28 PM in response to baterax

Just to make sure, here's a post from the BlackMagic forum:

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Answer 8

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

151,022 points

Jan 29, 2021 12:36 PM in response to baterax

So did you place a clip underneath it to see if it has transparency?

If not, you aren't exporting the right settings. Do you have to use MXF? Perhaps the correct ones are not available on Windows.

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Answer 9

baterax Author

Level 1

6 points

Jan 29, 2021 12:44 PM in response to Tom Wolsky

I did:

Here's what's available as far as codecs go:

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Answer 10

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

151,022 points

Jan 29, 2021 11:54 AM in response to Meg The Dog

Does Media Encoder still work on the Mac?

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Answer 11

Meg The Dog

Level 6

13,561 points

Jan 29, 2021 11:55 AM in response to Tom Wolsky

Yes it does, not sure about the M1. I think they release Beta software that supports the M1.

MtD

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Answer 12

Meg The Dog

Level 6

13,561 points

Jan 29, 2021 12:02 PM in response to baterax

I would think a correctly formatted ProRes 4444 file is platform independent, if your Windows machine creating the file has the codec.

MtD

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Answer 13

baterax Author

Level 1

6 points

Jan 29, 2021 12:25 PM in response to Tom Wolsky

I don't think this is it, because when I use the QuickTime .mov file, it doesn't do this.

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Answer 14

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

151,022 points

Jan 29, 2021 12:38 PM in response to baterax

Would it possible to post some screenshots of what you have available in the Windows Media Encoder? My gods the Mac application is as clunky as I remember.

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Answer 15

baterax Author

Level 1

6 points

Jan 29, 2021 1:24 PM in response to Meg The Dog

OMG.

YES. YES I CAN.

AND IT WORKED.

Thank you.

You sir, are a gentleman and a scholar.

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