inserting silent b-roll

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Level 2

286 points

inserting silent b-roll

I'm sure this has been answered, but my head is spinning. Could someone address my iMovie question? I've laid down, in iMovie, an entire MASTER background audio and video clip (one clip with the ambient sound in the room serving as audio). This track, already laid down will be the entire movie.

BUT, I'd like to insert silent clips of video OVER this master track, in places.

How do I paste in the silent video clips so it covers the VIDEO on my master track... but leave the master audio which has already been laid down on the master audio/video track?

I'm kind of dense on this so step by step instructions would be so appreciated.

Many, many thanks on this. Even pointing me to a KB article or other discussion would be so helpful. Dan

Posted on May 14, 2011 12:10 PM

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Answer 1

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,809 points

May 14, 2011 12:55 PM in response to Dan Slocum

In iMovie '11 you can use the cutaway function. Drag the B-roll onto a clip, hold and select cutaway from the popup menu.

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Answer 2

May 14, 2011 1:03 PM in response to Dan Slocum

Dan,

Ken Stone posted a fairly extensive write-up about iMovie '09 on his website a while back.

He explains two techniques you're looking for. The first is placing clips as cutaways.

http://www.kenstone.net/fcp_homepage/imovie_09_stone.html#cutaway%20pip

The second is ducking of audio.

http://www.kenstone.net/fcp_homepage/imovie_09_stone.html#cutaway%20pip

This was written for iMovie '09 but should still be applicable for iMovie '11. Also, before you do anything, make sure you have Show Advanced Tools in iMovie>Preferences>General.

Post back if you have additional questions.

Matt

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Answer 3

Dan Slocum Author

Level 2

286 points

May 14, 2011 1:22 PM in response to Dan Slocum

Thanks so much to both of you. This forum over the years has been such a blessing to me. Friendly people with excellent advice.

Much appreciation. Dan

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Answer 4

May 14, 2011 1:29 PM in response to Dan Slocum

You're very welcome.

I'm happy I could help.

Matt

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