I would like to insert a 720x540 movie into a 1920x1080 project without resizing, but instead with padding to show the difference in image size between the two formats. Basically i want to end up with a huge letterbox. Is that possible?
The first thought that comes to mind is to use Keynote (if you have it). It's an Apple product (similar to Powerpoint) available on the App Store ($20.99 on the Australian Store).
In Keynote, choose a suitable themed blank slide with dimensions of 1920 x 1080 (1280 x 720 also works well). Then drag the 720 x 540 movie onto the slide and scale and position it appropriately (guideline allow you to centre it perfectly). You can then export the project as a movie file (.mov) which can then be imported to iMovie.
If you need further instructions, please post back. There may be other ways of doing it of course, such as using Picture in Picture on a black or coloured background (or video clip) in iMovie - that is perhaps the simplest way, in hindsight.
John
Thanks so much, John. Just your hint of using picture-in-picture is what I needed. I created black using:
http://imovie08.blogspot.com/2007/08/how-to-add-black-space.html
and added my low rez clip via picture-in-picture
Well done! Good to see some initiative! 🙂
I see that you added black by following Aaron's blog on how to add black using a Centred Title in iMovie '08. In iMovie '09 and iMovie '11 you can drag backgrounds (including black) from the Map, Background & Animatic browser. It's the last icon at the right of the centre toolbar.
Usually, a panel containing a selection of backgrounds appears when inserting a title into a space in the timeline (before or after a clip). But you can also drag backgrounds independently into the timeline.
John
Thanks so much for the additional hint! Yay!
Inserting footage without resize, but padding
