Video Clips from Internet

Question

Video Clips from Internet

Hey all!

I was blessed to recieve a free trial to a site called videoblocks.com where I can download videos to use for my project for a week. I'm trying to get the most out of the opportunity and get the videos I need in my project, but I need advice on the best format to work with. Here are my sequence settings for my project:

This window comes up when I download the clips from the site:

I've been downloading the MOV version, which seems to be working great. I'm just not sure if it will cause any problems later on. Should I convert it in Compressor or will the clips be fine? The project will be shown at the local theater and sold on DVD.

Thanks in advance!

Final Cut Pro 7, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Jan 7, 2014 1:17 PM

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Answer 1

Shane Ross

Level 8

43,110 points

Jan 7, 2014 1:32 PM in response to EpicSummerMovie

Convert your footage to ProRes 422. Match the sequence settings. Use Compressor. FCP does not work well with H.264 files...nor PhotoJpeg. But PhotoJPEG is a higher quality base, I'd download that format opposed to the highly compressed H.264.

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Answer 2

Jan 7, 2014 1:32 PM in response to EpicSummerMovie

either format will need to be converted to work propery in fcp. Not sure if h264 mp4's will convert using compressor (the best choice in my opinion) to prores 422. If compressor doesn't work, use mpegstreamclip.

Pretty sure the photojpeg should convert in compressor to prores 422 without an issue.

If the clips have audio that you will be using make sure that the audio is converted to uncompressed 48k 16 bit.

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Answer 3

Jan 7, 2014 1:33 PM in response to Michael Grenadier

If I remember correctly, although the photojpeg will work in fcp, you'll need to constantly render. Much better to convert to prores and match your sequence settings.

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