Extra filters for FCP
 

I am looking at getting the film effects filters from (http://www.nattress.com/) I downloaded the demo and they seem to work great. I like the vignette and soft glow effects it produces. Does anyone use them for enhancing their wedding videos?

Any other suggestions for filters that some of you use?

I am a little confused on the 24p conversion, but it appears to smooth everything out nicely. Is this something everyone does as a final step in editing? I am reading the film look section of this board to learn more about this, but maybe someone has a short answer to this related to weddings.

Newbee questions, but I have read and learnt a lot already from a short time on this message board. Also I have seem some really great work here!!

I have the Natress filters and must say they are great value and I have nothing but praise for them. I have just used some of them in my latest wedding.

The 'Glow Dissolve' transition is excellent especially when used with B&W. I have also used the Levels, Soft Glow and Blur Edges in a subtle way and they too are excellent.

Personally I don't like vignetting. And IMHO 'overdoing' any filters is a no-no. I have seen some AWFUL wedding videos in the past where the editor (and I use that term 'creatively') seems to think that putting any old cheesy effect onto the video makes their work 'creative'. This is often the curse of the enthusiastic amateur, but I have seen it from some pros too... restraint is the order of the day.

I believe the occasional use of a good quality filter can be used to creatively enhance a production. My advice is to experiment carefully with them and don't be tempted to simply use them because you have them.

HTH

Another inexpensive package worth looking at is Joe's Filters. You get an incredible amount of stuff for $95. You can download the free trial which is fully functional on shorter clips.

Thanks for the input on the filters.

I don't see the "Glow Dissolve" transition on the Natress webpage, am I missing something?

Also I know what you are saying Stephen about overusing filters. I have been in the graphic arts industry for 11 years and I can always tell when a new effect comes out in Photoshop or Illustrator...everyone uses it to death! Thank you for reminding me of this, I hope to not make the same mistake with my venture into this new realm of "design."

I plan on using the filters as a "flashback" or reflection on the Wedding Day. So adding a sultle dreamy effect is what I am after. I have also noticed that the use of B&W can create the same effect.

<<<-- Originally posted by Dan Frievalt : So adding a sultle dreamy effect is what I am after. -->>>

Try experimenting with different settings using "Joe's Diffuser." It can give you a ProMist sort of effect which you might like. Motion blur is another one you might add to this.

As far as I remember, Glow Dissolve is in my free section. :-) Now that's value for money you can't beat. The G Reverse plugin in there is also excellent as it produces much smoother reverse play and FCP normally does.

BTW, if you like the Film Effects V1.5, then you'll love V2.0 which is much updated, and the effects you can do with the Vignette now are awesome as it's so much more controlable. I'll have a demo up of V2.0 as soon as I get back from my holidays. Yes - I do take time off :-)

Graeme

Graeme? You hang out here too? You are everywhere man.

Here is a list a buddy put together of all the effects plugins available for FCP:

PLUGINS and EXTRAS
most AE plugins that work in AE3 will work in FCP NONE of the built in AE plugins work in FCP
http://www.nattress.com
http://www.kafwang.com/EUREKA/EurekaMain.html
http://www.chv-plugins.com/index.html
http://www.riverrockstudios.com/riverrock/pages/FCP.html
http://www.redgiantsoftware.com/
http://www.borisfx.com/
http://www.buena.com/
http://www.revisionfx.com/
http://www.virtix.com/fcp/
http://www.lyric.com/fcp-plugins/
http://www.pluginz.com/default.php?from=rlist&genre=6&category=62&type=2
http://www.synthetic-ap.com
http://www.fxscript.org
http://homepage.mac.com/tomhenderson/beziermatte/
http://www.mattias.nu/
http://www.digitalfilmtools.com/55mm-4/55mm.htm
http://www.cgm-online.com/eiperle/cgm_e.html
http://www.joesfilters.com
http://www.dvgarage.com/
http://www.trapcode.com/
http://www.digital-heaven.co.uk/
http://www.genarts.com/download-sapphire-ae-mac.html
http://66.193.230.226/~stib/
http://www.petewarden.com/index.htm
http://www.digitaljuice.com
http://www.automaticduck.com
http://www.pistolerapost.com/tech/ThreeStrip.zip
http://www.pistolerapost.com/tech/TwoStrip.zip (ctrl-click and select Download Linked File As...)

I'm practically everywhere.... :-)

Graeme

Here is a site with tons of links to everything FCP, including filters.

Mr. Nattress, After downloading your free filters, FCP4.5 message pops up saying 'wrong file type'
Can you help me here?
thanks

Yes. You have to install them in the FCP plugins folder. Quit FCP. Now in the finder, find your library folder, the one at the root of your hard drive, not the library in your personal home folder. Now follow this path to the plugins folder:

/Library/Application Support/Final Cut Pro System Support/Plugins

Just copy the plugins into that folder, or a sub-folder of it for orginisational purposes, restart FCP and you're laughing!

Graeme

And I suppose that info was readily avalible had I searched the site.
Well, I would'nt be me if I wasnt doing things half-cocked.
Many thanks for the help and the filters.

you can at least give David credit for his list Shane. JK! I frequent the Apple board too.