unsure of how to export my xl2 16:9 footage back into fcp4.5 from ae6.5
 

i am treating video in after effects that was captured in fcp.

i am having trouble both
a) importing this anamorphic DV footage into after effects properly and most importantly,
b) importing in back into final cut pro in such a way that it does not have to render.

help!
-allen

Hello,

a) Getting the pixels right with this workflow will be difficult. Try this: In FCP, make a new sequence at an aspect ratio of 853x480 with square pixels (uncheck anamorphic). Copy your edited timeline to this new sequence then export as a self contained QuickTime file. In AE make a 853x480 comp and check the 4:3 pixel option (D1/NTSC 0.9). The QT file should fit easily in this new comp without any pixel distortion on output from AE. Back in FCP you'll either have to letter box a 4:3 sequence or try to output a 16:9 DV file. The problem with the workflow is that anamorphic isn't true widescreen, so pixels get streched to edit in a 720x480 space. You'll have to do a custom job on the pixel space to make this work without too much distortion.

b) You must render eveything out of AE. The only exception is if you're using the new dinamic link feature that's only available with the Windows AE version and PP2. Keep in mind, once you import the rendered AE comp into FCP you'll have to render it again for playback.

I hope this helps,

CJ Rogers

I thought of one other option you may want to explore. Build your AE work in a 1280x720 composition, which works mathematically with 16x9. Import the AE render into FCP and add it to your anamorphic timeline. This doesn't get your anamorphic footage into AE, but it should preserve the aspect of the compositions you create without converting video files.

CJ Rogers