Can you add effects to FCP?
 

is there a way to get additional transitions and effects for FCP or do you have to get more software like after effects?

i'm particularly looking for this transition that when it dissolves to the next clip it kind of dissolves into a white before going to the next clip....i see it a lot when people go to flashback sequences, etc.

Doesn't seem like you would need an "effect" to create that. Make a white image in Photoshop or a similar application and put it on a track below your video. Then use an opacity ramp to fade in and out of the white.

But to answer your question, sure there are plenty of plug-ins for FCP which provide additional effects. Have a look at Graeme's here: http://www.nattress.com/ and Joe's here: http://www.joesfilters.com/ for starters.

That transition is built-in to FCP. It's called "Dip-To-Color"

It's default is black, so when you put it on two clips it creates a dip to black. Go into the transition properties and you can then change it to white.

On a more general approach to your answer:

Yes, there are hundreds of third party filters, FX and transitions for FCP.

I like Joes filters, Eureka, Nattress, and DV garage, but you also have stuff like Magic Bullet and Boris making nice stuff.

Do some research... -;)

Gunleik

I'm a big fan of Magic Bullet, useful for not just for "film look" effects but creating a unique look for a piece of video. A nice tool to have in the post-production toolbox.

If I understand you correctly that's a dissolve with an "additive Mix" which blows out the highlights.

That's exactly what I was going to answer, Nate. I've done it that way and I like the way it looks. I was actually trying to emulate the effect everyone was talking about in the wedding videos and when I found the dip to color I thought why couldn't you dip to white. Sure enough, it worked like a charm.

-gb-

thanks guys, this is all great info!

btw, this guy uses the transition i was referring to within the first 5 seconds of his reel. it's the transition going from the second cut into the third cut: http://www.schmovies.com/clips/schowreel_06-small.mov