Motion question at DVinfo.net

Heath McKnight · January 17th, 2007, 11:35 AM

Does anyone know a place I can look for easy instructions on using Motion, particularly creating fireworks-style effects?

Thanks,

Heath

Boyd Ostroff · January 17th, 2007, 11:47 AM

Hey Heath,

I did a lot of work using the particle effects in Motion about a year and a half ago, and haven't used it since then. Personally I didn't have much problem figuring things out myself using the manual. I think the best way to learn is take some of the existing effects and play around modifying different parameters to observe the results. At first, particle effects seem bewildering, but pretty quickly you will catch on and then you will be amazed at the really cool things which are possible.

OTOH, I'm sure that others will suggest some good books and other resources.

Heath McKnight · January 17th, 2007, 11:50 AM

For some reason, I learn better by seeing it done or reading a friendly book vs. the official manual. I'm one of those learners. Boyd, could you maybe help me with this? I'll PM you.

heath

Tim Brown · January 17th, 2007, 11:56 AM

Have you ever sampled the resources here: http://lynda.com/? The content is top notch and they offer lots of training options.

Tim

Heath McKnight · January 17th, 2007, 11:58 AM

I haven't used Motion, LiveType, or Soundtrack much, but I know Final Cut and DVD Studio like the back of my hand. Oh, well, time to learn!

heath

Cale Rogers · January 17th, 2007, 12:08 PM

Hello,

Motion ships with a couple of firework particle emitter presets that could get you started. Just apply one of them to the timeline and play with the emitter settings to get the desired color, feel and look. Look under the "Library" tab then go to "Particle Emitters" then look under "Pyro." They'll be labeled something like "Fireworks 1, 2 and 3."

Good Luck,

Heath McKnight · January 17th, 2007, 12:17 PM

I found them and started messing around. I just need to figure out how to set them to not go at the same time. It's a bit fake. Is there also a starry night sky somewhere in there?

heath

Cale Rogers · January 17th, 2007, 03:21 PM

You'll have to adjust the particle emitter track length and birth rate settings (under the emitter tab) to modify the timing. Keep in mind that you can also adjust the position and size of the emitters to provide the right spacing. It's a big learning curve, but the end result should be convincing if not simply entertaining. I don't know of a starry night emitter or content file. You may have to shoot your own starry night and use it in the composition (for the best organic result). Motion also has a replicate function that could produce a good starry night effect if you layer a couple of comps together.

Cale

January 17th, 2007, 11:35 AM	#1
Heath McKnight MPS Digital Studios Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Palm Beach County, Florida Posts: 8,531	Motion question Does anyone know a place I can look for easy instructions on using Motion, particularly creating fireworks-style effects? Thanks, Heath __________________ My Final Cut Pro X blog

January 17th, 2007, 11:50 AM	#3
Heath McKnight MPS Digital Studios Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Palm Beach County, Florida Posts: 8,531	For some reason, I learn better by seeing it done or reading a friendly book vs. the official manual. I'm one of those learners. Boyd, could you maybe help me with this? I'll PM you. heath __________________ My Final Cut Pro X blog

January 17th, 2007, 11:58 AM	#5
Heath McKnight MPS Digital Studios Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Palm Beach County, Florida Posts: 8,531	I haven't used Motion, LiveType, or Soundtrack much, but I know Final Cut and DVD Studio like the back of my hand. Oh, well, time to learn! heath __________________ My Final Cut Pro X blog

January 17th, 2007, 12:17 PM	#7
Heath McKnight MPS Digital Studios Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Palm Beach County, Florida Posts: 8,531	I found them and started messing around. I just need to figure out how to set them to not go at the same time. It's a bit fake. Is there also a starry night sky somewhere in there? heath __________________ My Final Cut Pro X blog

January 17th, 2007, 11:47 AM	#2
Boyd Ostroff Wrangler Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mays Landing, NJ Posts: 11,787	Hey Heath, I did a lot of work using the particle effects in Motion about a year and a half ago, and haven't used it since then. Personally I didn't have much problem figuring things out myself using the manual. I think the best way to learn is take some of the existing effects and play around modifying different parameters to observe the results. At first, particle effects seem bewildering, but pretty quickly you will catch on and then you will be amazed at the really cool things which are possible. OTOH, I'm sure that others will suggest some good books and other resources.

January 17th, 2007, 11:56 AM	#4
Tim Brown Major Player Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Richmond, Virginia Posts: 263	Have you ever sampled the resources here: http://lynda.com/? The content is top notch and they offer lots of training options. Tim

January 17th, 2007, 12:08 PM	#6
Cale Rogers Regular Crew Join Date: May 2006 Location: Greeley, CO Posts: 63	Hello, Motion ships with a couple of firework particle emitter presets that could get you started. Just apply one of them to the timeline and play with the emitter settings to get the desired color, feel and look. Look under the "Library" tab then go to "Particle Emitters" then look under "Pyro." They'll be labeled something like "Fireworks 1, 2 and 3." Good Luck,

January 17th, 2007, 03:21 PM	#8
Cale Rogers Regular Crew Join Date: May 2006 Location: Greeley, CO Posts: 63	You'll have to adjust the particle emitter track length and birth rate settings (under the emitter tab) to modify the timing. Keep in mind that you can also adjust the position and size of the emitters to provide the right spacing. It's a big learning curve, but the end result should be convincing if not simply entertaining. I don't know of a starry night emitter or content file. You may have to shoot your own starry night and use it in the composition (for the best organic result). Motion also has a replicate function that could produce a good starry night effect if you layer a couple of comps together. Cale