I usually find such video tutorials full of earnest sincerity by those with the best of intentions, but technical knowledge, skill and talent is not the same as teaching knowledge, skill and talent. You have a style of instruction that makes the information accessible and, as a result, usable. Thank you and very well done.
Man got say that this tutorial just saved my life into a project Im working on it, I was thinking like you teach here, but I was doing with blank into the primary timeline but it wasn't working out!!! thanks dude! appreciate that keep going!
Bret...I'm working on a music video with multiple drop zones and this tutorial is a time & lifesaver! Your plug-ins have been amazing including the Park & Recs transition used in this tutorial!
Rolf Sturm So do I! Thank you! i have a list a mile long of topics, but yep the day job gets in the way at times. January is busy but hope to get another one or two out, hopefully a bit shorter form. 😜
@@BretFX Just curious Bret, what is your day job? I know you've been making cool plug-ins for FCPX & Motion for years - so are you a full-time editor? I would be very impressed if you did the FCPX plug-ins etc. as a side hustle.
@@rolfsturm2455 good question! I guess the simple answer is yes I'm an editor. My wife and I have a company and do mostly corporate work here in the ATL area. But I'm also a landlord, a Dad, and a plugin creator (as you mentioned).
YOOOOOOOO!!! I never realized you can double click the top of the inspector to toggle full screen inspector!!!! 90second in and I'm alread learning something!! This is awesome, I'm gonna use that little trick everyday! Thanks!
Thank you very much. Your tutorial was very easy to understand, follow, and apply. You just saved me hours of frustration. I sure do appreciate your kindness in sharing your skills with us.
Great stuff man! I always go nuts with drop zones. I wonder why they don't change the handling of drop zones so we don't have to create a new compound clip with generators...
That seems natural. You wouldn’t color grade a drop zone but what’s IN a drop zone and you can do that by placing the clip in a compound, then using that as your source for the drop zone.
I think Premiere has updated their motion graphics template (MOGRT) system to finally have drop zones. They've almost reached the capability of the 2007 version of Final Cut Pro in this regard. The synergy between FCP and Motion is truly unique. And cheap! Don't rent software if you don't have to.
When I double click the dropzone in an effect I made it won't let me transform the media in the dropzone. Any ideas? I need to scale/replace it so it looks good
You may have something in front of it in Motion like a transparent layer or text. In Motion, you can put something in the drop zone, and in the inspector you'll see pan and scale controls appear that can be published which will do the same thing if you can't double click it in FCPX. Be sure and clear out the drop zone before you save. In FCPX make sure you don't have transform controls on or you won't be able to double click to adjust.
Are you using a title, generator, plugin, or transition with drop zones? If you want to play with the one in the tutorial, you can download a free subset here... www.bretfx.com/product/split-screen-transitions-free/
BenjaminGib I thought someone might notice that! DSR-20. Yep. I’m OLD. There’s a betacam sp around the corner. But I bought that for $15 a few years ago just to digitize some even older stuff.
Great video. How do I duplicate drop zones? I'm using a slideshow template from Motion Array that has 12 drop zones in the inspector on the right. I want to add additional images but I don't want the same images to repeat. If I extend the timeline it is still only using the original 12 images. How do I extend the template to use more than 12 images?
First let me double check you’re asking me how to alter my competitor’s product…. Yup! 😂 And the basic answer is you don’t. The template you’re using is essentially a little plugin created in Apple Motion, with drop zones precisely placed and parameters published, etc for use in FCP. If you’re well versed in using Apple Motion, you might be able to duplicate and or add more drop zones and save as a new template, but honestly, that’s opening a big can of worms. Talk to Motion VFX and see if they have any advice or can alter it. HTH!
@@BretFX so basically all these Motion Array slideshow templates are limited to the very small number of included photos (drop zones)? In this case 12 photos, but most I looked at are similar. I don't understand how that could be enough photos for any slideshow. Seems like an oversight on their part to not include more. I'll probably have to use a different program/template for this project then but I'll check with Motion Array.
@@bladerealm124 perhaps. It would be quite unwieldy to use one with much more. The idea is usually you string together multiple templates. No just one for an entire timeline. A slideshow package you purchase often comes with multiple templates with varying looks and drop zone counts. Often the package includes transitions to add between them or you can use standard FCP transitions between them. Hope mVFX sheds some light!
@@bladerealm124 oh, whoops, you said Motion Array not Motion VFX. Well that's quite different. Motion Array, as great a resource as it is, is going to be a big mixed bag. Depends on what the particular vendor built and designed. Best of luck!
Thank you! I have used a variety of cheap mics. I started with a cheap lav plugged into an H1 zoom recorder for on screen stuff but for the tutorial itself I would use a Logitech usb headset. That way I could move around freely and the mic is always in the same place. But lately I use a blue snowball for the tutorials and a rode wireless go for the on camera bits plugged into a lumix g7. For this particular tutorial on Drop Zones it may have been my son's gaming headset or the old Logitech headset. But Blue Snowball has been great as has the rode go.
Check out the section about syncing to a compound clip at czcams.com/video/1whbXBSM0qI/video.html The basic gist being that you have to have the clip with the audio in the timeline, starting at the same frame as your template/effect/transition/title, and then you need to compound that clip and then choose the first frame of the compound as the frame for the drop zone.
@@BretFX Thanks for the prompt reply. All my videos are already synched with an unique audio track. However, when I use my generator to split the screen (I created one), once I add the videos to the drop zones, they come out of synch no matter the frame I choose. The video in the drop zone runs a few seconds ahead compared to the same one in the TL isolated.
@@drumam still works this way I just checked. You might need to split the clip before you compound. The compound has to start at the same frame as the generator, regardless of where the drop zone occurs in the generator. Don't trim the compound, don't click a frame other than the first frame. First frame of the compound syncs to the first frame of the generator and choose the first frame of the compound when you choose the drop zone element.
When I double click the dropzone in an effect I made it won't let me transform the media in the dropzone. Any ideas? I need to scale/replace it so it looks good
I'm trying to get this video out by today. Any chance we could zoom or skype and I can show you my issue? I'm sure it's an easy fix but I can't figure it out
Thank you for making drop zones so simple to understand! 😲
You bet!
I usually find such video tutorials full of earnest sincerity by those with the best of intentions, but technical knowledge, skill and talent is not the same as teaching knowledge, skill and talent. You have a style of instruction that makes the information accessible and, as a result, usable. Thank you and very well done.
Wow, thank you!
Very clear and spot on explanation👏
Thank you kind sir!
Bret, this is the best tutorial yet that I've seen on this subject. Well done.👌🏾
Thanks! I get a lot of questions about drop zones so I thought I’d try and shed a little light. Apple doesn’t make it particularly user friendly.
Your split screen transition pack is awesome as well. Having lots of fun using them.
@@swizzlebeatstv Always awesome to hear! I think the review section for it could use some love! Hint hint 😉
Man got say that this tutorial just saved my life into a project Im working on it, I was thinking like you teach here, but I was doing with blank into the primary timeline but it wasn't working out!!! thanks dude! appreciate that keep going!
You're very welcome!
Bret...I'm working on a music video with multiple drop zones and this tutorial is a time & lifesaver! Your plug-ins have been amazing including the Park & Recs transition used in this tutorial!
Awesome, thank you!
Damn you taught me so much about this
It's a frustrating implementation. I figured I'd make a video before I forgot myself.
Hope you have the time to continue to do these tutorials... Really enjoy the information & tips wrapped in your calm presentation style. Well done!
Rolf Sturm So do I! Thank you! i have a list a mile long of topics, but yep the day job gets in the way at times. January is busy but hope to get another one or two out, hopefully a bit shorter form. 😜
@@BretFX Just curious Bret, what is your day job? I know you've been making cool plug-ins for FCPX & Motion for years - so are you a full-time editor?
I would be very impressed if you did the FCPX plug-ins etc. as a side hustle.
@@rolfsturm2455 good question! I guess the simple answer is yes I'm an editor. My wife and I have a company and do mostly corporate work here in the ATL area. But I'm also a landlord, a Dad, and a plugin creator (as you mentioned).
@@rolfsturm2455 oh and yes the plugins and tutorials don't even qualify as a side hustle yet. One can hope!
@@BretFX Thanks for getting back. A busy creator! Keep up the good work & I'll be looking for those new tutorials.
5:55 is magic! Great tutorial!
Thanks Ben! That means a lot!
Man! Thanks a lot! that's just impossible to understand without you!
Happy to help!
YOOOOOOOO!!! I never realized you can double click the top of the inspector to toggle full screen inspector!!!! 90second in and I'm alread learning something!! This is awesome, I'm gonna use that little trick everyday! Thanks!
Couldn't live without it!
Thank you very much. Your tutorial was very easy to understand, follow, and apply. You just saved me hours of frustration. I sure do appreciate your kindness in sharing your skills with us.
Stephen Lochmiller Thanks Stephen! Drop zones are a mess aren’t they?
Nice break down- great lesson.
Thank you! Glad you liked it!
man you are amazing!!!
You are! Thanks!
Nice one Bret !!!
Thanks so much!
Love this! Thanks for putting this together.
Happy to do it! Hope it helped.
Wow! Fantastic, now I understand so many mysteries! I suppose that the same principle apply for generators and titles?
Les Productions Techno-Denis yep! Applies to all drop zones in generators, transitions, titles, effects... all Motion templates.
sir please make a tutorial on how to create dropzone fx
Do you know how to create effects in Apple Motion? That's step one. Step 2, add a dropzone layer.
Great stuff man! I always go nuts with drop zones.
I wonder why they don't change the handling of drop zones so we don't have to create a new compound clip with generators...
Good question!
every time I create a compound clip as a default FCP and press the option G Final Cut kicks me out any clue? Thank you
Haven't seen that one! Maybe just trash your FCP preferences. Hold cmd+option as you launch FCP.
@@BretFX Thank you for your response
I find it extremely frustrating that you can’t color grade clips in a dropzone 😔
That seems natural. You wouldn’t color grade a drop zone but what’s IN a drop zone and you can do that by placing the clip in a compound, then using that as your source for the drop zone.
Does drop zone effect exist in another app also? Like premiere pro ,filmora, davinci?
I think Premiere has updated their motion graphics template (MOGRT) system to finally have drop zones. They've almost reached the capability of the 2007 version of Final Cut Pro in this regard. The synergy between FCP and Motion is truly unique. And cheap! Don't rent software if you don't have to.
Making me like FCP.
Michael Stanton I hope so! No app is perfect, and drop zones are definitely a little wacky. 😜
When I double click the dropzone in an effect I made it won't let me transform the media in the dropzone. Any ideas? I need to scale/replace it so it looks good
You may have something in front of it in Motion like a transparent layer or text. In Motion, you can put something in the drop zone, and in the inspector you'll see pan and scale controls appear that can be published which will do the same thing if you can't double click it in FCPX. Be sure and clear out the drop zone before you save. In FCPX make sure you don't have transform controls on or you won't be able to double click to adjust.
Nowhere on my screen do I get the option of Drop Zones no matter what I do any suggestions?
Are you using a title, generator, plugin, or transition with drop zones? If you want to play with the one in the tutorial, you can download a free subset here... www.bretfx.com/product/split-screen-transitions-free/
Bret, is that a DVCAM deck on your shelf?
BenjaminGib I thought someone might notice that! DSR-20. Yep. I’m OLD. There’s a betacam sp around the corner. But I bought that for $15 a few years ago just to digitize some even older stuff.
BenjaminGib there’s also an Apple t-shirt they handed out at the opening day of the first Apple Store here in GA. It’s still in the little tube.
BretFX oh my gosh I need them too! 😀🙌🏼
BretFX so awesome on the shirt!
@@BenjaminGib it's crazy how clean and organized you can make your suite look when you only see 1/4 of it!
Great video. How do I duplicate drop zones? I'm using a slideshow template from Motion Array that has 12 drop zones in the inspector on the right. I want to add additional images but I don't want the same images to repeat. If I extend the timeline it is still only using the original 12 images. How do I extend the template to use more than 12 images?
First let me double check you’re asking me how to alter my competitor’s product…. Yup! 😂 And the basic answer is you don’t. The template you’re using is essentially a little plugin created in Apple Motion, with drop zones precisely placed and parameters published, etc for use in FCP. If you’re well versed in using Apple Motion, you might be able to duplicate and or add more drop zones and save as a new template, but honestly, that’s opening a big can of worms. Talk to Motion VFX and see if they have any advice or can alter it. HTH!
@@BretFX so basically all these Motion Array slideshow templates are limited to the very small number of included photos (drop zones)? In this case 12 photos, but most I looked at are similar. I don't understand how that could be enough photos for any slideshow. Seems like an oversight on their part to not include more. I'll probably have to use a different program/template for this project then but I'll check with Motion Array.
@@bladerealm124 perhaps. It would be quite unwieldy to use one with much more. The idea is usually you string together multiple templates. No just one for an entire timeline. A slideshow package you purchase often comes with multiple templates with varying looks and drop zone counts. Often the package includes transitions to add between them or you can use standard FCP transitions between them. Hope mVFX sheds some light!
@@bladerealm124 oh, whoops, you said Motion Array not Motion VFX. Well that's quite different. Motion Array, as great a resource as it is, is going to be a big mixed bag. Depends on what the particular vendor built and designed. Best of luck!
Great lesson. Thank you. Also, all of your tutorials have good sound. Please inform which mic do you use?
Thank you! I have used a variety of cheap mics. I started with a cheap lav plugged into an H1 zoom recorder for on screen stuff but for the tutorial itself I would use a Logitech usb headset. That way I could move around freely and the mic is always in the same place. But lately I use a blue snowball for the tutorials and a rode wireless go for the on camera bits plugged into a lumix g7. For this particular tutorial on Drop Zones it may have been my son's gaming headset or the old Logitech headset. But Blue Snowball has been great as has the rode go.
Thanks.
How to synch drop zones videos to a single audio track?
Check out the section about syncing to a compound clip at czcams.com/video/1whbXBSM0qI/video.html The basic gist being that you have to have the clip with the audio in the timeline, starting at the same frame as your template/effect/transition/title, and then you need to compound that clip and then choose the first frame of the compound as the frame for the drop zone.
@@BretFX Thanks for the prompt reply. All my videos are already synched with an unique audio track. However, when I use my generator to split the screen (I created one), once I add the videos to the drop zones, they come out of synch no matter the frame I choose. The video in the drop zone runs a few seconds ahead compared to the same one in the TL isolated.
@@drumam still works this way I just checked. You might need to split the clip before you compound. The compound has to start at the same frame as the generator, regardless of where the drop zone occurs in the generator. Don't trim the compound, don't click a frame other than the first frame. First frame of the compound syncs to the first frame of the generator and choose the first frame of the compound when you choose the drop zone element.
@@BretFX You are absolutely correct. Thank you so much for this explanation! 🙏🏻
@@drumam tough one to explain. Glad you've got it!
When I double click the dropzone in an effect I made it won't let me transform the media in the dropzone. Any ideas? I need to scale/replace it so it looks good
I'm trying to get this video out by today. Any chance we could zoom or skype and I can show you my issue? I'm sure it's an easy fix but I can't figure it out
Sorry just saw this. I don't really do personal training. But hmmmm.... 🤔