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

Thanks,

Heath

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.

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

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

Tim

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

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,

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

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