Track Motion "Train Cars"?

Sidecar2 wrote on 8/31/2006, 3:11 PM
Using track motion (or another technique) how do I make six still pictures move acoss the full height of the frame like train cars with equal spacing and pacing?

Project size is 408 px high by 1024 px wide. Output will be played back as a Windows Media Video 9 file inside PowerPoint.

Each still photo is very wide at 575 x 1318 pixels.

Thanks.

Comments

Spot|DSE wrote on 8/31/2006, 5:42 PM
This link will show you how to do it, plus you can replace the media with your own.
Note that the movement is all done with Pan/Crop, and the only thing TM is used for is to resize the boxes.
dibbkd wrote on 8/31/2006, 6:23 PM
Here's a similar thread a while back that might be helpful.

click here
Sidecar2 wrote on 9/1/2006, 12:50 PM
Excellent options, both.

You are correct: track motion is not required. (Although I did solve the variable motion problem by setting "smoothness" in the track motion window to "0" instead of its default 100%. At "0" and set to "linear" the pictures move across predicably and at exactly the same rate.)

But for me this time the best method for this problem is using the "Push" transition effect. The setup:

Quick:
1. Put stills on same track
2. Adjust each still's length to be identical (i.e., 20 seconds)
3. Apply 10 sec Push Left transitions to both ends
4. Overlap stills on the same track.

Problem: fat black separations between "train cars"

Slightly more complex fix that allows me to adjust space between stills:

1. Put still #1 on its own track
2. Adjust still's length to precisely 20 seconds 0 frames
3. Drag a "fade in" for precisely 10 second 0 frames
4. Drag a "fade out" also for precisely 10 sec 0 frms
5. Drop the Push Left transition over both fades
6. Create a new track and put the next still on it
7. Apply steps 2-5 to second still. As both are precisely the same length they will travel across right to left at identical speed.
8. By sliding the second still left or right on its track, space between stills is adjusted. I can butt them together very precisely if desired.

Rendered out to WMV9 default template at 408x1024 and at 445x1024 progressive. Excellent results. Drops into PowerPoint without issue.

Happy customer.