Getting around iMovie

Can't stand the new iMovie? Your not the only one. After Apples iLife 08' release, there was a huge uproar coming from the new iMovie: people wanted the old stuff back. iLife 09' has supposedly fixed the problem, combining new and old, but it's still considered unsatisfying. Read more about this here.


  So, not much you can do but reminisce the days you used to have 06'... or is that so? Here are a few helpful ways to work around iMovie's ticks:




1- Importing. You can import iMovie HD files, clips from your (video and still) camera as well as Built-in iSight or Quicktime videos. Apart from that, not many other ways to grab footage. Naming your events is a good idea and makes things easier. If you want to import a file into iMovie that is not Quicktime or any of the above, this can become a pretty handy tool: Squared 5.  Export your videos to Quicktime in a wink, and make importing easier.


2- Effects. First off, take a look at this: right click onto "Export Using Quicktime" then check out "Options" then "Filter".  There, you will find a multitude of settings you could have had in the menu bar to edit your footage like Lens Flare or Noise and you can even load your own.

 Only problem: this will apply to the entire project and not just one clip. How to fix it: If you are making a movie, for example, and only need one scene to be in B&W, just create a new project for that scene. You can then export it, and add it to your complete project later.


3- Audio. There is no way to directly extract audio from an iMovie clip, but you can do it from Garage Band. Simply: Import the video into Garage Band, then delete the video but keep the audio track. Export it to mp3.

  As far as Music goes, Skywalker SFX (Sound Effects) seem to be replaced by iMovie and iLife SFX. If you want to work with these open the iLife SFX folder and click on Jingles. Here are a multitude of soundtracks, but unfortunately, they are very short (they last about 1 min. or two each). As for most things, there is a solution: Select a track and drag it to your project. Click on the "Audio Adjustments" button and  "Fade Out". Next, select the exact same track, drag it next to the previous one. Cut out the intro in the beginning of the second track(if there is one), then "Fade In". Now your soundtrack will be twice as long!


4- Exporting. Using Quicktime to export allows you to choose your video quality and uploading details much more precisely, especially if you click on "Options" as described previously. Streaming and Fast are the lowest quality but upload fastest. If you want top notch quality, use the "Compressor" under "Settings" and drag it towards Best Quality. Exporting via Quicktime probably gives you the best quality you can get with iMovie, and it's really not that bad. Don't forget that you can always enhance your video with Filters or by changing the Size.


  If you'd like to rant and rave a little more on how iMovie pushes your button, take a look here; if not, you may purchase iLife in any Apple Store or your local Mac supplier.


Other links:

Rumors about iLife 10 (iLife 11 just came out!)
Final Cut Express
Avid pro editing
SFX bank