I like that there are a few default word balloons already included in the program, but I actually want a little more...well, control over them, like positioning of the tail, multiple connecting balloons, things like that. Is there a plugin or something where this is possible in a video editor like MAGIX Movie Edit?
FriendlyFloyd,
Entirely possible, but with some complications depending on whether you want a custom text ballonn (or any other overlay FX) to be available with one click from an effects menu or not. Everything there is controlled by a .ini file with entries such as:
which specify the name as it appears on the menu, the name of the balloon object (in this case baloon3.tga), and the default text to display. There are more entries if the object is a video clip rather than a still image, and more again if there is a associated sound. Everything gets put on the timelines with one double click.
You can achieve the same result if you are willing manually apply the components to the timelines -- it's just that there won't be a design elements menu entry. The minimum is a title and an image.
Each object will need its size and position adjusted using the standard 'Effect' tab >> 'Movement effects' controls. Further movement effects can of course be added using keyframe animation.
My usual additional comment: Other video editors might boast many more templates and presets but MEP provides access the basic tools to create your own so you are limited only by your imagination.
Regards,
Carl
Hi FF
If you use the default balloons or any of the overlay effects you can animate them to track an object automatically. After adding the effect with a double click, Ctrl + Click the original video and the overlay balloon and text object and Rt. click the group and choose "Attach effect to a position in the video" and follow the prompts. You will size and position the balloon and text and then scribe a portion of the video that you want the overlay to track. It will then create Keyframe points (automatically) for each frame to follow the area (person) that you scribed, throughout the clip. Duration and text can be altered directly, at the bottom of the overlay effect box in the media pool.
Pretty neat!
SS
Hi Peter,
Ages since I last used that feature, thanks for reminding me. Seems to me that it's improved and now handles sections even with little contrast relative to the adjacent areas?
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Terry, East Grinstead, UK