creative workflow hacks » final cut pro to after effects scripting without the hassle

Creative Workflow HacksFinal Cut Pro to After Effects Scripting without the hassleApril 15, 2007 at 10:35 pm · Filed under After Effects , Final Cut Pro, Scripting

One of the most popular pieces of content here is Moving Between Final Cut Pro and AfterEffects: The Scripting Option. I think the idea of using scripting to move between Final Cut Proand After Effects resonated with people working in a production environment.

Unfortunately, the post was more of a tech demo of the kinds of things that were possible withAfter Effects scripting and less of a practical demonstration for non-technical users. I still urgenon-technical folks to dip their toes into the scripting waters, it can be really rewarding, but thechallenges presented in “rolling your own” in this situation may be a bit much. So, I decided towrite a small application to provide a way for readers who don’t want to deal with the scriptinghassle to use some of the techniques I described in the article.

FCPToAE (working title) is an application for OSX 10.4 and above designed to create a .jsx filefrom a Final Cut XML file for import into After Effects without the hassle of scripting thedifferent parts yourself.

How to use FCPToAE1. Download and run the application2. Open a valid Final Cut XML file exported from asequence with File:Open. It’s important that you export a sinqle sequence from FCP and not aproject or you will get an alert when you run the .jsx file. Any version of Final Cut XML (1-3) isfine.You should end up with something that looks like this:

For this version, the only column that is editable is the first column which allows you to make anindividual clipitem active or inactive in After Effects. This is handy for not importing FCP

Creative Workflow Hacks » Final Cut Pro to After Effects Scri... http://www.creative-workflow-hacks.com/2007/04/15/final-cu...

1 of 35 9/2/08 8:37 AM

native items like Bars and Tone and Slug, although there is rudimentary support for placeholderimages for those items.3. Click the Export to After Effects button and save the exported .jsxscript4. In After Effects, select File:Scripts:Run Script File and navigate to your exportedscript file.5. When I run from the above, I get something that looks like this:

In After Effects:Preferences make sure that “Allow Scripts to Write Files and AccessNetwork” is checked and “Enable Javascript Debugger” is unchecked. “Enable JavascriptDebugger” being unchecked allows us to substitute placeholder images if we are unable to get avalid path to your footage. You might want to enable it if you want to troubleshoot a pathproblem.FCPToAE is designed to work on the same machine that the project was created. If yourun the exported .jsx file on another machine the script will attempt to use a placholder imagewhich you can replace with File:Replace Footage in After Effects. If you run the script fromWindows you will also need to replace the placeholderImagePath variable in the script with avalid Windows path and substitute the correct image and path in var placeholder in the importsection of the script.

I’m not sure where this application will end up. I’m contemplating producing some sharewareworkflow applications and functionality from several of the small utilities I’ve released willdefinitely be wrapped in. I’m working on improving my Cocoa interface design and programmingskills and slowly but surely feel like I’m approaching the point where there might be a product inthere somewhere. I’d love to hear from readers about the kinds of workflow problems they’d likesolved in creative workflow applications.

I do know what it is not. It’s not a replacement for Automatic Duck. Wes Plate has put years ofwork and effort into his product and it shows in the polish and constant new feature introductionwith each version. If you use this functionality daily, you owe it to yourself to not try and cutcorners and buy Automatic Duck. It’s really worth it.

UPDATE 10.11.2007 Today is the first public release of the AE CS3 stand alone version ofFCPToAE. This version uses the native E4X xml parsing in AE CS3 to handle xml parsing.Move the unarchived .jsxbin to the scripts folder, run from the Scripts Menu and point the scriptto your exported FCP-XML file. New experimental features in this version include Crossdissolve support, and keyframed values for Scale, Rotation, Positon, and Anchor Point(keyframed ease is due in the next version). Since this is the first public release I would expectbugs and would appreciate bug reports. This version is a .jsxbin so I can control the beta expire.

The following files will expire in 30 days and I plan on frequent updates as new bug fixes areadded to the code.

zip archive db_FCPToAE (AE CS3 Only)zip archive of FCPToAE(AE 7 and AE CS3)

Please send beta feedback and bugs to dale(at)creative-workflow-hacks(dot)com.


2 of 35 9/2/08 8:37 AM

changelog of previous bug fixes and changes

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122 Comments »

Creative Workflow Hacks » Blog Archive » MOVING BETWEEN FINALCUT PRO AND AFTER EFFECTS: THE SCRIPTING OPTION said,

April 17, 2007 at 12:47 pm

[...] I’ve posted a small application and tutorial at Final Cut Pro to After Effects Scriptingwithout the hassle for those that find the scripting presented here a little daunting. Thefollowing article covers the steps and ideas encapsulated in the application if you’re moreinterested in the process for learning to script After Effects and Final Cut Pro yourself. [...]

1.

BlogaCine | Blog Venezolano de Cine » De FCP al AE, sin pagar niprogramar said,

April 27, 2007 at 6:51 am

[...] FCPtoAE es una aplicaci�n que, a la manera del Automatic Duck, permite transferir unproyecto de Final Cut Pro al Adobe After Effects. Su desarrollo est� apenas en sus fasesiniciales �es una versi�n alpha�, aunque tampoco es que se trate de algo muy complejopuesto que se vale de las funcionales del FCP para exportar data en XML, y de la capacidaddel AE para usar scripts de Java. [...]

2.

Waffle said,

May 29, 2007 at 8:47 pm

It works. Thank you so much.

3.

espe said,

June 3, 2007 at 1:42 pm

Hi

The whole thing is going well until I click on export to after effects. I get a wrong chimefrom the mac. And it does not export.

Am I the only one ?

4.

Dale said,

June 3, 2007 at 3:49 pm

Hey espe,

5.


3 of 35 9/2/08 8:37 AM

Why don’t you send me the xml file and the jsx export and I’ll see if I can figure out what’sgoing on?

Dale

Dale said,

June 3, 2007 at 4:37 pm

Hey espe,

Just re-read your comment and realized that it wasn’t exporting at all. Is it possible thatyou’re using 10.3 or below. This app is 10.4 and above. If not, just send the xml file, it’spossible that it had some data I wasn’t expecting.

Dale

6.

paul said,

July 8, 2007 at 3:34 pm

when can we expect the next beta? are you updating for use with AE8?

7.

Dale said,

July 8, 2007 at 3:52 pm

Hi Paul,

I’ve uploaded a new beta. Changes and additions are minimal because I’m overwhelmedwith some projects at my day job (as you may have noticed from the lack of site updates).I’ve definitely got AE CS3 compatibility on the agenda.

Best,

Dale

8.

nico said,

July 9, 2007 at 6:08 am

This works like a dream! You’re going to save me a lot of hassle, and my company loads ofmoney. Thanks alot dude.

9.

Pat said,

July 16, 2007 at 1:34 pm

i’ve exported my XML but when i run the script in AE my sequence is all over the place.things are missing or not in the right order. i’ve tried with XML 1, 2, and 3. I’ve alsoincluded master clips and not. Nothing seems to work with it.

10.


4 of 35 9/2/08 8:37 AM

I’m on a PowerMac G5 Quad, FCP 5.1.4, AE7. Any thoughts?

I’d really appreciate the help. This is an awesome hack and would greatly assist me in someupcoming projects.

Thanks.

Dale said,

July 16, 2007 at 1:38 pm

Hey Pat,

Why don’t you send me a copy of the xml and the jsx file and I’ll see if I can figuresomething out.

Best,

Dale

11.

Eran said,

July 23, 2007 at 3:33 am

Is it possible to use a similar approach for a Avid to AE workflow ?

12.

Dale said,

July 23, 2007 at 8:30 am

Hey Eran,

Sure, the concept would be the same. I just don’t have daily access to Avid workflows. I’msure there is somebody out there who could tackle that problem.

Dale

13.

mrsclean said,

August 3, 2007 at 3:55 am

Hi,This looks promising for us infrequent transformers, although I think I might be doingsomething wrong. I export an XML file from FCP, and try to open the file from FCPToAEand nothing shows up. Odd.

Using AE CS3 and FCP 6.01, tried all 4 XML formats.

Am I just not following the instructions well?

Thanks

14.


5 of 35 9/2/08 8:37 AM

Dale said,

August 3, 2007 at 11:25 am

mrsclean,

Why don’t you send the final cut xml and the jsx file from the program to dale(at)creative-workflow-hacks(dot)com and I’ll take a look.

Best,

Dale

15.

Want To Go From Final Cut Pro to After Effects? said,

August 11, 2007 at 9:43 am

[...] FCPToAE Please make sure you Digg it! digg_bgcolor = ‘#ff9900′; digg_skin =‘compact’; [...]

16.

Oskar said,

August 16, 2007 at 5:02 pm

Hi first I would like to thank you for your effort to solve a very annoying problem (FCP toAE transfere).

When I follow your step by step instructions the move between FCP an AE works very wellwhen I transfer DV-sequenses.

When I try to transfere a HDV sequense into AE all the files and the composition getstransfered the problem is that the composition lacks references to the clips (eg. it is empty).Do you have any idea what I do wrong?

—FCP 5AE 7

17.

Dale said,

August 16, 2007 at 10:09 pm

Hi Oskar,

No, it’s probably not anything your doing wrong. I’ve had some issues with HDVsequences, can you send a sample XML & JSX file and any other info that you have so I cantake a look?

Thanks,

Dale

18.


6 of 35 9/2/08 8:37 AM

Rob said,

August 21, 2007 at 7:58 am

Hi mate,

I have just tried the above with HDV sequences and it finds the files etc but when I open inAFX the comp is empty… (tried with DV and fine)I turned on the de-bugging as you said and it came up with an error fist time but wont now.

Great product though!

19.

Dale said,

August 21, 2007 at 8:41 am

Hey Rob and others working with HDV sequences,

I’ve also gotten other reports with problems with HDV sequences, can one of you guys sendme the problem XML, the JSX from the export and any error messages from AE and/orFCP.

Thanks, I’ll try to get to the bottom of this.

Dale

20.

James P. said,

August 26, 2007 at 7:16 pm

Amazing work! You’re onto something here for those of us who don’t need the bells andwhistles (or pricetag) of Automatic Duck’s comprehensive list of features. However, I havea question.. I get up to the step where I import the jsx file — all o the assets come throughjust fine but the sequence is converted into an empty composition (although it’s the rightlength, there’s just nothing in it).Any suggestions? You can email me at [email protected] and I’ll forward you all thefiles so you can check it out..Thanks!!!

21.

Dale said,

August 26, 2007 at 8:29 pm

Hey James,

thanks for the kind words. Yes, there seem to be a few sequences that are exhibiting theproblem you’re having. I’ve a got a few leads on what’s causing this bug, but please sendyour files my way and I’m sure it will add to the info to get things working correctly.

best,

22.


7 of 35 9/2/08 8:37 AM

Dale

Tom D said,

September 4, 2007 at 5:09 pm

I dont have HDV files but I get basically the same as above, unable to execute script at lineXXX, AE error: Unable to call “layer” because of parameter 1. The range has no values.

I will send you the script and xml files.

thanks for your work, td

23.

deborah barkow said,


Hello!

I have had to move my project from a g5 / fcp 6.0 to a G4 / fcp 5.0.4So I selected all of my most recent sequence and made an xml 3

When I try to open it up into fcp 5.0.4 I am asked for a “translation file.”

I don’t know where to find this, and am therefore not able to open the sequence at all.

Any advice?Thanks so much.

DBarkow

24.

Dale said,


Hey Deborah,

The translation file is an XSLT file that allows you to translate the xml file into somethingFinal Cut understands. So it sounds like it doesn’t understand something in your file. I’d trygoing back to version 2 XML, I think FCP 5.1.2 was the first version that supported version3.

25.

Creative Workflow Hacks » Blog Archive » FCPToAE going (mostly) CS3Only said,


[...] a quick heads up that I’ve decided to focus my efforts on FCPToAE and related tools tothe CS3 Suite only. With a strong subset of ECMA-357 (E4X) (pdf link) parsing [...]

26.

Steve Kirby said,27.


8 of 35 9/2/08 8:37 AM


Dale,

This is great! Thanks for your generosity in sharing this with everybody. I’ve never ownedAutomatic Duck because I only need this kind of thing once in a while so its perfect for me.This will be up there with BGRenderer or CSTools for me - I only wish I had the time tocontribute more myself. Thank you again.

Kai Pradel said,

October 3, 2007 at 4:12 pm

Great app and EXACTLY what I was looking for. Definitely consider marking this into areal application. Automatic Duck is just a little steep at $495 for the kind of stuff we need itfor and your app did the job just fine.

Thanks,Kai

28.

Todd in Arizona said,

October 6, 2007 at 3:29 am

I’ve been fighting a project all day, trying to get some fast moving sports footage (DVCPROHD) out of FCP into AE7 without losing a bunch of quality and getting the “jaggies”.Pulling my hair out! I downloaded your app in in five minutes have a problem solved that’splagued me all day!

I’m doing more and more in AE so I can see your app being indespensible! I too choked atthe Automatic Duck price, but this is definitely worth a contribution…let me know if there’sa place I can send a donation so you can keep up this great work.

Thanks a ton.

29.

Dale said,

October 11, 2007 at 5:14 pm

Hey Todd,

Thanks for the kind words. At this point, the biggest contribution you can give is detailedbug reports. grin. In all honesty, I’m uncomfortable asking for donations while the script isstill in beta, maybe a bit down the road.

Thanks again,

Dale

30.

Edward said,31.


9 of 35 9/2/08 8:37 AM

November 6, 2007 at 2:05 am

Are there still problems with HDV? When I run my jsx script in AE there is nothing in thetimeline. All the clips are on the left column… any ideas? Thanks

Dale said,


Hey Edward,

There has been a lot of error correction added, but if After Effects is not able to place thefootage in the layer you can get an empty sequence. One workaround, is to place the footagein a temp folder and when the script runs it will place placeholders which you can then do areplace footage on. A bit of a hassle, but probably worth it.

By the way, are you using the AE CS3 native version db_FCPToAE.jsx ? or the older AE 7version FCPToAE ? I’m putting a lot more effort into the AE CS3 version these days. Also,I’d love to see your FCP-XML file to see if they’re is anything I’m missing.

Thanks,

Dale

32.

After Effects CS3 « Audiovisuelles Synapsengewitter said,


[...] Effects CS3 hey ho - für alle User von CS3 ist der Automatic Duck Terror vorbei. Hierfindet ihr ein Script, mit dem ihr über XML Daten aus Final Cut in After Effects [...]

33.

Alan Hatchett said,

November 15, 2007 at 1:22 pm

I just downloaded the new CS3 version and it works mostly well but there are a fewinstances I’ve encountered that arent right.I’m using a 720p DCVPROHD timeline and it comes into AE with the incorrect pixel ratio.Not huge.Also, I routinely use subclips inside Final Cut to make it easier to work with long captures,but the timecode seems to get completely fuzzed in the transfer to AE.

34.

Dale said,


Hey Alan,

Can you send me a copy of your xml? I’d love to check the pixel ratio, I thought I hadDVCPROHD covered, but I must have missed it.

35.


10 of 35 9/2/08 8:37 AM

Subclips… yep, still unsupported. It’s on the list, up after Shape layers, and general pluginsupport, hopefully I’ll be getting to it soon.

Thanks for the feedback,

Dale

beni said,


HI.

thank you very much for this fantastic script, as dale said in the previous post i working withDVCPROHD aswell and the pixel aspect ratio is not right apart fron that i haven’t noticeanything.

thank you very much.

36.

beni said,


the import works fine but it does;nt import the audio tracks, it comes with the original audioin the video.

in my editing i have clips of several size adjusted in fcp in the timeline, i explain myself.

my sequence is 720p 50 but i have several clips bigger, hd for instance and several palscaled to the sequence settings, when i import the xml in AF all come in the original sizeand not the size in the sequence in fcp.

great work anyway it saves lot’s of renders.

thanks.

37.

Dale said,


Hey Ben,

Are you using the db_fcpToAe.jsx? That version supports scaling and basic attributes.

And you’re right, Audio tracks aren’t supported and is actually pretty low on my dev list.The vast majority of feedback is that it is a fairly low priority for the kinds of things folksare trying to do with it.

Thanks for your feedback

38.

Tim said,39.


11 of 35 9/2/08 8:37 AM


Great tool. One question, does this support slomo’d clips? I’ve got a music clip I’m doingright now where just about every clip is slowed down and I would love a way of pushing itall over for comping in AE without the substantial cost of alternatives.

Thanks

Tim

beni said,


hi dale.

i am using db_fcpToAe.jsx. i’ve done it a few for times, still imports some clips in diferentsizes and some clips are out of of the comp in after, it’s a long comp in FC, around 4minutes and 6 or 7 come in diferent sizes, for me it’s not a mayor problem to fix them, itsaves me lots of time, but if you want me i can send the xml file.

thanks.

40.

Dale said,


Hey beni,

Yes, please send your XML. It’s the part of the project I’m working on right now, and it willbe helpful to see anomalies.

Hey Tim,

Time remapping is on my dev list but is currently unimplemented. Hopefully, you can keepup with the beta cycle and send feedback when we get there.

Thanks for the feedback guys,

Dale

41.

beni said,


hi dale.

where is the email address to send it to.

thanks

42.


12 of 35 9/2/08 8:37 AM

beni said,


ok, no worries i have sent it already

43.

Lucas Negrao said,


hey dale, your script has always worked for me with small sequences but now i am trying itwith a 70 minute and it keeps saying the xml is invalid. i am with final cut 6.1 and after cs3.

44.

Dale said,


Hey Lucas,

Are you using the db_fcpToAe.jsx since you’re on AE CS3? Either way why don’t you sendme the XML and I’ll take a look dale(at)creative-workflow-hacks[dot]com

Dale

45.

Postscript said,


Hi there,tried the Script for CS3 - worked like a charmexcept on several clips that were out of time.(the only way they differ from the other clips is that the “Master Clips” are longerL 3.30min compared to 20-30 sec on the other Master clips).

Hope I was clear enough ..Is this a known issue ?

46.

Dale said,


Hey Postscript,

I’ve got a few issues with subclips that I need to address. Want to send your xml file and I’lltake a look?

Dale

47.

Chris Upton said,

December 3, 2007 at 8:45 pm

48.


13 of 35 9/2/08 8:37 AM

Beta has expired! Please post new version! Thanks so much.

Dale said,


Hey Chris,

I’ve updated the AE 7 version and I’ll check on the CS3 version tomorrow a.m.

Thanks for the heads up,

Dale

49.

apo said,


hi Dale,thanks for the script, but i can’t use it..it only imports clips in after effect, but doesn’t put the clips in the timelinei’ve even tried with simple sequence, with just 3 clips.i’ve tried xml 1, 2, 3 and 4 but it doesn’t works..i’m using fcp 6.0 e ae cs3..any ideas?maybe i’ve done something wrong.. i don’t knowthanks a lot

50.

Dale said,


Hey apo,

Sometimes After Effects doesn’t seem to be able to place the footage in the timeline afterimporting. I’ve especially seen this on HDV sequences. A workaround is to place thefootage in question in a temp folder different then the footage location in the XML, then runthe script and the script will place a placeholder in the timeline you can then select theplaceholders in the project window, right click, hit replace footage and point it to your tempfootage folder. It’s a bit of a workaround, but that usually works.

Best,

Dale

51.

apo said,


ok i’m tring i’ve already red this in another post, but i’m not working with HDV just dv.. but now i’ll try

52.


14 of 35 9/2/08 8:37 AM

and report the resultthanks a lot again

apo said,


hi Dave,it doesn’t work

now i’ve all my placeholder in place of my clips but the sequnce is already empty.i’ve used xml 3any suggestions?

53.

Dale said,


Hey apo,

Why don’t you send me your xml file? dale{at}creative=workflow-hackscom

Dale

54.

Rick said,


Can you update, or add more details on how to use the new version with CS3. The old betaworked perfectly, now I don’t know what to do with the new CS3 file. What is the ScriptMenu?

-Rick

55.

Dale said,


Hey Rick,

Sure, no problem.

1. first download and unzip db_FCPToAE.jsxbin2. move the .jsxbin file to the scripts folder in the AE CS 3 app folder3. launch AE CS34. under the File Menu you should see a Scripts Menu Option with a list of available scripts5. select db_FCPToAE.jsxbin6. point to your exported sequence FCP-XML in the next dialog

that should do it. I’m also working on a GUI Script panel, but that part isn’t ready forrelease yet. Give me a shout if you have problems.

56.


15 of 35 9/2/08 8:37 AM

da espe said,

December 9, 2007 at 7:10 am

I got the same problem as Apo

57.

Dale said,

December 9, 2007 at 11:07 am

Hey espe,

I was able to help Apo out. Why don’t you send me your xml file?

What kind of format are you using? Are you using subclips? So far, this problem seems tobe either a format or subclip issue.

Have you tried the placeholder workaround above?

Thanks,

Dale

58.

Michael said,


If you can email me back, after i pose these questions, i would so appreciate it. I am runningfcp2 and after effects cs3, I have this running on a imac. Transporting in my video to fcp,then sending a uncompressed avi, to after effects, once I do my effects, then render out todvd, I am getting a still distorted look on my video, can you help me on this.Thanks [email protected]

59.

Tony Rain said,


Hello Dale,

First off, GREAT app! I’ve been searching for an app that can achieve getting my FCPtimeline into AE so that I can effect each shot. This appears to be the best that I’ve found.This is really great! I’m cutting a DVCPRO HD, 23.976, low budget music video in FCPusing multiclip to keep several clips in sync. I’ve expoted the xml and imported usingdb_FCPToAE into CS3. All clips import and populate the comp. The issue I am runninginto is that every few clips the wrong clips appear for a few shots then the clips become insync again, then the wrong clips appear for s few shots, then back to in sync etc. I’mwondering if the multiclip is affecting the outcome of my db_FCPToAE import? If you haveany pointers or work arounds to overcome this issue I’d greatly appreciate it! One thing thatI haven’t tried is to locate the shots that are incorrect then go back to FCP duplicate mysequence delete all shots that did come across correct leaving the shots that didn’t come

60.


16 of 35 9/2/08 8:37 AM

across, then xml that sequence and try the import?? But if you have a better more efficientfix I’d love to hear.

Thanks so much!

TonyRain

Dale said,


Hey Tony,

Thanks for the feedback. Your hunch was right, multiclips aren’t supported right now. Thereare some commands to “collapse” sublicps into a single sequence as a workaround, but I”mnot sure if there is the same for multiclips. I’ll have to do some research.

Best,

Dale

61.

Tony Rain said,


Hey Dale,

thanks for your response. So, it was either get rid of multi clips or not use db_FCPToAE.jsx.Bye Bye multi clips! Your app is way more valuable for what I am trying to do. So, I overcut my original clips without using multi clip and everything is lining up now. Thanks somuch! This is going to really help me concentrate on the effects and what I’m trying toachieve rather than how do I get my clips into AE and make sure I have the correct handles,for transitions, etc.

I know in an above post you said you did not want a donation but please email me if thatchanges!

Thanks,

Tony RainStrive Films

62.

Brett A. Noe said,


Dale,

This is just awesome! I just used it and for what I do, color grading footage with eitherstraight cuts or cross dissolves, it’s perfect! I often work from proxy files so it doesn’t matterif the footage links don’t work. I just reload footage to the originals and presto!

63.


17 of 35 9/2/08 8:37 AM

I agree with Tony. For what I do I’d pay for this to not have to pay for Automatic Duck.$500 is a bit steep for my indie budget.

Thanks for all the great work!

Brett A. NoeDirector of Photographyhttp://www.noeland.us

Tony Rain said,


Hey Dale,

Everything worked perfect on a MAC but now I’m attempting to import via AE on awindows system because there are several useful plug-ins on the windows system. When Irun the script place holders import and populate the comp. Is there a way to have the mediaimport from going cross platform or do you recommend just reconnecting to the originalmedia? I’m thinking because I’m going cross platform the script doesn’t interpret the correctpath to locate the media?

Thanks MUCH!

64.

Dale said,


Hey Tony,

Yes, the best way to work with Windows is to run the script with placeholders and reconnectthe footage. If you work from a single media folder it’s not to much of a hassle because AEwill reconnect the rest of the footage once it finds the first file. It’s more of a hassle if youhave lots of media folders, but all of the workarounds I’ve tried to coerce Windows pathshave not been too effective.

Dale

65.

Brett A. Noe said,


Dale,

Everything ran fine last night on my system at home (AE CS3, G5). I’ve been trying thismorning on two different machines. One is identical to my home system, the other is an8-core. It creates a comp, but nothing else. I tried it using the same XML file as last night.

Any ideas?

Brett A. Noe

66.


18 of 35 9/2/08 8:37 AM

Director of Photographyhttp://www.noeland.us

Dale said,


Hey Brett,

I’ve been having a few issues with import into comps. Can you send a copy of yourtroublesome XML?

Thanks,

Dale

67.

Brett A. Noe said,

January 3, 2008 at 4:29 pm

Dale,

I just tried to run FCPtoAE and it says it is expired. What should I do?

Brett A. NoeDirector of Photographyhttp://www.noeland.us

68.

Dale said,


Sorry Folks,

I’ve re-uploaded unexpired betas.

Dale

69.

Berto said,


Dear Dale

Thanks for the hard work on this program. Adobe should buy it from you and make it partof the next cs release.Now to my problem. I imported and got an error massage saying {”Could not set layerAttribute, with error” Because of parameter 2. Value “undefined” of element 0 in the array isnot a valid float.}

When I open the comp the files are there and the sequence is intact. I am editing in fcp 6

70.


19 of 35 9/2/08 8:37 AM

with AE CS3, I did only strait cuts, but did have some pan and scan , I am only editingstoryboard tif photos. When I look at the time line non of the pan and scans came thru or thezooms. But every thing else seems to be there. The audio did not come thru but that not tomuch of a big deal. If I did something wrong please let me know. If pans and scans andzooming are not supported the that would be good to know so I can plan head. thank you.

Dale said,


Hey Berto,

Thanks for the feedback. Things have been brutal at my day job, so I haven’t made as muchprogress on the script as I’d like. Why don’t you send me your xml file so I can take a lookand see if I can figure out what kind of problems you are having.

best,

Dale

71.

Jeremy Schulz said,

February 2, 2008 at 4:13 pm

Hi Dale,

I’ve got a class full of thankful students who are using FCPtoAE, but the current version(specifically the AE7 version) has expired. Any chance of re-upping a new beta?

Thanks for all your work!

72.

Dale said,


Hey Jeremy,

Sorry about the beta expiration, I’ve uploaded a new AE7 version. My dev setup for the AECS3 version is at work and I’ll upload a new CS3 version first thing Monday. Again, sorryfor the lack of development and blog updates while I claw my way out of the weeds onsome big projects.

Best,

Dale

73.

Jeremy Schulz said,

February 3, 2008 at 2:04 am

No worries Dale.

74.


20 of 35 9/2/08 8:37 AM

1) It’s free.2) It works.3) You’re responsive.4) It’s free *and* it works(!).—Rock on.

Tim said,


Hey Dale, does this tool work with 25p and 50i projects? I’m trying to transfer across aproject with XDCAM EX 1080p25 and the the clips are in the right place in the AE timeline(in terms of cut points) but the footage is all wrong.

75.

Dale said,

February 6, 2008 at 11:25 am

Hey Tim,

That’s weird. I’m not sure if it’s a frame rate problem, sounds more like an internal namingproblem in the xml file. Why don’t you send me an example xml with the problem and I’llsee if I can figure out what’s going on.

Dale

76.

flo said,


hey his seems to work really great i just face one major problem i cant render he project iget the failure -54

you have no permission to open this file

and the rendering stops

any idea?

77.

Daniel Annefelt said,

March 4, 2008 at 3:40 pm

Big super thank for this script!We’re proud owners of the Auto Duck plug, but haven’t upgraded to the CS3 version yet.Under the deadline knife I decided to test this script.Lo and behold! It worked like a charm for my cuts only edit.One shot that was time speeded in FCP went out of whack, but that was expected and easilycorrected.

78.


21 of 35 9/2/08 8:37 AM

Again, thanks, and let me know if I can help with testing etc.

-daniel

Bob Flood said,

March 4, 2008 at 4:27 pm

Hi

just for Yucks, I took about 5 shots that i had layered on three tracks in FCP (5.1.4 on dualcore intel) and exported an xml of the sequence.

then I tried your current version of the strictly CS3 “converter” and kept getting messageslike “main is busy” and “main cannot complete” in the extenda script window.

sooo I tried running the AE7 and CS3 version, and even after I download the latest I get“Beta expired”

Do i need to export an XML from a sequence that only has video on one track?ie, does the converter, or XML, deal with multiple video tracks?

hope this helps and or can get me an answer, please?

thanx for doin this!

79.

Dale said,

March 4, 2008 at 4:45 pm

Hey Bob,

Sorry about the AE7 version, I let it get out of sync with the CS3 version and it expired. I’vereuploaded the AE7 version and it should be good.

As far as the “main cannot complete” it sounds like scripting engine is locked, does it goaway when you quite AE CS3 and the Extendscript editor?

The scripts are designed for one sequence which can have multiple video tracks.

Hope that helps,

Dale

80.

Bob Flood said,

March 5, 2008 at 12:26 pm

Hi

I am pretty new to this “scripting” thing, but i am a quick learn, so i am probably missing

81.


22 of 35 9/2/08 8:37 AM

something obvious.

It seems all the other files in the AE Scripts folder, the onse that come with CS3, have theextension .jsx, whereas your has .jsxbin. Is this file an archive? do i need to change theextension(s) to say .jsx.bin and then Unstuff that?

and the specific error messages i get is:

Target engine ‘main’ is busy!

or

Cannot execute script in target engine ‘main’!

thanx again for your patience

Bob Flood said,

March 5, 2008 at 3:53 pm

Hi

tried latest version of “FCP to AE - AE7 to CS3″. it generated a .jsx from my XMLbut when AE CS3 imported it, nothing seemed to happen. I did the same process with alarger sequence, and this time I got a timer indicating something was happeneing, but thennada.

oh well I am gonna tray a restart and some other simple stuff, and see if anything changes.

bee eph

82.

Dale said,

March 5, 2008 at 3:58 pm

Hey Bob,

It sounds like the scripting engine in AE CS 3 is locking up some how. You’re able to runthe other scripts in the scripts folder without a problem?

The AE7 version is for AE7, it won’t work in its current state in CS3.

Dale

83.

Jon said,

March 5, 2008 at 4:40 pm

I keep getting the message “Beta has expired” and there is no new update here on the site.Anyone help?

84.


23 of 35 9/2/08 8:37 AM

Dale said,

March 5, 2008 at 4:47 pm

Hey Jon,

The links above should be current betas. I haven’t done release notes since there have beenminimal changes. Are these versions still giving you expiration problems?

Dale

85.

Bob Flood said,

March 5, 2008 at 6:37 pm

Dale

man do i feel stoopid. I did not have the CS3 “project” window open, so i did not see that infact i did import some clips. However it does not look complete. I will endeavor to researchthis further

am using the CS3 only version

more to come

86.

Bob Flood said,

March 5, 2008 at 6:37 pm

Dale

man do i feel stoopid. I did not have the CS3 “project” window open, so i did not see that infact i did import some clips. However it does not look complete. I will endeavor to researchthis further

am using the CS3 only version

more to come

87.

Bob Flood said,

March 5, 2008 at 8:35 pm

Dale2 things:first, when i use the CS3 version i only get 2 of the 5 or so files involved, so i only get 2layers

second, the AE7 version works Better w CS3 than the CS3 version. The only issue i see isthat one or 2 of the layers are in the wrong place.

88.


24 of 35 9/2/08 8:37 AM

The sequence I am using for export consists of one still, a tif, and about 4 shots from thesame videotape.

would it help to sedn you the XML and both of the CS3 projects ie the AE7 conversion andthe CS3 conversion?

bee eph

Dale said,

March 5, 2008 at 10:19 pm

Hey Bob,

sure, why don’t you send me your files. I’m in the middle of a big project at my day job, somy dev time is limited right now, but I”m hoping to get bug fixes and new developmentstarted up again soon.

Best,

Dale

89.

Jon said,

March 7, 2008 at 3:28 pm

Hey Dale,Just tried downloading the current link again and it works. Odd…for some reason for thepast couple of days it wouldn’t work. Kept telling me it had expired and I needed todownload a new version. Thanks for the quick response.

90.

Final Cut Pro 2 After Effects « creative|ideas said,

March 11, 2008 at 3:50 pm

[...] now. -Automatic Duck: Don’t know if I can justify the cost for the times I would usethis. -FCPtoAE: A small application to take the XML file from FCP and create a .jsx that AEcan import. It’s [...]

91.

Dave Smith said,

March 11, 2008 at 4:39 pm

Just wanted to say thanks for the script. I’ve been using it on some 2 camera shots that Ineeded to color match the shots and couldn’t get the results out of FCP. I have to say thescript worked great. I did notice it didn’t bring in the extra audio clips but that’s easyenough to fix and has been mentioned here.

One problem I ran into was when I ran the script it opened up the ExtendScript Toolkit 2. Ithought it hadn’t done it’s job until I looked at the project panel. Don’t know what that’s allabout.

92.


25 of 35 9/2/08 8:37 AM

Dale said,

March 11, 2008 at 4:52 pm

Hey Dave,

Thanks for the feedback. The Extendscript Toolkit is launched because I’m writing debugspecific info to the Console during beta. So, if you have a problem I can ask what did theConsole report, where did it fail, etc. Ideally, I’d make that a UI option so that you’d havethe option for debug info, but honestly I just haven’t gotten to that point in the dev cycle.Sorry if it was confusing.

Dale

93.

Jimmy said,

March 18, 2008 at 4:45 am

Hi Dale.

First thank you so much for the wonderful work, FCPtoAE is very helpful and a real moneysaver for a broke person like me (:

second, I wanted to ask - is there any chance that the “Speeded video” issue will be fixedanytime soon?

94.

Dale said,

March 18, 2008 at 10:13 am

Hey Jimmy,

Thanks for the feedback. By, “Speeded video” do you mean Time Remapping? If so, yes,that’s on the dev list. I’ve just had to slow down my development schedule on the script dueto time constraints at my day job.

You might take a look at what Ross Gerbasi is up to at

http://www.popcornisland.com/downloads

I think his script is dealing with time remapping.

Best,

Dale

95.

Logan McMillan said,

April 21, 2008 at 8:50 am

Hi,

96.


26 of 35 9/2/08 8:37 AM

Can’t unzip the jsxbin file - what is the way to do it?

Cheers

Dale said,

April 21, 2008 at 9:05 am

Hey Logan,

Should be just an ordinary .zip file that would unzip via winzip or mac zip utility. I’ll take alook to make sure it didn’t get corrupted in my site hacking fiasco.

Dale

97.

Logan McMillan said,

April 22, 2008 at 8:04 pm

Hey Dale - no worries - its working!

Brilliant piece of software!!

Good job.

98.

Bigred said,

April 24, 2008 at 8:41 pm

I love you.

Sitting here at 1.34 am trying to work out how to shift my sequence of 100+ shots to AE(doing some funky pan and scan stuff) and found your site…

Scratched my head as to what to do (new to mac, new to scripting). Found your instructionsabout half way down this page (move them to the top of the page for numptys like me).Click, click, footage in AE.

Just shouted out loud and clapped at my machine. Feel a bit of a saddo but this is ace. Goingto save me a LOT of time.

If we ever bump into each other in RL I owe you a few beers! I may well have to be buyingmy neighbors some to apologise for the noise…

Thanks again! Top chap!

99.

et said,

April 27, 2008 at 12:04 pm

does this software work on leopard operating system

100.


27 of 35 9/2/08 8:37 AM

Dale said,

April 27, 2008 at 2:02 pm

Hey Ed,

I haven’t put much dev time into the AE7 version, but I wold think it would run fine onLeopard. Are you having any issues?

Dale

101.

Melissa said,

April 30, 2008 at 5:28 pm

This is wonderful! Great work. You are a life saver. It worked great for me. I just have aquick question (I began to read all of the comments but didn’t get through them all so if itsalready been answered please ignore me). None of my final cut generated text clipstranslated to AE. Is that just the way of things or did I do something wrong?

(OSX 10.4.11 AE CS3 FCP 6.0.3)

Thanks!

102.

Dale Bradshaw said,

May 1, 2008 at 9:23 am

Hey Melissa,

Thanks for the feedback. You’re right, text clips aren’t supported in this version. They areon the feature list to implement, but since this is a side project it may take me a while to getit in place.

Best,

Dale

103.

Jon Walker said,

May 5, 2008 at 11:57 am

Tried updating latest version of FCP to AE and it keeps telilng me beta expired andredirecting me to the site. Has the link been updated?

104.

Dale said,

May 5, 2008 at 12:22 pm

Hey Jon,

105.


28 of 35 9/2/08 8:37 AM

All of the files should be updated now. Sorry about that.

Dale

Jerry Witt said,

May 5, 2008 at 8:15 pm

Fantastic!

Took me a little while to figure out because you made the process even simpler. The newdocumentation should be:1. Download db_FCPToAE. Place this in the Scripts folder where your After Effects CS3application is located.2. In FCP export your cut sequence as XML (I used version 2)3. Launch After Effects CS3, go to the Preferences>General tab. Check the box “AllowScripts to Write Files and Access Network”. (Allow “Enable Javascript Debugger” shouldbe unchecked by default)4. Under the File menu select scripts and then hi-light db_FCPToAE. In the dialog box,point to the XML file you exported earlier.

That’s it!

Like I said, Fantastic. I have used Automatic Duck in the past and I have spoken to Wes ona few occasions. He’s a great guy and it’s a great product. Just a bit too rich for my blood. Ididn’t export video enough for it to get a ROI from it. I would instead make notes of mycuts and chop them up manually. This is SO much better and SO SO much faster.

Thank you Dale. You should put a PayPal donate button up here. The first paying job I usethis on, I would be inclined to send a little cash your way.

106.

Jon Walker said,

May 6, 2008 at 9:35 am

Hey Dale, I’m still getting the same message even from today’s download that the beta hasexpired. Any suggestions?

107.

Dale said,

May 6, 2008 at 9:48 am

Hey Jon,

I just downloaded both versions to a fresh machine and they run fine on my end. Are yousure you’re not getting a cached version or something?

Dale

108.

Jon Walker said,109.


29 of 35 9/2/08 8:37 AM

May 6, 2008 at 10:21 am

Will try again had the same thing happen last time until it finally worked. I’ll give it a shot.Thanks.

Jon Walker said,

May 6, 2008 at 10:30 am

Trashed old version restarted and downloaded again from the link to no avail. Still gettingsame message of beta expiring.

110.

Dale said,

May 6, 2008 at 10:49 am

Hey Jon,

I tried to email you the latest versions, but your email bounced. Why don’t you send me anemail and I’ll see if I can get you fixed up.

Dale

111.

Jon Walker said,

May 6, 2008 at 11:03 am

Can’t find your email…can you post it for me?

112.

Dale said,

May 6, 2008 at 11:05 am

dale[at]creative-workflow-hacks(dot)com

113.

mcplop said,

May 11, 2008 at 10:48 pm

this looks great.

can this script be reveresed so that AE comp layers can be imported into FCP as a set ofclips?

this would be awesome for a specific archiving project I am working on.

114.

Jonathan McGaha said,

July 4, 2008 at 3:25 pm

Using the AE7 version and I’m getting the beta expiration notice. I can set my computer

115.


30 of 35 9/2/08 8:37 AM

back a month and it works fine but that’s pretty annoying. Thanks.

Dale said,

July 4, 2008 at 3:40 pm

Hey Jonathan,

I took the beta expire out. Since I’ve had a hard time finding the time outside of my day jobI need to devote to this project I’m looking to open source the project and hopefullysomebody can pick up the baton on development. It’s going to take me a bit to get theproject set up but for now I’m going to take out the beta expire stuff on the AE7 project andnext set it up for the CS3 script . More to follow.

Dale

116.

Gav said,

July 9, 2008 at 4:05 pm

Following your intrustions and a little help your script worked great.

Though I am having a little trouble with somthing unrelated to it, but i hope you dont mindme asking as someone else might have come across the same problem.

The timeline appears after i import the xml into AE3, but there is no picture, even when iclick on one of the video files nothing shows up. There is sound, which makes me belivethat it is probably a quicktime or codec problem.

Anyone able to offer advice? Im using FCP 5.0.4, quicktime 7.5, AE3. When I import thefile seperatly it works. but not when i go through FCP first. the clips are also HD and imusing a panasonic hvx200 camera with a p2 card.

thanksGav

117.

dermessie said,

July 30, 2008 at 5:45 am

Hey folks,…

got stumbled over a little thing which should be taken account of.I got trouble logging some clips in FCP caused by drop frames. In the end I got two Clipswith different in-/out-points (same media content) . FCP shows the wrong media length.So after exporting to AFX the media in-/out-points are messed up.

Clipname_01 (length in FCP 2 min, original file on hd app. 22 min)Clipname_02 (length in FCP 12 min, original file on hd app. 22 min)

Clipname_01 + Clipname_02 are the same source files on tape, but 2 different captured files

118.


31 of 35 9/2/08 8:37 AM

on hd.

yes, i know, confusing but as so often, I recognized it first after the cut

In FCP there no problem relating file management.

If sb got a work around,..let me know…

Cheers

fulgencio said,

August 1, 2008 at 8:53 pm

Hii have tried the software, but can get it worrkingwhen i do it the clips are imported but not the timelineam i doing something wrong?i´m not an expert on AEthanks

119.

Dale said,

August 1, 2008 at 10:07 pm

Hey fulgencio,

You want to make sure you have a sequence selected when you export the XML so youdon’t get an import of just the browser. Hope that helps.

Dale

120.

fulgencio said,

August 2, 2008 at 11:06 am

hi Dalei have tried selecting everything.and selecting only the sequence but not the clipsthe results are always the samei get the clips imported and a sequence file (wich appears as a black video clip)but no timelinesame thing with db_FCPToAEFCP 5.1.4 DVCpro HD 25p (non-native) and AE 8.0.0.247 (i gues it is just 8.0)i´m trying with just a 3 files editing, no effects, no text…maybe i could send you the xml and export file to see if you find outmy email is [email protected] or [email protected] for all

121.


32 of 35 9/2/08 8:37 AM

f.

Martin Roe said,

August 18, 2008 at 6:36 am

Hi Dale,

AMAZING work. Thank you so much! I have one (huge) project to send through and didn’twant to buy a product for one gig, and you just saved me days and days of work!

Thank you so much.

Having read the comments, I gather you know that it tells me the beta has expired and to getthe latest version, even though I downloaded it today - i think from reading the notes that ihave the latest version nonetheless - which is awesome!

Anyway, thanks again!

Martin

122.

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