MediaStorm’s Guide to Custom Final Cut Shortcuts

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Frequently when working in Final Cut, I need to find the source of a clip. The most obvious way to do this is to right-click on the clip and select Reveal in Finder. But I’d prefer to use a faster method, specifically a keyboard shortcut key. To find a function’s shortcut, enter a keyword into the Help>Search field window. You’ll see all of the menu items that contain the word ‘reveal.’ Use the down arrow key to select Reveal in Finder. A large blue arrow points to the item under the View menu. Notice that there’s no shortcut key to the right of the menu. This indicates that Apple has not assigned a default keystroke to this task. Not to worry. Final Cut provides a straightforward method for customizing your keyboard with new shortcut keys. Choose Tools>Keyboard Layout>Customize or Option-H. Final Cut launches the default keyboard layout window. This tool illustrates each…

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MediaStorm launches redesign and new projects

MediaStorm Launches Redesign We've made it easier for you to find the information you need in our Publication, Client Services and Training Opportunities. We hope you’ll take time to explore the site. A few highlights: We added more functionality and content options to the home page. We created a new video player with detailed information about each project. We added full screen playback and higher quality video encodes. Many of our projects are now available for embed on your websites and blogs. Our projects can be filtered by type, client, and workshop. Contributors, workshop participants, and staff now have dedicated pages. We expanded our blog, store, awards, link to us and resource sections. Airsick: An Industrial Devolution by Lucas Oleniuk Created with 20,000 photographs and a haunting soundtrack, Airsick: An Industrial Devolution plays out like an unsettling dream. Toronto Star Photographer Lucas Oleniuk examines our addiction to fossil fuel — and its…

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Apply Now! Eddie Adams Workshop Application Deadline is May 28

The application deadline for The Eddie Adams Workshop is coming up quick - photographers have until this Friday, May 28, to submit their work to be considered for this year's Workshop. The Eddie Adams Workshop is an intensive, four-day, tuition-free workshop that takes place in Jeffersonville, New York. Each year 50 students and 50 professional photographers with three years or less experience are chosen to participate based on their portfolios. These photographers work in teams to complete projects with award-winning photo editors and photographers. Awards given each year include a scholarship from Nikon, a one-week internship at The White House, and generous prizes from numerous industry sponsors. This year's Workshop will be held October 8-11, in Jeffersonville, NY. Check out the site for more info and the application form.

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Jennifer Redfearn joins MediaStorm

We are excited to welcome multimedia producer Jennifer Redfearn to the MediaStorm team. Jennifer is a director, producer, and writer. She has worked on programming for WGBH, WNET, the Discovery Networks, and independent productions. Most recently, she directed and produced Sun Come Up, an independent documentary about environmental refugees. It premiered at the Full Frame festival and is currently making its way around the U.S. and international festival circuit. Prior to this, she co-produced a science special - the final installment of an Emmy-nominated 20-year project for WGBH/NOVA, and she produced a medical series for Discovery. She holds a Bachelor's degree in environmental studies from Wellesley College and a Master's degree in journalism from Columbia University. Her projects have been supported by the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting, Chicken and Egg Pictures, NYSCA, and the Friends of Horticulture.

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MediaStorm’s Guide to iPad Compression for the Web

With the advent of Apple's new iPad, cross-platform multimedia producers have an opportunity for an additional means of distribution. Much has been made of the iPad's functionality, and its limitations. But there's little actual documentation on the best way to encode for this device, particularly from Apple. The following steps outline MediaStorm's compressions settings for web-based iPad playback. That is, this is our best practices for creating H.264 QuickTime files for the web. To begin, open Compressor. (Note: If you don't have Compressor, part of Final Cut Pro Studio, you can also use QuickTime Pro 7, available from Apple for $29.99.) In Compressor's Settings window (command-3), click the plus button on the right side. Choose QuickTime movie. A new custom setting will appear in your window named Untitled QuickTime Movie. Double click it to open the settings in the Inspector window. In the Name field, rename the setting. Make sure to include…

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