A new plugin from Idustrial Revolution called XEffects Messages enables Final Cut Pro X users to build SMS, iMessage, Facebook and WhatsApp chats on the timeline. Auto-animating elements, lots of size and colour options and overlays available for the iPhone conversation look as well.
We must admit, more than once we have had to build a text message conversation in FCPX for a client to show a social media 'interaction' on a promo. It would have been a lot easier with this plugin!
This new plugin from Idustrial Revolution called XEffects Messages is a set of templates that build into an emulation of the popular types of chats or messages online or on your phone.
Priced at an introductory $49 (normal price $99) there's a set of templates that replicate SMS, iMessage, Facebook and WhatsApp.
As the messages are made up from individual items, each appearance of a message can be timed perfectly. You can also load as much text in as your screen will take and the vertical animations will automatically adjust with the height of the message box.
There are preset sizes for video and stills, but also a setting where you can set your own size and ratio. There is a sample Library & Project posted online so that users can see how to construct the different types of chat.
- - Built in colour palettes of each of the message types or choose your own on every item.
- - Enter as much text as the page will take. Justification helps keep the layout neat.
- - Each message element scrolls the page automatically linked to the height.
- - Video & photo messages have preset sizes, but can also be customised to any dimension and ratio.
- - Your conversation can be as long as you like, animate each message when you like.
- - Top and bottom bar status and icons supplied that adjust the vertical animation automatically.
- - Pin sharp results even in 4K timelines.
One thing that isn't for sale though are the sounds. Due to copyright reasons they cannot be sold, although they are pretty easy to find for free with a Google search.
XEffects Messages is distributed through the FxFactory plugin management system which means there is a watermarked trial available, there's also a tutorial video.
I am the Editor-in-Chief of FCP.co and have run the website since its inception ten years ago.
I have also worked as a broadcast and corporate editor for over 30 years, starting on one inch tape, working through many formats, right up to today's NLEs.
Under the name Idustrial Revolution, I have written and sold plugins for Final Cut Pro for 13 years.
I was made a Freeman of Lichfield through The Worshipful Company of Smiths (established 1601). Though I haven't yet tried to herd a flock of sheep through the city centre!
Current Editing
2020 has been busy, the beginning of the year was finishing off a new property series (cut on FCP) for Channel 4 called The Great House Giveaway. I also designed and built the majority of the graphics as Motion templates. It has been a great success and the shows grabbed more viewers in the 4pm weekday slot than any previous strand. It has been recommissioned by C4 for 60 episodes, including prime-time versions and five themed programmes. The shows have also been nominated for a 2021 BAFTA.
Although both were postponed to later in the year, I worked again on ITV's coverage of the Tour de France and La Vuelta. 2020 was my 25th year of editing the TdF and my 20th year as lead editor. The Tour was the first broadcast show to adopt FCPX working for multiple editors on shared storage.
BBC's Snooker has played a big part in my life, I've been editing tournament coverage since 1997. I'm proud to be part of a very creative team that has pioneered many new ideas and workflows that are now industry standard in sports' production. This is currently an Adobe Premiere edit.
Covid cancelled some of the regular corporate events that I edit such as trade shows & events. I was lucky however to edit, from home, on projects for Amazon Kindle, Amazon Black Friday, Mastercard and very proud to have helped local charitable trust Kendall & Wall secure lottery funding.
As for software, my weapon of choice is Final Cut Pro and Motion, but I also have a good knowledge and broadcast credits with Adobe Premiere Pro, MOGRT design and Photoshop.
Plugin Design & Development
I'm the creative force behind Idustrial Revolution, one of the oldest Final Cut Pro plugin developers. It hosts a range of commercial and free plugins on the site. One free plugin was downloaded over a thousand times within 24 hours of release.
I also take on custom work, whether it is adapting an existing plugin for a special use or designing new plugins for clients from scratch. Having a good knowledge of editing allows me to build-in flexibility and more importantly, usability.
FCP.co
Now in its 10th year and 4th redesign, running FCP.co has given me knowledge on how to run a large CMS- you are currently reading my bio from the database! Although it sounds corny, I am pretty well up on social media trends & techniques, especially in the video sector. The recent Covid restrictions has enabled live FCP.co shows online. This involves managing a Zoom Webinar through Restream.io to YouTube and Facebook.
The Future
I'm always open to new ideas and opportunities, so please get in touch at editor (at) fcp.co. I've judged film competitions, presented workflow techniques to international audiences and come up with ideas for TV shows and software programs!
