Syncing Logic Pro to Picture

In this chapter, we will learn how to properly align and set up a movie, and how to sync Logic Pro to picture. To do this, we will go over the options on how to import a movie file, work with different displays and settings, and also walk through the steps of syncing Logic Pro to picture using the different types of movie files most commonly used in the industry.

We will also apply what we learned from Chapters 1 to 4 in this chapter, including opening and saving a movie file, dealing with SMPTE, BITC, frame rates, and the academy leader. We will also implement QuickTime video and its components, dialog, and temp music.

Learning and applying all of this content is crucial to be as efficient as possible in dealing with the challenges when scoring to picture, as well as properly preparing you for real gig situations.

In this chapter, we will cover the following topics:

• Reviewing visual synchronization tools
• Syncing Logic Pro to Picture...

Technical requirements

To follow along with this chapter, you will need a Mac computer with Logic Pro and QuickTime software installed. You will also need to be able to access the movie files provided with this book: https://packt.link/hxCer.

Reviewing visual synchronization tools

Before we begin the steps of synchronizing Logic Pro to picture, we will review a few visual tools that are helpful for synchronization.

Giant Time and Beats Display settings

The Giant Time and Beat Display are extra-large visual representations of the timecode and bar and beat numbers. Even though these numbers are listed on the LCD display, being able to see them enlarged helps to make the comparison with the BITC easier during the synchronization process.

To open the Giant Time Display, on the right side of the LCD display, click on the down arrow:

Figure 5.1: Logic Pro LCD Display

From the pop-up menu, click on Open Giant Time Display:

Figure 5.2: LCD pop-up menu

Logic Pro will open a floating Giant Time Display on the screen. The display can be resized or moved inside of the Arrange window, or it can also be dragged over to an extended monitor if you have one connected to...

Syncing Logic Pro to picture

In this section, we will go step by step through the process of how to sync Logic Pro to picture, including importing the movie file, as well as accessing and reviewing the movie project settings and synchronization settings. Additionally, we will cover aligning the movie file with Logic Pro so that the BITC of the movie file and the Logic Pro timecode are in sync with one another.

Importing the movie file

To begin, import the Mercedes-Benz 300C_BITC.mov movie file in Logic Pro, along with the audio file, and confirm the frame and sample rate of the imported movie.

Then, make sure that the movie file is placed at bar 1. As mentioned back in Chapter 4, when you drag and drop a movie file into Logic Pro, the movie file might not drop at the beginning of your session. If the movie file is not placed at bar 1, place the playhead at bar 1, right-click (or Ctrl + click) on the movie track, and select Move Movie region to Playhead.

The movie file should...

Syncing Logic Pro with different movie files

In this section, we will look at how to sync Logic Pro with different movie files, including the following:

• A movie file with a countdown leader
• A movie file with a 2-pop
• A movie file with a 3-pop
• A movie with multiple reels
• A movie file with SMPTE offset view

We will also look at syncing a movie from any bar location. So, let’s get started.

Syncing a movie file with a countdown leader

First, we will learn how to open and synchronize a movie file with a countdown leader. To begin, open a new Logic Pro session and import Mercedes_24FPS_BITC_Academy leader.mov:

Figure 5.27: Arrange window with an open movie file

Now, hover your mouse on top of the ruler, above the global tracks. The pointer will turn into a left bracket shape with arrows on both sides:

Figure 5.28: Arrange Window with the Ruler view

Once the bracket appears, hold and drag...

Creating a custom scoring to picture template

With so many different possible ways of scoring to picture, it is helpful to create different film scoring templates. Using custom templates allows you to have prepared working environments suitable for different film scoring tasks, which will speed up the working process.

To create a custom template, begin by opening a Logic Pro session and creating two audio tracks.

Rename the first audio track Dialog Left Channel, and turn the Pan knob all the way to the left. Then, rename the second audio track TEMP MUSIC Right Channel, and turn the Pan knob all the way to the right:

Figure 5.62: Renamed audio tracks for Dialog and TEMP MUSIC

Hover your mouse over the LCD display area, click on the drop-down menu arrow, and select Customize Control Bar and Display…:

Figure 5.63: LCD Display window drop-down menu

In the next window, there are many options for you to choose from...

Summary

In this chapter, we learned how to synchronize Logic Pro to picture, covering all aspects of the process, including how to use movie project settings and synchronization settings. We also covered how to synchronize different types of movie files to Logic Pro, and how to create and use a film-scoring template.

It’s important to cover all these so that you, as a film composer, learn all the different methods of scoring to picture and can select the one that works best for you.

In the next chapter, we will discuss working with markers when scoring to picture.