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Duration: 1:45
File Size: 3.9 MB


Using Magic iMovie

The fastest way to get started with iMovie is with Magic iMovie. Just plug in your FireWire camcorder, give it a title (optional),  select transitions (optional), and a soundtrack (optional), and let iMovie do the rest. iMovie automatically rewinds the tape and imports your video from your camcorder, sequentially arranges it in the timeline, and inserts your title, transitions, and your soundtrack so your new movie is ready to play.



Tips

Use Magic iMovie to start your project

Even if you plan to edit your movie yourself, Magic iMovie can be a great way to get started because it organizes your video, complete with a title, transitions, and music. It even adds chapter markers for use in iDVD in making automatic scene selection menus. Once your Magic iMovie is created, you can open it as a regular iMovie project and make any additional changes necessary. Simply, don’t check the last option, Send to iDVD.

Setting the music volume

Magic iMovie allows you to set the volume of your music in relation to the volume of your video. Move the slider to the left, towards Soft Music, to lower the music volume in relation to the volume of the audio from your camcorder.  Move the slider to the right, towards Music Only, to lower the volume of the audio from your camcorder in relation to the volume of the music.

Steps

Make a movie using Magic iMovie

  1. Use a FireWire cable to connect your camcorder to the FireWire port on your Mac, then switch your camcorder to VCR, VTR, or Play mode.
  2. Open iMovie. Click the Make a Magic iMovie button or choose Make a Magic iMovie from the file menu.
  3. Type a name for your project and choose a location. By default, iMovie chooses the Movies folder on your hard disk.
  4. Click the disclosure triangle to select a video format. You’ll probably want to use DV, unless you’re using an HDV camera, an iSight, or you shot your video in widescreen format. Click Create.
  5. Give your movie a title. Your title will appear at the opening of your movie.
  6. Set your tape options. If you think your tape needs to be rewound, select the "Rewind the tape before capturing the movie" option.
  7. Select the transition style to use between your video clips.
  8. Click the Choose Music button to select a song from your iTunes Library to play as a soundtrack to your video.
  9. Deselect Send to iDVD for now. Click Create.
  10. Sit back and watch as iMovie imports your video and creates your Magic iMovie. Once your Magic iMovie is created, click the Play button to watch your new movie.