Motion Crashes FCP

[WORDpictures]

Any clues why Final Cut crashes when attempt to import a file from Motion? Using Final Cut Studio. HDV master footage scaled within standard def project. All settings for FCP project & sequences & Motion project are set for standard def.

[cmchamp]

Have you tried to Repair Permissions? If you have recently installed new software, updated software or have done either since the last time you imported a file from Motion, this may be the culprit.
C.

[WORDpictures]

Thanks Cory. However that isn't it. Also trashed preferences. This is a new install of Motion - and my first encounter with this application - so it could be something simple I'm not familiar with.

Found I can import pre-edit footage into Motion, export file, then import into FC. Besides inefficient, this loses "Open in Editor" capability within FC. Happens with completely standard def project too - so HDV isn't a factor. Final Cut has been completely stable otherwise. And there's plenty of space on this new 750 gig MacPro.

Any other thoughts. . . I see this issue discussed on Mac & Final Cut forums, but nothing else to try yet.

[cmchamp]

How much RAM you have?
C.

[WORDpictures]

5 gig RAM. I'm a designer by "design" working with tech by default - so your help is greatly appreciated.

[jonack]

What does the dialog box say when it crashes? A snippet from the dia box googled almost always works for me. Also, make sure quicktime is up to date and check for more updates. If Apple released a bad version of quicktime, then it might be hacking up FCP. Also, in your motion file, are there any filters or effects that you have added to the project? What are you exporting your file as, or are you just trying to import the motion file into FCP?

[Steve G.]

Actually I wouldn't be so quick to upgrade to quicktime 7.4

Warning: QuickTime 7.4 Breaks After Effects and Premiere Pro

At MacWorld, Apple released QuickTime 7.4 - which had the unintended consequence of breaking rendering in After Effects and Premiere Pro.

While I am sure that Apple is working on a fix, this just illustrates a point I've made before - don't upgrade any computer that you rely on for editing until the software has been out for a while. My general rule is to wait at least two months.

Upgrading to QuickTime 7.4 provides no new functionality to Final Cut Studio. So, unless you really, REALLY need to rent movies on your editing system, upgrading won't get you anything new and could, potentially, cause stuff to break.

Here's my basic philosophy: Final Cut Studio, QuickTime and OS X are all joined at the hip. It is generally a good rule not to upgrade any computer system that you rely on for editing without upgrading all three of these at the same time.

Upgrading QuickTime or OS X by itself doesn't offer any new features to Final Cut Studio. And, recently, I've seen more instability with some Final Cut Studio applications running under OS X 10.5 than 10.4.

I fully expect Apple and the other software vendors will get the kinks out and provide us solid, exciting software. the key is to be cautious and not upgrade too soon.

Maybe it affects motion too?

[jonack]

If he already has 7.4 updated, they often release minor updates after a major one like QT 7.4. But I do agree, once you have a stable system waiting is always a benefit. As for most fixes, a good repair/check of all of your drives and a restart often fixes the problem. Also, make sure that you don't have a bad font installed. I had a font installed that FCP didn't like and whenever I would try to edit something it would crash my computer. I couldn't load the LiveType file into FCP without it crashing and had to actually recreate the entire file in LiveType....

[WORDpictures]

Yes, I do have QuickTime "Pro" 7.4
(and for what it's worth) OS X 10.4.11

I'm a little confused if it's possible to go backwards to a prior version - since I have purchased the "Pro" version.

[jonack]

It is hard to go backwards back to 7.3 but maybe a quick google of Quicktime 7.3 would produce some results. I would also go over to creativecow.net and see if you can search through some of their FCP forums to see if you can turn up something. Is there a dia box that pops up? If so, what does it say in the more info section?

[WORDpictures]

(fast forward to resolution below)

[WORDpictures]

RESOLVED. Reinstall with some convolutions. Motion only reinstall - then Final Cut wouldn't open. Motion & Final Cut reinstall - then existing FCP projects wouldn't open (and I'm praying to avert a panic attack). Ran updates - it's finally there!

(thanks for all your help & suggestions) --Teresa