Edit the timing of action

Step-by-step

1 Add clips to timeline

Import Action01, Action02, Action03 and Action04 into a new event. Select the four clips and drag them into the timeline. The four shots will appear in consecutive order.

2 View the clips

In the footage the man throws a separate stone in each clip. We can trim the clips to give the illusion of a single stone-throwing action captured from four different camera angles.

3 Add edit point

Double-click in the gap between Action01 and Action02 to summon the Precision Editor. Click the rectangular grey ‘add edit point’ icon between Action01 and 02.

4 Set Action01 out-point

Action01 on the top track is the outgoing clip. Action02 below is the incoming clip. Drag Action01’s vertical grey edit handle until the man is just beginning to stand up.

5 Set Action02 in-point

On the bottom track drag Action02’s edit handle to fine-tune where it starts (its in-point). Place the man’s pose so that it matches the same position in Action01’s out-point.

6 Check continuity

Place the cursor in the grey bar between the two layers; tap the spacebar. The action will flow smoothly between Action01’s trimmed out-point and Action02’s trimmed in-point.

7 Match the action

Click the ‘add edit point’ icon between Action02 and 03. Drag Action02’s edit handle until the stone has just left his hand. Drag Action03’s edit handle to match the action.

8 Adjust the cut

The action is in sync in both shots. Drag the rectangular grey edit point icon left to make the action cut earlier from Action02 to 03. We see more of the stone throw in the third shot.

9 Last cut

Click the rectangular grey ‘add edit point’ icon between Action03 and 04. Adjust the vertical grey handles for both clips so that we cut as his right arm drops after the throw.