How to Simulate Time Lapse in Avid

Frame avid allows users to simulate time lapse using the TimeWarp Editor. All you need to create this type of video is actual time lapse video sequences and a little knowledge of how Avid Liquid works.

Step 1: Taking the Video

Time lapse means that the same scene is recorded over several hours. The most popular type of time lapse videos are of stars or sunrise and sunset, but time lapse can be taken of anything. For example, if you are working on a project, and you want to demonstrate how to create the project from start to finish, you can set up in front of the camera and just let it record the whole process.

Just remember, do not move the camera around when recording time lapse. It should solely focus on what is being done from that particular angle.

Step 2: Importing the Video in Liquid

Once the video is taken, you need to import the video into Liquid. The easiest way to do this is to capture the video directly from the camera. To do this, click on the Logging Tool in the Master Viewer tab. Once clicked, the tool should go from red to yellow. Now, the Change Reel Pop-up menu will appear, and it should automatically select your video camera as the import tool.

Hit the check mark under the left-hand screen to open the video. Hit play, and select the Digitize button. Let Avid Liquid record the whole video. Do not select certain sequences from the video to capture. If you do, it will not look like a real time lapse video as it will have pieces missing.

If the video is several hours, it could take Avid a little while to capture the entire video. You should just let it record it until the whole process is done.

Step 2: TimeWarp Editor

Once the video is completely rendered, you should open up the TimeWarp Editor in Liquid, and scroll through it until you find the Trailing effects effect. This will create the time lapse effect. Set the trail length to two frames cumulative.

This will speed up the video, but still give the entire sequence a simulated time lapse effect. Preview the entire video to ensure that the effect looks right. If not, you may have to manipulate the trail length even further.

Step 3: Add Music

Add some music to the background that properly shows off what’s going on in the video. The video is going to be sped up so some upbeat music may be in order.

Step 4: Some Tips for Avid Liquid

Be sure to render the effect once you are done. If not, the effect may not play, or you may simply have a black screen.

Also, save your work as you go. When effects are played without rendering, it could crash the entire program, and you will have to start from scratch again.

Shut down all other programs when rendering effects. It takes up a lot of memory to do this, and you will be rendering a lot of video when creating time lapse videos.