Overview

This document covers the step-by-step process for importing footage from a DV or MiniDV tape, camera, SD card, or other storage device into an iMovie ’11 (version 9) project on Mac OS X.

Note:  iMovie ‘11 projects are mostly compatible with Final Cut Pro 7 and Final Cut Pro X but not vice versa.  iMovie ‘11 projects can be imported into Final Cut Pro 7 and then into Adobe Premiere Pro but not vice versa. 

Before you get started

• GroundWorks does not have any means of long-term storage for your files.  User files on a GroundWorks computer are not safe from deletion.  It is highly recommended to bring an external hard drive on which to store all your files.  External hard drives are available for purchase at the Computer Showcase.
• It is recommended that you work on your project from your external hard drive.
• iMovie ‘11 natively supports uncompressed SD and HDV, uncompressed HD, RAW camera formats, Panasonic P2, DVCPRO HD, and Sony XDCAM HD.
• Importing video from other sources, such as DVDs, VHS tapes, or Hi8 tapes, will require separate conversion or capturing processes before the clips are ready for editing.
• Learn more about iMovie ’11 by using the tutorials at Apple.com.  Learn everything you need to know about iMovie ‘11 by using the tutorials at Lynda.com on any GroundWorks computer.

Step 1:  Prepare for import

1. Connect/insert your media to your computer station.
   • Please follow the instructions on “How to Connect/Insert Your Media for Importing/Capturing.”
2. Open iMovie ‘11 by clicking the icon on the Dock or by searching “iMovie” in spotlight.
3. Click the event where your imported media will be saved in the bottom-left Event Library panel.  If you have not yet created an event, you’ll have to create a new event.

Step 2:  Import

DV or MiniDV tapes

1. Click File > Import from Camera…
   
   • If the settings on the Sony DV deck are incorrect, iMovie ‘11 may freeze and you will have to restart the application.  Refer to the “How to Connect/Insert Your Media for Importing/Capturing” guide for setting up the Sony DV deck.
2. In the Import window
   

   Importing widescreen (16:9) HDV footage

   

   Importing standard (4:3) DV footage

   • Switch the option from “Automatic” to “Manual.”
   • Make sure “DV-VCR” is selected for “Camera.”
   • You can control the Sony DV deck by using the buttons below the preview screen.
3. Capture
   

   Importing widescreen (16:9) HDV footage

   

   Importing standard (4:3) DV footage

   • Cue the tape to the beginning of the footage you want to capture.
   • Click “Import…”
   • In the Save window
     
     • Save to
     • Choose a save location, such as your external hard drive.
     • Select your event for “Add to existing Event” or select “Create new Event” if you want to save your footage to a new event.
     • Make sure the “After import analyze for” box is unchecked.  “Stabilization” and “People” can be applied to your videos later if needed.
     • For importing HD footage, make sure “Full – Original Size” is selected for “Import 1080 HD video as.”
     • Click “Import.”
   • To stop capturing, click “Stop.”
4. In the Import window, click “Done” when you have finished capturing all your footage.

Camera or SD card (with camera’s file structure intact)

1. Click File > Import From Camera…
   
2. In the Import window
   
   • Switch the option from “Automatic” to “Manual.”
   • Make sure the camera or SD card is selected for “Camera.”
3. Import selected footage.
   
   • You can select multiple clips from the list of footage and click “Import Checked…,” “Import Selected…,” or “Import All…” to import the entirety of the clips.
   • You may get a message asking to choose Large or Full.  Select “Full – Original Size” and click “OK.”
     
4. In the Save window
   
   • Save to
     • Choose a save location, such as your external hard drive.
   • Select your event for “Add to existing Event” or select “Create new Event” if you want to save your footage to a new event.
   • Make sure the “After import analyze for” box is unchecked.  “Stabilization” and “People” can be applied to your videos later if needed.
   • Make sure “Full – Original Size” is selected for “Optimize video.”
   • Click Import.
5. In the Import window, click “Done” when you have finished capturing all your footage.

Flash drive, external hard drive, or other storage device (only video, audio, or image files)

• Move all your files to your scratch disk location.  Refer to the “How to Start an iMovie ‘11 Project” guide for setting up your scratch disks.
• For audio and images, simply drag and drop your files into the project panel from a Finder window.

1. For videos, click File > Import > Movies…
   
2. In the Import window
   
   • Locate and select your video files.
   • Make sure the appropriate event is selected for “Add to existing Event” or you can create a new event.
   • Make sure the “Optimize video” box is checked and “Full – Original Size” is selected.
   • Make sure “Copy files” is selected.  This will ensure that your original source media won’t be altered.
   • Click “Import.”

Summary and last steps

You now have your footage listed in the Event Library and saved to your event folder under iMovie Events on your external hard drive ready for editing in iMovie ‘11!  Please be sure to safely eject your source media from the deck or computer when you are finished.  Again, be sure to take all of your files with you when you leave GroundWorks.

This tutorial was written by GroundWorks Consultant Stephen Ratkovich.