Transforming the Shape of the Scrolling Text

Now that we have our "scrolling text" created and looking the way we want, we next need to create the appropriate shape of the text block for when it actually scrolls across the screen. What we want is for the text to start off close to the screen and to gradually fade back into space, with the text shrinking progressively smaller (and harder to read). We'll do this using a video effect to transform the text so that it has the right shape and is on the right plane for when it floats back into the vanishing point in space.

Change the Perspective

Switch to the Effects and Transitions view on the Media panel by clicking the Effects and Transitions button.

On the Effects and Transitions panel, type Basic to bring up the Basic 3D video effect.

Select the Basic 3D effect from the Perspective Video Effects and drop it onto the Title 03 title clip ( the clip containing the" Episode III: Revenge of the Smiths" text) on the Video 4 track.

In the Properties panel for Title 03, click the triangle next to the Basic 3D control to view the effect's controls.

Tip

You won't see your changes in the Monitor panel unless the CTI is positioned somewhere on the Title 03 clip. So, if the CTI is elsewhere on the Timeline, move it over the clip.

Adjust the Tilt and Distance settings:

• Tilt:-65

• Distance to Image: -30

Note

Leave the other controlsSwivel, Specular Highlight, and Previewat their default settings.

Change the Speed

Right-click on the Title 03 clip and select Time Stretch from the contextual menu, as shown in the illustration.

Tip

If a short menu displays, this is the Properties contextual menu. Simply right-click a second time, and the correct contextual menu will appear, from which you can select Time Stretch.

Timesaver

You can optionally click the clip and then press CTRL-R on your keyboard to access the Time Stretch dialog box.

On the Time Stretch dialog box, click on the link (chain) icon until it "breaks" to disconnect the speed from the duration.

Double-click the Speed and type 6.25.

Double-click on Duration and type 00;00;40;00.

Click OK.

Tip

We have now increased the amount of time that this clip displays from the default of 5 seconds to a full 40 seconds, and decreased the speed from 100% (standard speed) to a more easy-to-read 6.25%.