Generic error inporting Motion Backgrounds

[BrianR]

Hi Steve and everyone. Working through Cool Tips and Hot Tricks and two attempts to use some Motion Backgrounds. At first I tried HD when I was on the Mac and when it wouldn't work, I thought maybe the problem was they wouldn't transfer to Windows 10 but that clearly wasn't it because I then imported via Windows. (The first time were the HD, I think I'm remembering right it was 'HD') but the second time I used the SD ones.) I can select the files OK but when I click import I get a message saying 'Generic computer error'. I'm trying to import them via the Add Media on Premiere Elements 2021 on Windows 10. What am I doing wrong? Thanks for help with this. By the way I opened the files on download with WinZip.
All best
Brian

[BrianR]

Sorry, the exact message is, 'The importer reported a generic error.'

[BrianR]

Further update -- I converted the file from .MOV to mpeg2 using Any Video Converter. Haven't tried the 'trick' yet but at least it imported directly into Add Media. Perhaps PremEle2021 doesn't like .mov files?

[Steve Grisetti]

Converting may be the only solution there. It's not just that it's an MOV file. It's a particular type of MOV file.

Many of these files were designed to be used in an After Effects project. Unfortunately, they don't work as smoothly in Premiere Elements. And converting the file is pretty much the only solution.

At Muvipix, we're a big fan of Handbrake for converting files. It's simple and the files it produces are compatible with virtually all editors.

Because you're a Premium subscriber, you can contact me about any file that is giving you trouble and I'll convert it for you.

[BrianR]

That's great Steve, many thanks again! Actually I've been using one of those Motion Background files to cope with something else. I used to use a Canon EOS still camera with a movie facility but recently I've downsized(!) to a Panasonic Lumix and although I've switched on stabilizer etc for filming, I get A LOT of camera shake try as I might. The Premier Elements Shake Reduction only deals with the worst clips in Detailed mode, but that crops the clips furiously. So I'm experimenting with the Background files in place of what I used to use, the Color Matte (dark red) in Project Assets. It might work. Alternatively I might splash out on a video camera (I've never had one). Depends on what's for sale on budget terms! (I'll ask your advice on this in another post. I've always gone with Canon for still photography!)