I'm new to the power director 9 movie making program, it's turning out to be a real pain in the ***. Help!?

My biggest problem is with the transitions, I want to make them shorter or longer, is it even possible with this like on other programs? If anyone has any good tips on how to use it please tell me! Especially if you've used it to make an AMV like I'm trying to do! I'd rather have your own advice than a youtube link to a tutorial please!