Movie Magic

[Gregory Sheffer]

I am doing more and more historical docudrama type work and I have numerous shots that need objects painted out or objects to composite in - like a sky. I can do this stuff in photoshop, but have no idea where to go to do it with moving images. Is after effects my best option?

This is a RED screen cap and I used photoshop, but I want this same look with the moving image.

 

[Jeff Kilgroe]

After Effects is a great tool for compositing and roto work like this, sky replacements or whatever. There are better applications for compositing, Nuke for example... But It depends what you have access to and feel comfortable using or learning.

AE is pretty easy to pick up if you know Photoshop. Think of it as Photoshop with a timeline and you'll be on your way.

 

[Peter McCully]

Rather than attempt to learn compositing on your own precious footage, why not find a keen and talented digital artist who wants to expand their CV and is willing to work for an affordable rate?
Not I BTW...

 

[Mohammed El Sharqawy]

the roto brush tool in AE will help a lot..

 

[Alexander Ibrahim]

Just make sure and fix the wagon cover too... its a tell that you didn't have the exposure for the scene, and a bit distracting too.

 

[Ben Brainerd]

Rather than attempt to learn compositing on your own precious footage, why not find a keen and talented digital artist who wants to expand their CV and is willing to work for an affordable rate?
Not I BTW...

This is a valid point. Compositing is easy to do poorly, and takes a lot of learning and tricks to do well. Alexander's point about the wagon is just one of several things I noticed with your test shot. (Which, if you operate anything like me is probably a quick and dirty example version, so no worries)

If you've never done compositing before, you'll probably be disappointed by the results if you do it yourself, even if someone were to walk you through all the technical steps. There's an art to it. And it's different than doing it in Photoshop. Things that work for a still image will give themselves away immediately in motion.

I'd be willing to take a look at it, if you want. Shoot me a PM.

 

[Gregory Sheffer]

Not looking for people to point out the obvious because they have no life except to roam around forums and post bullshit. I just want to know some of the tools people can use to do this. It is not that hard to do what I posted - paint out objects and to do a simple composite.

Thanks Jeff. Looking into Nuke.

 

[Elsie N]

Not looking for people to point out the obvious because they have no life except to roam around forums and post bullshit.

Thanks Jeff. Looking into Nuke.

While you're at it, you might look for an app for thin skin.

 

[Gregory Sheffer]

Sorry guys I overreacted a bit. Its just that you bust your ass on these films and there is always some "critic" types hovering around and I don't take to kindly to them folk.

 

[Kim Frank]

If you're familiar using photoshop use after effects, no need for nuke IMO. A lot of proffesionals use AE
I learned it really quick and on my last job with a lot of CGI I did a better Job compositing than the professional flame artist.
For a start of for After Effects and sky Replacement take a look at the toutorials at
www.videocopilot.net
there is an easy and more Advanced Tout about this topic.

 

[C. Jagan Mohan]

AE CS5 is the best in features as well as in price for this application.

 

[Elsie N]

Sorry guys I overreacted a bit. Its just that you bust your ass on these films and there is always some "critic" types hovering around and I don't take to kindly to them folk.

We've all probably had a similar experience. No worries.

 

[Peter McCully]

Not looking for people to point out the obvious because they have no life except to roam around forums and post bullshit. I just want to know some of the tools people can use to do this. It is not that hard to do what I posted - paint out objects and to do a simple composite.

Thanks Jeff. Looking into Nuke.

Gregory I was just honestly trying to be helpful. But good luck with the composite- how hard can it be?