Advanced Visual Effects Compositing Techniques for Working with Problematic Footage

In Advanced Visual Effects Compositing: Techniques for Working with Problematic Footage, learn to tackle difficult visual effect composites in layer-based and node-based compositing programs.

In this book, industry veteran and compositing expert Lee Lanier offers tips, tricks, techniques, and workflows for difficult visual effects shots, including poorly shot green screen, moving shots with no visible motion tracking marks, shots requiring three-dimensional (3D) elements that lack 3D renders, poor-quality stock footage, and incorrectly lit shots. Lanier details the common problems of visual effects shots and offers practical solutions using examples from Adobe After Effects and Blackmagic Design Fusion. An accompanying eResource (www.routledge.com/9781138668348) features video image sequences, 3D renders, and other tutorial materials, allowing you to practice the discussed techniques.

The visual effects challenges covered in this book include:

• Chroma keying
• Motion tracking
• Relighting in the composite
• Repairing plates
• Replicating damage
• Adding depth with 2.5D
• Working with stock footage

Introduction

1. Keying Difficult Green Screen

2. Motion Tracking Elusive Patterns

3. Relighting in the Composite

4. Fixing and Repairing Plates

5. Replicating Artifacts

6. Adding Depth to Flat Scenes

7. Using Imperfect FX Elements

8. Tackling a Complex VFX Shot

Appendix A: Introduction to After Effects and Fusion

Appendix B: Source File Information

Index

Lee Lanier has worked as a professional computer animator and visual effects (VFX) artist since 1994. He has more than 70 features, shorts, music videos, trailers, and commercials to his credit. Lee has written eight high-end software books that have sold more than 30,000 copies, has authored VFX training videos for lynda.com, has taught VFX compositing at the Gnomon School of Visual Effects in Hollywood, and is a member of the Visual Effects Society (VES). A strong supporter of the arts, Lee co-founded the Dam Short Film Festival—Nevada’s largest film festival—and continues to serve as its executive director. He also co-manages the Boulder City branch of Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School, curates several art gallery spaces, and is an avid painter. You can see his work at beezlebugbit.com and diabolica-art.com.