Motion Graphics
Create a Client Screener Disc
Thursday, February 25 ,2010
Check out this video to learn more about creating a screener disc for your clients. You can also visit the website www.peachpit.com/videomac in order to download sample files.
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Chroma Key is Everywhere
Sunday, February 21 ,2010
Here's two free resources to help you out
- Video Made on a Mac: Greenscreen Solutions
- Creative Chromakeying handout from Photoshop World
Creating Motion Templates
Wednesday, February 17 ,2010
Want to create your own Motion templates for use in Final Cut Pro? In this video lesson you’ll learn how to combine After Effects and Motion into a template project that can then be updated from within Final Cut Pro.
You can also visit the website www.peachpit.com/videomac in order to download sample files.
You can also visit the website www.peachpit.com/videomac in order to download sample files.
How to Film the Impossible
Friday, February 05 ,2010
I found a great series on YouTube... an old show called Horizon from the BBC. This episode is entitled "How to Film the Impossible" and features an in-depth look at Industrial Light and Magic.
Here is part one
The other parts are after the jump
Read More...
Here is part one
The other parts are after the jump
Read More...
Continuum Cartoon Look
Tuesday, February 02 ,2010
Everywhere you turn, you’ll spot the “look”: video footage transformed to look like a cartoon. In a traditional workflow, the process involves rotoscoping. An artist literally traces animation frame by frame over the original source. The technique was invented by Max Fleischer around 1915, and has been used by animators on classic films such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarves and Cinderella, as well as modern movies such as Titan A.E. and Waking Life.
The process is very tedious, however, so many video pros and motion graphics artists have been on a quest for an easier solution. These days you’ll find several products on the market to transform your video footage to look like it’s a cartoon. Early options such as Studio Artist ($379; www.synthetik.com) and market leaders like ToonIt ($399; www.redgiantsoftware.com) have all seen heavy use.
While they’re not new to the plug-in market, Boris FX has released their own take on cartoon filters. The Boris Continuum Unit: Cartoon Look breaks out four filters from the larger plug-in package Continuum Complete. The set is only $199 (significantly less than competitors) and runs in several host applications including Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro, as well as Apple Final Cut Pro and Motion. The four filters for stylizing your footage include:
Read More...
Using Premiere Pro to Organize Video for After Effects
Monday, February 01 ,2010
- Create a new Premiere Pro project and match its settings to your primary footage format.
2 Import a folder of QuickTime movies into a Premiere Pro project. You can even import a Final Cut Pro XML file to bring a sequence in without needed to do anymore media management. - Edit the clips as needed into sequences.
- After your clips are edited, just select them and press Command+C to copy them to your clipboard.
5 Switch to an open After Effects project and press Command+V to paste the clips using Dynamic Link. The clips (with handles) will move from Premiere Pro to After Effects.
For more tips like this, check out the book Video Made on a Mac.
Creating Lower-Third Graphics with Data Sets in Photoshop
Saturday, January 30 ,2010
By harnessing the power of data sets, you can dramatically speed up the production of repetitive graphics. In fact, by feeding in a text file, hundreds of lower-third graphics can be generated in a few clicks. The advantage of this method is that a producer or production assistant can gather all of the needed names and titles into a single text file (easily created with any word processor). This file can then be loaded to generate as many graphics as needed. While the process is a little tricky at first, it’s pretty easy to get the hang of.
Read the complete article over at Layer Magazine for free...
DPI vs. Resolution
Wednesday, January 27 ,2010
One misperception we hear time and time again is about resolution. For the record, video graphics are not 72 dpi. First off, dpi stands for dots per inch (as in printing). Photoshop measures graphics using pixels per inch (ppi).
The resolution of this photo has been reassigned from 300 ppi to 72 ppi. The Document Size (in inches) has changed for printed output. The pixel dimensions and file size remain unchanged at 1920 x 1080 pixels (for a 1080 HD video project).
When dealing with video graphics, resolution doesn't matter. The same HD video file can play back on a laptop, a television, or on a digital projector, and the total number of pixels won't change. To see this clearly, stand really close to a big-screen HD TV; the picture looks soft. Now find a smaller display with an HD signal; the picture looks clearer. This is because HD is HD; the bigger the screen the larger each pixel is displayed, but again resolution doesn't change.
Figure 9.2 The enlarged area shows the individual pixels that make up the butterfly image.
Setting Photoshop to Measure in Pixels
Out of the box, Photoshop is set up for a print workflow (biased isn't it?). This is easy to fix with a simple preference change. You can set rulers and other tools to measure using pixels by default (which will make designing for the video screen easy).
The resolution of this photo has been reassigned from 300 ppi to 72 ppi. The Document Size (in inches) has changed for printed output. The pixel dimensions and file size remain unchanged at 1920 x 1080 pixels (for a 1080 HD video project).
When dealing with video graphics, resolution doesn't matter. The same HD video file can play back on a laptop, a television, or on a digital projector, and the total number of pixels won't change. To see this clearly, stand really close to a big-screen HD TV; the picture looks soft. Now find a smaller display with an HD signal; the picture looks clearer. This is because HD is HD; the bigger the screen the larger each pixel is displayed, but again resolution doesn't change.
Figure 9.2 The enlarged area shows the individual pixels that make up the butterfly image.
Setting Photoshop to Measure in Pixels
Out of the box, Photoshop is set up for a print workflow (biased isn't it?). This is easy to fix with a simple preference change. You can set rulers and other tools to measure using pixels by default (which will make designing for the video screen easy).
- Launch Adobe Photoshop.
- Press Command+K to call up your Photoshop preferences.
- Click the Units & Rulers preference tab.
- Click the Rulers menu and set it to pixels.
Great Profile of Stop Animator
Monday, January 25 ,2010
A fascinating documentary on Ray Harryhausen who is a prolific stop motion animator. Some of his work you may have seen includes The 7th Voyage of Sinbad, Jason and the Argonauts, and Clash of the Titans.
Read More to see parts 2–6
Read More...
Read More to see parts 2–6
Read More...
Sneak Peek at new Adobe Tech
Sunday, January 24 ,2010
I have seen this first person.. and it is AWESOME. Tons of real-time performance in Premiere Pro and 64-bit Operating Systems. It can also be tied to a really fast graphics card for better performance. The app runs INSANELY great and will hopefully propagate through other Adobe apps like Photoshop and After Effects.
for more information on hardware, check out these blogs: http://blogs.adobe.com/VideoRoad/2009/11/three_words_youll_be_hearing_a.html http://blogs.adobe.com/VideoRoad/2009/11/more_on_the_mercury_engine.html http://blogs.adobe.com/genesisproject/2009/11/technology_sneek_peek_adobe_me.html#more
for more information on hardware, check out these blogs: http://blogs.adobe.com/VideoRoad/2009/11/three_words_youll_be_hearing_a.html http://blogs.adobe.com/VideoRoad/2009/11/more_on_the_mercury_engine.html http://blogs.adobe.com/genesisproject/2009/11/technology_sneek_peek_adobe_me.html#more
Resize Video with After Effects
Thursday, January 14 ,2010
To make things easier... I have made a template project to save you several steps. You can download it here.
Download it here (it's my Birthday gift to you)
These templates are designed to convert an HD source to a variety of output formats.
- Select either the 1080 or 720 source folder.
2 Locate the correct target format and open the template.
3 Import a QuickTime movie of your HD source.
4 Highlight the layer called Replace Me.
5 Hold down the Option/Alt key and drag your replacement footage onto the solid layer to swap.
6 Change the comps duration to match your footage layer’s length by choosing Sequence > Settings.
7 Add to the Render Queue and render to taste.
Feel free to share this post and the link – tinyurl.com/aeresizer
Capturing Video for After Effects
Tuesday, January 05 ,2010
You can capture video for an After Effects project using Premiere Pro. Learn how to quickly switch applications to pull in new footage from tape. To download sample files, visit www.peachpit.com/videomac.
Timecode Burn In with Compressor
Saturday, December 26 ,2009
Want to compress your footage to another format and add timecode burn in at the same time? With Compressor you can! Be sure to check out this step-by-step video as we add timecode burn in via Compressor. You can also visit the website www.peachpit.com/videomac in order to download sample files.
Motion Control with After Effects - PixelPerfect Favorite
Thursday, December 24 ,2009
Learn about Motion Control with Photoshop and After Effects. Plus check out Bert Monroy's cool show.
ProRes for PC
Saturday, December 19 ,2009
Creating Transparent Video with Adobe After Effects CS4
Tuesday, December 08 ,2009
The alpha channel is the technology behind transparency in computer graphics. It first evolved in the late 1970s at the New York Institute of Technology and then continued to be refined at Lucasfilm and at Pixar. When you employ alpha channels embedded into footage layers, transparency data can travel seamlessly between After Effects and Flash.
You can create alpha channels in several ways. One common technique you can use for video footage is chroma key technology. By shooting elements against a blue or green screen, you can easily remove the background. This technology is hardly new, making its first appearance at RKO Radio Pictures in the 1930s. The popularity of chroma key technology has grown immensely, bringing the technology and tools within reach of most content creators.
KEEP READING AT PEACHPIT.com
Get the Book
The New Drobo is Awesome... Come Learn More
Tuesday, December 08 ,2009
Join me for an educational seminar on Thursday, December 10, 2009 where we review how it (and the rest of the Drobo line) can benefit video editors, motion graphics artists, and videographers.
The event starts at 8:30 AM Pacific / 11:30 AM Eastern. Its a 30 minute seminar and you can ask any questions you want.
We've been putting it into play with our tapeless workflow and have been very pleased.
Sign up for your spot here – http://bit.ly/7vhDJr
Professional Keying with Motion
Tuesday, December 08 ,2009
Looking for another way to key? Be sure to check out this video for a detailed demonstration of keying with Apple Motion. You can also visit the website www.peachpit.com/videomac in order to download sample files.
Working with Type in After Effects
Sunday, December 06 ,2009
Looking for a quick overview on how to control text animation in After Effects? This video will get you up and running quickly. You can also visit the website www.peachpit.com/videomac in order to download sample files.
Three Free After Effects CS4 Tutorials
Thursday, November 19 ,2009
Here are a few free After Effects tutorials from Layers Magazine.
MGFest 09 Comes to DC
Tuesday, November 03 ,2009
The Motion Graphics 09 Fest is coming to DC. It runs November 18-22
Here's the full schedule
http://mgfest.com/09/WashingtonDC/
Here are the educational workshops
http://mgfest.com/09/WashingtonDC/workshops.php
Here are the social functions and screenings
http://mgfest.com/09/WashingtonDC/artevents.php
This is a great chance to network with pros from both DC and abroad. Hope you all check it out...
Blu is Back with Another Great Video
Monday, November 02 ,2009
This is just awesome... I love what these guys do with real art and timelapse.
a collaborative animation by Blu and David Ellis
http://www.blublu.org
http://www.davidellis.org
a collaborative animation by Blu and David Ellis
http://www.blublu.org
http://www.davidellis.org
New Versions of Adobe Software to be 64-Bit
Tuesday, October 20 ,2009
"It’s common knowledge among post-production pros that 64-bit operating systems are the best choice for top-of-the-line performance, especially when producing HD or higher-resolution content. After 3 versions of simultaneous 64 bit and 32 bit support for After Effects and Premiere Pro, we wanted to let you know today that CS4 will be the last version of Adobe’s leading video applications to support 32 bit operating systems."
Simon Hayhurst – The Senior Director of Product Management for Dynamic Media
Check out the news here.
- http://provideocoalition.com/index.php/adobe/story/the_future_is_64_bit/
- http://blogs.adobe.com/keyframes/
Great After Effects Training and Resources
Friday, October 16 ,2009
Looking for some After Effects training? One of my favorite resources is The Anvel run by Dean Velez. Besides a bunch of cool freebies and templates, Dean has a great subscription package of After Effects tutorials. Dean is a very experiences designer with a few Emmys under his belt.
He generously shares this knowledge with others. Dean's discs are great for ideas and I float them amongst the RHED Pixel staff so they can try out some new techniques.
A Great Animation Made in Real Life
Friday, October 16 ,2009
This is a great animation from the group – Blu. It is an animation painted on public walls. The short film was made in Buenos Aires and in Baden.
Keying with After Effects
Monday, October 12 ,2009
Looking for another way to key? Be sure to check out this video for a detailed demonstration of keying with Keylight in After Effects. You’ll also learn a few advanced tricks to finalize the shot.
New Book is Off to the Printer
Tuesday, August 04 ,2009
Video Made on a Mac: Production and Postproduction Using Apple Final Cut Studio and Adobe Creative Suite
Richard Harrington I have just returned my final comments for the new book Video Made on a Mac. We are now compressing the 5.5 hours of HD video lessons that come with this book. This book is SO awesome... (I am not objective, but its the best book I've ever written). If you work with Final Cut Studio and/or Adobe Creative Suite... You need this book. We have filled it to the brim with time saving workflow and practical advice.
Here’s the official blurb – You can order it here on Amazon (it’ll ship in a few weeks).
On a Mac, the sky's the limit for creating professional video. With all the tools available though, it can be a daunting task to decide which ones offer the best solutions for combined efficiency and high-level results. How can you effectively communicate your vision to clients and crew? How should you calibrate your camera for multi-camera and green screen shoots? Is it better to do your keying in After Effects, Motion, or Final Cut? How should you set up your edit suite for efficiency and accuracy? How do you manage large amounts of media and a multitude of formats for multiple software applications?
In Video Made on a Mac, you'll learn the answers and much more. Chock-full of practical advice and step-by-step instructions, each chapter provides insight on the critical components of production and postproduction that can make all the difference when you're up against a tight budget and schedule. The accompanying DVD supplies you with project files and high-definition footage so you can follow along with the examples, as well as 50 training videos. Whether you're an advanced Mac user or just beginning to incorporate Adobe Creative Suite into your Final Cut Studio workflow, you'll learn to apply best-practice techniques to all your video projects.
A Great Example of Stop Motion Animation
Thursday, July 09 ,2009
Olympus has released a re-imagined Pen Camera. The original was released 50 years ago, and cost about a a third less than conventional cameras. The camera was known for trying new technologies and innovative ideas throughout its history.The new camera allows for several lenses as well as HD video.
To celebrate the new launch, the company commissioned a very cool stop motion commercial.
- Shot 60.000 pictures
- Developed 9.600 prints
- Shot over 1.800 pictures again.
Oh… and no post production!
Use After Effects to Transcode your HD material to 50 Formats
Monday, July 06 ,2009
I wanted to share a little work in progress file. I find After Effects tremendously useful for resizing video. In fact I use it often to pre-process footage before applying additional codecs.
What I’ve put together here is a Resizer project. It allows you to quickly convert an HD file (720 or 1080) to 50 different output formats. The file is quite simple to use, and covers output sizes ranging from SD, to Presentation Software, to Web, to iPhone.
This is a work in progress… but I’d love to get your feedback. To learn how to use it (and get the file) keep reading....
First off… download the resizer template from here (Resizer_Template.zip). It is an After Effects CS4 project. There are two files, both are identical. The .aep is a project file, the .aet is a template file that will create a copy automatically when you open it.
Read More...
The Future in Motion, A History of Tomorrow's Interfaces
Sunday, March 22 ,2009
Check this out... a colleague of mine speaking on a cool topic.
Watch Future in Motion, A History of Tomorrow's Interfaces, Mason Dixon, MGFest | View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com
Watch Future in Motion, A History of Tomorrow's Interfaces, Mason Dixon, MGFest | View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com
New Book for After Effects and Flash Users
Sunday, March 22 ,2009
The official blurb
Adobe Creative Suite 4 brings together two powerful animation tools, each of which has its own specialized features and workflow. Learning to integrate Adobe After Effects and Adobe Flash Professional gives you more options for your animations and effects and the power to integrate video and motion graphics into a richer user experience. In this book, authors Richard Harrington and Marcus Geduld lead both types of users, those who are more familiar with either Flash or with After Effects, on using the programs together for maximum efficiency and creativity.
After walking you through the core features of both programs, the authors then explore advanced uses for each application. Each chapter focuses on a particular function of the program, teaching you how to create content for Flash with After Effects, enhance your projects using 3D environments, create professional-looking video with Adobe Media Encoder, and add interactivity, accessibility, and searchability to your video. You’ll also get hands-on experience using the project files on the accompanying DVD.
Within these easy-to-follow, step-by-step lessons, you’ll learn to:
- Seamlessly exchange projects and assets between After Effects and Flash
- Shoot green screen material correctly, work with Keylight, and utilize embedded alpha channels
- Create dynamic text, vector-based animations, and “animated” video using the tools in Adobe Creative Suite 4
- Work with 3D cameras and lights and create 3D environments
- Convert Flash to broadcast and DVD standards with After Effects
- Use Adobe Media Encoder for professional results
- Create interactive controls and use cue points in your video
- Optimize video for accessibility and use Adobe® Soundbooth® for video transcription
- Use ActionScript in your projects for more innovative animations
Get your copy now.... it really has some fun projects and cool things in it.
Alpha Channels : Creative COW : Photoshop Tutorials
Thursday, March 12 ,2009
In the Photoshop tutorial from Creative COW, learn how to make an alpha channel based upon the luminance in an image. Alpha channels allow you to store transparency in a graphic. This is part of a series of Photoshop tutorials from www.creativecow.net.
Motion Graphics Meets John Lennon
Monday, July 07 ,2008
I was over at YouTube posting a new tutorial.... came across a great clip that mixes multiple animation styles… this is VERY cool. It’s nice to hear the man so off-the-cuff… yet wise.
“In 1969, a 14-year-old Beatle fanatic named Jerry Levitan, armed with a reel-to-reel tape deck, snuck into John Lennon’s hotel room in Toronto and convinced John to do an interview about peace. 38 years later, Jerry has produced a film about it. Using the original interview recording as the soundtrack, director Josh Raskin has woven a visual narrative which tenderly romances Lennon’s every word in a cascading flood of multipronged animation. Raskin marries the terrifyingly genius pen work of James Braithwaite with masterful digital illustration by Alex Kurina, resulting in a spell-binding vessel for Lennon’s boundless wit, and timeless message.”
Learn more about it here (and yes… I missed this one somehow).
Great Tutorial on Vanishing Point Exchange
Thursday, May 15 ,2008
“Without a doubt, the best new feature in After Effects CS3 is the Vanishing Point Exchange with Adobe Photoshop CS3 Extended. Creating very believable 3D movements from quite simple 2D digital photographs has to be seen to be believed, and the best thing is it’s a pretty easy process. However, there are a few caveats to keep an eye out for, so let’s take a trip into the world of two-dee three-dee!”
Check the whole thing out here.
More on the Puppet Tool – Hands on Files and Bonus Video
Monday, April 21 ,2008
To get the hands on files click here.
To get a bonus video tutorial - click here.
(Thanks to the fine folks at the New York Post Conference for letting me post this).
’Toon Your Video in Adobe CS3 Production Premium
Monday, April 21 ,2008
“Sure, clients want it…that “cartoon look.” But let’s face it; good animation is hard to come by. Unless you have a gaggle of animators locked in your closet, you’ll need to get creative. Sure, you could break out the pencil and paper (or maybe even try shadow puppets), but we’re here to offer you a different solution. By harnessing the power of Adobe CS3 Production Premium, you can convert video frames into vector art into film-resolution movie files. Curious? It’s all possible with the power of the Production Premium. Read on.”
Photoshop for Video Chapter 14 Posted
Tuesday, October 02 ,2007
If you have your code ready, please visit http://booksite.focalpress.com/Harrington/ and start to download. You'll find a full-length chapter plus all of the source media needed for the exercises. It’s a big download, so be sure to have a fast Internet connection handy.
For problems or suggestions concerning the site, please contact: Technical Support.
Motion Graphics Resource Site
Thursday, July 26 ,2007
Interested in Motion Graphics? The check out the evolving MographWiki which has a nice collection of user contributed content and articles. Its a great place to browse for ideas and talent. There's a lot of useful things up here including:
Free Reading
Friday, June 29 ,2007
I've gotten a few letters lately asking about new books... there are three updates and a new one in development (more later).
But I did write a new book and thoroughly revise another.
For your reading enjoyment and personal education.
Photoshop for Video 3rd Edition (previously titled Photoshop for Nonlinear Editors)
• Major updates with tons of new content and more than 75 new pages of material
• Over 2.5 hours of training videos
• Expanded coverage of DVD and Motion Graphics
• In-depth look at HD graphics and workflow
• Full coverage of Photoshop CS3
Download the free chapter here.
You can order the book here.
Here's a free chapter from my new book How to Wow with PowerPoint. This is the intro to the book and focusses on best practices for designing graphics for the screen (so even if you aren't a PowerPoint fan, you'll find some wholesome goodness on here). I hope you all enjoy it, If you'd like to order the book click here.
But I did write a new book and thoroughly revise another.
For your reading enjoyment and personal education.
Photoshop for Video 3rd Edition (previously titled Photoshop for Nonlinear Editors)
• Major updates with tons of new content and more than 75 new pages of material
• Over 2.5 hours of training videos
• Expanded coverage of DVD and Motion Graphics
• In-depth look at HD graphics and workflow
• Full coverage of Photoshop CS3
Download the free chapter here.
You can order the book here.
Here's a free chapter from my new book How to Wow with PowerPoint. This is the intro to the book and focusses on best practices for designing graphics for the screen (so even if you aren't a PowerPoint fan, you'll find some wholesome goodness on here). I hope you all enjoy it, If you'd like to order the book click here.
Motion TIps (A Little Old – But Still Useful)
Monday, June 04 ,2007
I present a slightly old (but still relevant) article on Apple Motion. Here are Ten things you should know about Apple Motion (thanks to DV.com).
For example:
DIRTY ALPHA
Not happy with the alpha channel you get when you cut a Motion project into a Final Cut Pro timeline? Well, your alpha may be off. Final Cut Pro sometimes misinterprets the alpha channel data, expecting you to have a straight alpha channel, when in fact you may have a premultiplied alpha.
1. Select the Imported Motion project file in your Browser.
2. Choose Modify > Alpha Type Black.
New Book on Final Cut Studio that I want to Read
Sunday, May 27 ,2007
Apple Pro Training Series: Motion Graphics and Effects in Final Cut Studio
“This practical book focuses on just the parts of Final Cut Studio that editors and designers need to create motion graphics in their daily work. Using footage from the BBC archives along with Motion, Final Cut Pro, and Live Type (all included in Final Cut Studio), you’ll build broadcast-quality titles, motion menus, show bumpers, and news opens. As with the other titles in the Apple Pro Training Series, each chapter in this Apple-authorized guide represents a complete lesson--with projects to complete and a review section to reinforce the lessons. Author and video editor/producers Mark Spencer and Jem Schofield begin by introducing the basics of creating an animated title sequence with Final Cut Pro. From there, you’ll learn everything from text animation, compositing, and keyframing to 3D set creation and camera animation. Step-by-step exercises and a DVD with project and media files will have you creating stunning motion graphics in no time.”
You can order it here
After Effects 7.0.1 is Released
Sunday, December 10 ,2006
• An issue has been fixed where After Effects' application window could not be revealed after being hidden.
• After Effects can now read IFF image files rendered out of mental ray for Maya.
• Shift-clicking to draw vertices with the Pen tool now constrains to 45 degree angles.
• Copy and paste of semitransparent text from Illustrator into After Effects has been fixed.
• Choosing Composition > Preview > Audio Preview (Work Area) will now play the whole work area.
• Users can now import Blackmagic Design 8-bit YUV AVI compressed files.
• An issue that caused incorrect pixel aspect ratio and dimensions when importing DVCProHD files captured in FCP5 has been fixed. (I begged for this one)
• Audio waveform no longer disappears when the window is resized.
A big thanks to After Effects Product Manager Steve Kilisky for letting me know.
New Freebies for Video Pros
Saturday, October 28 ,2006
• Background Textures from Digital Anarchy
• NTSC Test Image (For use with Photoshop's Video Actions)
• Power Window/Vignette to enhance Film Look
• Over The Shoulder Data Sets Template
I hope you enjoy. If you spot any problems, please let me know.
New Film/Video Group in NYC
Thursday, October 26 ,2006
While at NAB New York, I had the chance to catch up with some industry pros. I just found at that the New York Final Cut Pro User Group has evolved into a broader focus. The group is now called The Motion Pictures Collective.
"The Moving Pictures Collective fosters our professional filmmaking community to enhance their abilities and broaden their overall knowledge and skills to reach their career goals. With post-production as our core competency, we will share techniques, tools, and best practices in all competencies including editing, directing, writing, producing, and shooting. We will also promote member collaboration by sharing our work in a supportive environment and create opportunities for our members to flourish.”
If you live near New York City, be sure to check out one of their great events.
New Rotoscoping Solution Previewed - Motor from Imagineer Systems
Wednesday, October 25 ,2006
At NAB New York, I had a chance to take a look at a new rotoscoping product that is truly unique and fast! Imageneer Systems showed off motor, which looks to speed up the tedious process of rotoscoping by 3 times. The tools is designed for both video and film work. It is a standalone product, but it can export matted clips or mask data to other programs. The product works using 2.5D planar tracking technology where the user defines basic objects or planes (like body parts). The system then supports variable edge width and the ability to refine edges with far fewer keyframes. The product is currently in beta testing (but release looks to be soon).
Video Preview out of Photoshop CS2
Tuesday, October 17 ,2006
This one came up today when a client asked me about previewing Photoshop graphics on a TV monitor. There's a great product called EchoFire, which lets you preview out of Photoshop using virtually any video hardware. But if DV is good enough for you, then Photoshop CS2 has you covered.
1. Hook up a FireWire device that uses the DV protocol like a deck or Analog/Digital converter (I like ones from Canopus).
2. Make sure the hardwire is powered up and connected to a monitor, then launch Photoshop.
3. Work with your current document and design as needed.
4. Choose File > Export Video Preview...
5. Specify your Output Mode and Aspect Ratio and click OK.
Preview away
2. Make sure the hardwire is powered up and connected to a monitor, then launch Photoshop.
3. Work with your current document and design as needed.
4. Choose File > Export Video Preview...
5. Specify your Output Mode and Aspect Ratio and click OK.
Preview away
New DVD – Motion Control: Turning Photos into Moving Footage
Saturday, September 09 ,2006
Motion Control: Using Photoshop and After Effects To Tranform Still Images into Moving Footage
No longer locked to a stationary position on screen, your photos now possess distinct storytelling abilities. Join Richard Harrington, Photoshop and motion graphics guru, as he reveals the top techniques used by pros to bring still images to life. This DVD will benefit all users interested in improved storytelling abilities. You’ll learn essential techniques both in 2D and 3D space.
- Adobe Photoshop essentials
- Traditional two-dimensional motion control
- Using 3D cameras
- Working in 3D space
- Using 3D lighting to enhance your images
- Performing advanced camera operations
- Original and processed images
- Adobe Photoshop and After Effects project assets
Tutorial: Create Once, Distribute Anywhere
Thursday, July 27 ,2006
The tutorial uses Adobe After Effects, and is not version specific. If you'd like some extra resources, visit the Magazine section as well.
UPDATE: For PC users looking for a 10-bit codec... you can either download the Blackmagic codecs or check out SheerVideo.
Long Delayed, But On It's Way!
Tuesday, July 11 ,2006
Spot the Fake
Wednesday, July 05 ,2006
3D Made Easier
Tuesday, May 30 ,2006
For more info.