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Simulating Pans for backgrounds
I am shooting restaurant training videos and want to use green screens for the backgrounds. See video example:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZP6MRIxix6g (not lit, just a test model)I have dozens of scenarios to shoot at the tables and do not have the time to go and individually shoot every background that i will use. Every corner of the restaurant has to be lit.
The problem: I use a glide cam for the actors in the foreground and often pan from actor to actor. I need to simulate the background moving as the foreground camera pans. Is there a way to simulate this using after effects with parenting/track motion/ etc. (or anything else) I know that if i had time i would have to go and mimic each camera movement, or build a 3d model. I am not looking for feature film perfection, but just a way to simulate the panning while also syncing the shakes of the steady cam.I am looking for tutorials, advice, or even other software. Any help would be greatly appreciated
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7 Replies
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hey,
i know its a rough test this green setup, but make sure u’ll
clearly separate the fabric from the golden pipes.
I can see some hard black shadows of the pipes on ur green screen
and this is not just the raw lighting, but the in-between distance.
If there is more than a few inches available, i dont see y u dont set it as further back as u can.
if this will b possible, since ur on a steadicam ur motion will possibly return more complex shots that pan or tilt.
So I’d setup a few props between those wooden seats and ur green
plus a few markers on the green.
This will be ur tracking points of ur shot, so u can get an accurate
virtual camera through 3d trackin tracking.
PFtrack or camera tracker by foundry will do a great job 4u.
Mocha can be useful too but it’s up to u to make it complex or simple.
Once u get a virtual camera just turn ur plates to 3d layers +
attach them to null 3d points.
U can set them in AE 3D space .
I dont think you ‘ll have to use the Horizon Plugin by Trapcode, but have it in mind to.
Ofcourse film your plates on a stationary cam.
U can also stitch some shots 2gether to make a fake curved panorama.
Just don’t let ppl to move across each shot, unless u can mask/cover the composited joints with some interior elements design of the restaurant
best luck -
Steve I really appreciate the tips. I got a guy to help with the keying and the first thing he notices was the issues with the gold bar. I get everything in your reply except stitching the video scenes together. how would I accomplish this?
I hate to ask but I’m stuck Thanks again! -
If you have rotation on the camera it is a bit tricky.
Camera Tracker from the Foundry is a great plugin- track the camera and apply to a virtual camera in AE. You can then use Free Form to give a slight curve in 3d to your background plate – a better look than a flat surface when the camera rotates.Tudor “Ted” Jelescu
Senior VFX Artist -
Thanks Ted much appreciated
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hey. good to know u have an “experienced eye” for green setup.
Yeap those shadows would kill ur compositor.Well regarding video stitching, its not a big deal.
just se two or more video plates in 3d space side by side [ imaging standing cards ]
a good idea might be 4u to use some interior pileS of the restaurant,
as a patch For the edges of your two video plates.
I’d recommend u to film such elements separately [ green or blue backdrop ]to ensure a matching look of the rest composited scene.
Some plants may also work as plates “joiners” as well.
Just turn those video plates/elements into 3d layers.
and move them properly.
2 video plates side by side [ maybe even under some angle like 45*]
and this interior plant or pile a bit closer to the Virtual cam.
right in front of the two video plates [close to both frame edges ]*make sure u will film against a smooth green !
feel free to ask again.
best luck -
Some tape making random marks on your green screen can help with the tracking.
You can use green tape or use any color and remove it later with a garbage mask.
This can help to calculate the perspective if you move your green screen way back from the gold pipes.
I hope this helps
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Thanks Fernando
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