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Workflow with “Overlay” transfer mode for bullet holes in an action scene
I’m working on an action short, and there is a scene where bullets hit a dusty/sandy desert-like ground. I’ve got the effect for the hit set up, but I want to add a bullet hole/mark of some sort. Because the ground isn’t a solid surface, traditional bullet holes don’t work.
My intent was to try to use the “big_hole_01” element from Action Essential 2, but I am encountering some issues. That particular element is basically a black hole on a gray background, and it works with the overlay transfer mode. I want to adjust the color and contrast of the hole, but any changes I make (curves, tint, etc.) also effect the gray background, making overlay infective. Is there an effect I can apply to the layer that will have the same effect as overlay?
I’ve been working with After Effects for a while, but I’m definitely still learning, and any help anyone can give me on this matter would be greatly appreciated.On an semi-related side note, does anyone have any experience adding bullet holes to a soft surface (sand, dirt, etc.)? How did you approach it?
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6 Replies
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Thanks for the reply Dave!
[Dave LaRonde] “Sometimes you just can’t beat practical effects.”
I agree with you entirely; unfortunately, squibs (or really any practical effects) weren’t possible when shooting. I used a go pro to film an airsoft game, and am now enhancing it with muzzle flashes, bullet hits, explosions and the like in post. While I’m getting some cool results, I’m having to fudge a lot more than I would normally like. -
Ah I’ve run into this before, I’m not sure how to use blend modes with a grey solid, but you could possibly try luma keying the stock footage… I’ve had to do that before. Andrew Kramer has some great examples (albeit a bit old, but principals still remain) https://www.videocopilot.net/tutorial/advanced_sky_replacement/
There’s also a new tutorial from stern fx that may be helpful… https://www.sternfx.com/tutorials/125
once keyed, you could do whatever you like to the remaining parts of the footage.Filmmaker | Motion Graphic Artist
http://www.saltmedia.nethttp://www.TheDigitalSlice.com (beta)
What’s your weapon of choice… FCP7, FCPX, Premiere, Avid, Smoke, Edius, Vegas? Jump over and help gather some data. -
Alright, thanks for the feedback! I’ll give luma keying a go.
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Alright, Luma keying worked out beautifully! Thanks for the help!
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Glad to hear! Give us a quick summary, I’m interested to know what method you used. Thanks.
Filmmaker | Motion Graphic Artist
http://www.saltmedia.nethttp://www.TheDigitalSlice.com (beta)
What’s your weapon of choice… FCP7, FCPX, Premiere, Avid, Smoke, Edius, Vegas? Jump over and help gather some data. -
I went with levels then LumaKey, then set the transfer mode to overlay, which worked well with the key. That particular element with those effects looks pretty good as a bullet hit on dirt or sandy ground, and I’m happy with the result. I’ll post a link to the finished product when I finally get it done.
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