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Combining Alpha File with Non Alpha File
Hello. I’m wondering if you guys can help me out. With the system we run here at work, we have two separate files, the alpha and the regular file. They have the same filename except for the alpha has the word key at the end. We’re trying to see if we can import these to files into FCP and make it into one file with the embedded alpha.
The two files are .DV files with the DVCPro Codec. Is this going to be possible? I have already layed the key at the bottom and exported it out with the Animation Codec, Millions +. When we look at the completed file, it says it has a key, but it’s not really working.
Any suggestions? I greatly appreciate it.
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4 Replies
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Ok Thanks. I’ll try that and see where it goes from there. I also am going to upconvert this. Should I worry about Upconverting it in Quicktime after all that is said and done?
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It works great! Thank you so much!
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This is also possible in Final Cut Pro without all the recompressing.
This is also referred to as a HiCon matte, or travel matte.
Put your BG on track one, put the black and white matte (the one marked key) and track 2 and the fill (or color, or the ‘regular’ one) on track 3. Control click the clip in track 3 and choose composite mode > travel matte luma. Render and away you go.
If you need to export the file with an alpha for use in another program or whatever, delete the BG in track 1, leave the rest the same, DO NOT RENDER and then export as an animation + alpha (millions+) using QT conversion.
Jeremy
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I just reread and if the footage that is marked ‘key’ is not black and white (or hicon) and is actually color with an actual alpha channel, you can do the exact same technique and instead of choosing travel matte luma, choose travel matte alpha.
Jeremy
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