Creating AE w/Alpha Channel for Avid

[Roland R. kahlenberg]

[Tim Scarpino] “I can create an AE element, and then make it a QT movie that’s got an alpha channel upon import into Avid, but when I choose to make it a .omf movie, the “RGB + Alpha” get’s ghosted out in the Output Module Settings.”

OMF doesn’t support Alpha Channels.

Is there any reason why you are rendering your movies with the OMF format?

I’d suggest that you render your composition(s) using an Avid CODEC that is directly supported (natively) by the Avid editing software from which you will be outputting your movie to tape. As far as I know, only the DV version of the Avid CODEC doesn’t support an Alpha Channel. Any other Avid CODEC will NOT gray out the RGB+Alpha option.

There are a few Avid systems out there. best to check which on eit is.

HTH
Roland Kahlenberg
broadcastGEMs
customizable animated backgrounds with Adobe After Effect project files

[Tim Scarpino]

[RoRK] “OMF doesn’t support Alpha Channels.

Is there any reason why you are rendering your movies with the OMF format?

I’d suggest that you render your composition(s) using an Avid CODEC that is directly supported (natively) by the Avid editing software from which you will be outputting your movie to tape. As far as I know, only the DV version of the Avid CODEC doesn’t support an Alpha Channel. Any other Avid CODEC will NOT gray out the RGB+Alpha option.

There are a few Avid systems out there. best to check which on eit is.”

I’m doing this (.omf) because that’s the kind of format Avid uses, no?

Admittedly, I’m a bit ignorant of this (I’m primarily a producer)so when you suggest using another AVID Codec, I’m not sure where within AE I would find that, or even how to.

I’m using Avid Media Composer Adrenaline (v1.6), and if it doesn’t support an Alpha Channel import, than that’s news to me because all my Photoshop files come into it with Alpha Channels.

In response to your answer, I guess I’m lost as to where the CODEC is selectable in the AE Movie Making option.

Finally, when I go to render my movie, I get a prompt from AE that says “You have an output module set to 24 bit Straight, but you have NOT made an output module for the Alpha Channel” I guess I don’t know how to do that.

Am I a lost cause?

Tim

[Steve Roberts]

Who is receiving your movies? Ask them what they want from you in terms of frame size and codec.

They might want Quicktime movies in the Animation codec with straight alpha. To render with alpha, use the render queue’s output module to make a quicktime movie, animation codec, RGB+alpha, millions+ colors. Check the manual under “transparency” or “alpha channel”.

Some Avid codecs can be found at https://www.automaticduck.com/support/ .

When rendering without an alpha channel (deliberately), I’ve ignored that “24 bit straight” error.

You’re not a lost cause, but I do think you may have jumped in without reading the manual. AE is not a program for jumping in, as it is very complex, allowing many options, but as a consequence, it also allows many ways to screw up. 🙂 If you have the time, please study the manual and access the help when you need to. If you don’t have the time, I recommend you sit down with your editor or motion graphics designer and pay for a little info session relating to your specific needs and questions.

Steve

[Tim Scarpino]

[Steve Roberts] “I recommend you sit down with your editor or motion graphics designer and pay for a little info session relating to your specific needs and questions.

Steve”

Steve, thanks for your note, but…I AM the editor, motion graphics designer, producer, camera-person and chief bucket washer. I trust, pardon the pun, the picture is becoming clear(er). I’ll hole-up with the manual, but given my deadline, it’s not practical today. I’ll check into some of your other advice….

Thanks,

Tim