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qtmovie vs omf
Hi I’m in the “play around” phase of after effects. I am seeing what works and what doesn’t with exports/imports. I have AE 6.5 standard.
I am having some probs with my AE composition matching the original shot quality once its back in avid exp pro. all i am doing is a text animation over an interview to see whats what. I can nearly get it right- so close as i experiment with different codecs.
But what i am interested in knowing is if I upgraded to pro so i could utilise omf transfers would that eliminate any compression issues like i am having with the quick times? I don’t wanna throw out extra bucks if its just something i can really nail in standard edition with some more practice.
thanks and regards,
Dale…
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4 Replies
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If I understand correctly what you are trying to do, it is a simple matter of overlaying the animated text over the shot?
If so, you can avoid re-compression of your original shot by using it in AE as a guide only. When you render, switch off the layer with the original shot, and export a qt movie via a codec that supports alpha (transparency) channel embedding (eg the “None” compressor).
Once you import this file with the embedded transparency info, XPress Pro will be able to read the alpha channel, and composite the text on your original shot in the timeline. This method also allows you to make simple adjustments to cues and duration.
e.
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Hi Enzo…
That does sound like a good way to do it i had considered it but wasn’t sure of the workaround. its so easy when you explain it. I am just playing at the moment its not for any project. what i am still wondering is if i upgrade to pro AE instead of standard i can use OMF files instead of qt files… what i am really wondering is will that mean i don’t have to worry about compression at all then as its just a straight omf file.
Thanks for the reply!
Dale… -
In order to load an OMF file, you will need a plugin called Automatic Duck. I hear that it works great and you should definately look at their web site. I have never actually been able to get my hands on it but if it does everything that they say it does, I would sure love to have it. Automatic Duck is written by Wes Plate, I believe he is also one of the main programmers for After Effects.
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No sweat, Dale.
Jonathan’s suggestion: Automatic Duck works well – I have seen it go between Avid and AE. It does what it says, but if you can imagine taking a timeline from FCP, and creating a AE layer for EVERY cut, it can get messy going to AE (oodles of layers). You will have the same layer issue coming back. If it’s simple stuff, not really a problem. I’m not sure wether OMF will solve you problem, though.
If you are doing simle alpha stuff, the way I suggested doesn’t really compromise you image quality. If you are doing anything more complex, AE will have to create render files wether you do a QT or an OMF. It simply can’t play back video that doesn’t exist.
One workaround would be to render your files at the highest res possible, and let your NLE do the downscaling, that way you will get a good result that will match the rest of your project’s look.
e.
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