Question on tracking.

[Roland R. kahlenberg]

No worries Ray. Either Mocha or AE will do since what you need to do is to first stabilize the shot. For stabilization, transform data is what is used.

However, the Mocha route is a lot more tricky for a novice since Mocha doesn’t directly stabilize a layer. Mocha provides the tracking data from which, one uses Expressions to uses the tracking data for stabilization. Perhaps this is a route you may want to explore after you are more comfortable with Mocha and Expressions.

In the meantime, AE should be sufficient.

I suggest that you set out a learning plan. Start with the basics and easier effects before progressing to more difficult ones. It’s very easy to get sucked into creating complex effects without first getting a grasp of the mechanics involved.

As I suggested, Steve Wright’s Mocha tutorials are great for Mocha beginners. Of course he does some wonderful stuff as well but his lessons are structured such that you get an insight into the mechanics of Mocha (planar tracking) and then he builds on that knowledge to tackle various tracking projects.

Steve has a few free Mocha tutorials on the Imagineer Systems site and has recently delivered a training programme on Mocha at the lynda.com.

HTH
RoRK

Intensive AE & Mocha Training in Asia.