[Bruce Quayle]

I’ve been trying to reply, but for some reason my message is being blocked…I’m probably too old!
But thanks for the help guys…and I’m so pleased to find some of us “geezers” are managing to keep up with the fantastic technical advances being made in this industry. The very first commercial I directed, I had to insert edit on a 2″ quad – one playback, one record…disolves??? wipes??? Compositing???!!! (Sounds more like a auto chemical toilet!)
Sometimes I think people are too caught up in the technical side and loose sight of what really counts – content! But I really enjoy this forum because of people like you who are so willing to give of your time and experience to help the “thechnologically disabled”.
Thanks again for being there.
Cheers,
BQ

Bruce Quayle

[Bruce Quayle]

Mike…John…Great idea for a Geezer forum. At least we would understand the terminology! So pleased to find some folk out there who have been a part of this wonderful revolution in video technology. I built up a film studio/production house back in the 90’s and had one of the first Softimage suites…back before Avid bought them out. What I love today is being able to buy the same (actually more and better) editing power for a fraction of the price! My problem is having sold my studio, I now have to learn what I was able to pay specialists to do back then. Oh well…I guess it keeps the mind active. 😉
Thanks to you both and to you, Steve for your input with my problem. I will address it again today. The more I learn about this software the more I am blown away by what it can do. Some of it isn’t quite as intuitively obvious as the DPS…and seems to take so much longer, but I guess that’s mainly because I am so unfamiliar with the product. One thing I need to get my head around is scripting. This might speed up some of my stuff.
Thanks again,

Bruce Quayle

[Bruce Quayle]

Hi Steve,
Yeah – been in the industry since 1976 – started at the BBC in London…heck I bet not many folks on this forum even know what a two inch quad is!
Well…I’m not doing so well with my “luma key” and hopefully you can stear me in the right direction.
I had a situation where I had a VERY contrasty situation and want to show detail in the darker areas. I shot a static of the scene first exposing the important area and blowing out the backlit area. Then I exposed for the backlit area leaving the forground in the dark. I now want to compose the two together by keying out (I guess ‘masking out’) the blownout areas and replace that part of the picture with the shot exposed for the backlight.
Unfortunately I just can’t get it right. With a simple luma keyer, it would have been a simple process – much like chroma keying, but I’m stumped! Can you help?
Cheers,
Bruce

Bruce Quayle

[Bruce Quayle]

Okay…I think I found it – Mask Generator huh? All these new terms! Why can’t we just call it Luma Keyer? Or am I just old fashioned?
Cheers,
BQ

Bruce Quayle

[Bruce Quayle]

Great idea John! I just wasn’t thinking laterally enough.
Thanks so much.

Bruce Quayle

[Bruce Quayle]

Hi Mike,
Thanks for the info. I had tried that myself, but it didn’t appear to work – but trying it again after your advice, it’s fine! Finger problems I guess! 😉
As an aside, I remember you from the DPS forum where you were of great assistance to others.
Thanks again!

Bruce Quayle

[Bruce Quayle]

Thanks Steve,
You guys are lifesavers with the way you help!
Cheers,

Bruce Quayle

[Bruce Quayle]

Thanks Terry! So easy…but ya just gotta know how!
Cheers,
Bruce

Bruce Quayle

[Bruce Quayle]

Thanks John and Steve.
John, your detailed comments and insight were great.
I really appreciate everyone’s input. I now have a far clearer idea of where I need to go with this.
As usual, this forum performs – many thanks to all!
Bruce

Bruce Quayle

[Bruce Quayle]

Hi Allen,
Thanks for your comments. Yeah, I noticed the sales at DJ – will be looking at some of their stuff.
I was aware of Vegas’ pedigree – just wasn’t sure what Sound Forge was. Certainly if Vegas cannot do the final mix, my Nuendo will be able to cover that. Right now I’m more interested in the actual media side of it and am looking for the most flexibility so that I can create something more unique for my productions.
It seems that Acid may be the way to go, but I have been reading some worrying comments on various forums that suggest that Acid may soon be discontinued. Why do you think that would be?
Thanks again!

Bruce Quayle