Sadly I don’t have any time effects on the file.I’m going to try render out the entire comp (now just element as Alpha) and see what happens. I also tried a different codec, same problem though.
I certainly did turn on the mask shape parameter (as I was working I was constantly checking back to monitor my progress.) I am re-doing the key right now and so far no problem…about to add intersecting masks, so perhaps that was the problem…I just wish I knew what I did wrong yesterday (I know it was something stupid that was my own fault!)