[Shawn Miller]

I agree with Steve, render out your background plate (original footage) as an image sequence (full resolution,.tif, .psd, ,dpx, etc.) and use it in your main comp for tracking, compositing, etc. Output your final comp at full resolution (uncompressed if possible) and use that as a master for compression… make sense?

Thanks,

Shawn

[Shawn Miller]

Oops, forgot to include a link to Maxon’s mograph reel.

https://www.maxonpodcast.de/movies/broadcast_edition/nab2009reel_web.mov

[Shawn Miller]

I agree with the prevaling thought that AE would probably be your go to application for motion graphics, though there is a fairly steep learning curve involved. You mentioned that you’ve used 3DS Max in the past, so (IMO) the possiblility of picking up a new 3D application may not be out of the question. Truthfully, if you’re looking to adopt a workflow and capability that will scale as your abilities grow, I (personally) would consider Cinema 4D Broadcast edition with Adobe’s Creative Suite (Premuim addition). I say this because C4D is a bit easier to learn and it has a motion graphics module that is out of this world. I recommend using the CS5.5 suite with it because of the integration between AE, Premiere, Photoshop and Audition. C4D can also export a special AE project that supports render passes, 3d nulls and lights. I believe it will also output Motion project files, but I don’t know what features it supports.

Thanks,

Shawn

[Shawn Miller]

“This class of system has been around for quite a while, and seems to mostly appeal to the LAN party crowd.”

Is it possible that you hold this veiw because you don’t have much exposure the type of professionals who need and use mobile workstations? I know several working animators and VFX artist who use this type of machine to take their work on the road.

“VFX work? There’s typically not much possibility to perform that in the field”

It depends on which tasks you’re talking about (VFX isn’t just one thing). Things like keying, comping and look development can all have components or phases which are done on set. I also know a few pro audio folks who use mobile workstations to record and mix live music.

Shawn

[Shawn Miller]

” But since I do a lot of motion graphics, the instant link into After Effects (AND not having to then render a QT movie and import back into PrP….”

Right, that does make sense. I love the Dynamic link between Premiere and AE, and also the file format support from Photoshop and Illustrator. The integration between AE and Cinema 4D also makes things much easier and fun to work with.

Shawn

[Shawn Miller]

“I feel like the Cheshire Cat these day…just one big grin.”

That’s great to hear, Tom. Just out of curiosity, what’s been the biggest “pleasant surprise” for you with PPro? Were there any ‘ah ha moments’ when you started working with it?

Thanks,

Shawn

[Shawn Miller]

I don’t know the capabilities of Motion and FCPX with regard to keying, but I will say that it’s more important to understand the art of keying (at this point). If you’re looking to do quick ‘one click keys’ with pretty good resluts, then just about any tool will do. But if want to do really good keys then you’ll need to dive a little deeper into to art of it. Here are some resources I’ve found useful over the years for understanding composting. Some of these resources are AE centric, but the underlying concepts and techniques should apply to most compositing applications.

https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Compositing-Video-Steve-Wright/dp/B001E050KA/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_3

https://www.amazon.com/Art-Science-Digital-Compositing-Second/dp/0123706386/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1311352618&sr=1-3

https://www.amazon.com/Effects-Visual-Compositing-Studio-Techniques/dp/032171962X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1311352253&sr=1-1

https://www.amazon.com/DV-Rebels-Guide-All-Digital-Approach/dp/0321413644/ref=pd_sim_b_8

https://www.digitaltutors.com/11/training.php?pid=470

Thanks,

Shawn

[Shawn Miller]

“If you’re looking for a happy warm place that offers unrestricted praise for all things Apple you should hang out at the Apple store.”

https://www.theonion.com/video/new-apple-friend-bar-gives-customers-someone-to-ta,17693/

🙂

[Shawn Miller]

“I think it turned out great. Keep in mind I’m biased.”

I think you should be biased, your work is good. 😉

Shawn

[Shawn Miller]

Awesome, so you used the Morph FX plugin (https://www.chv-plugins.com/cms/FxPlug/Morphing/Morph.php) to create a similar effect? Is that right?

Shawn