<p><img alt="soft" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3598" height="300" src="http://www.videocopilot.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/soft.jpg" title="soft" width="488" /></p> <p>In this tutorial we will go beyond basic keying techniques with new tips to help preserve small details like dirt and reflections.  This tutorial covers several topics including a brand new method for green spill suppression, compositing with 32bpc, adding reactive lighting, camera shake, color correction and more!</p> <p><a href="http://www.videocopilot.net/tutorials/advanced_soft_keying/" target="_blank">Watch Tutorial</a> (22 minutes)<br /> <a href="http://www.videocopilot.net/blog/2011/09/video-crazy-driving/" target="_blank">Watch Behind the Scene Video</a></p>

<p><a href="http://www.videocopilot.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/element_back1.jpg"><img alt="element_back" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3574" height="525" src="http://www.videocopilot.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/element_back1.jpg" title="element_back" width="488" /></a></p> <p>It’s true, I’ve been holding out on you and it’s killing me too!!   I decided to develop a few (and by “few” I mean awesome) additional features for Element 3D that were not originally planned but  are well worth it.  Like this 3D shading effect that adds real depth to each object. I want this plug-in to go BEYOND your expectations as it has already surpassed mine.</p> <p>The above image was created entirely with <a href="http://www.videocopilot.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/element_ae.jpg" target="_blank">Element 3D (screenshot)</a>, taking advantage of the impressive render speeds and powerful shading engine.  This is an robust system that mimics many attributes of a true Global Illumination render engine at a fraction of the time.</p> <p>I’m pleased to tell you that the graphics card requirements have NOT changed from our original expectations so even decent cards from the last couple of years will work great. We recommend at least a 512 MB of vRam using an Nvidia or ATI graphics cards but a 1GB card will allow greater flexibility.</p> <p>Thank you for your patience and please stay tuned for official updates and in-depth demonstrations of new features. Believe me, there are some big surprises ahead… I can’t tell you everything YET.  Even though I really want to…</p>

<p></p> <p>Explore tips for shooting Car interiors for Post Production with Andrew Kramer.</p> <p>Watch on <a href="http://vimeo.com/29395697" target="_blank">Vimeo</a></p> <p>Watch on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpJxCzyBbGU" target="_blank">Youtube</a></p>

<p><a href="http://www.videocopilot.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/soft_key1.jpg"><img alt="soft_key" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3554" height="765" src="http://www.videocopilot.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/soft_key1.jpg" title="soft_key" width="488" /></a></p> <p>I’ve been experimenting with some advanced chroma keying methods to specifically deal with reflections and subtle details like this car plate.</p> <p>Often times we use keylight to get rid of everything that is green but in some cases we want to keep some of the reflections to make a shot more realistic.  Some of these tips are quite noteworthy because the footage being used is from a Canon 5D which can be particularly noisy due to compression artifacts.  Pulling a good key is already challenging enough but leaving in small details without flicker is even more problematic.  I think I have figured out a few good methods and we even filmed another behind the scenes video to show how we setup the shots. Look for the video and tutorial soon.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.videocopilot.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Particles_web1.mov" target="_blank"><img alt="free_particles" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3534" height="566" src="http://www.videocopilot.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/free_particles.jpg" title="free_particles" width="488" /></a></p> <p>Looks like we are having another free stock footage day that includes 15 new HD (720p) particle clips and a quick tutorial with some compositing tips & ideas. For tips on creating your own footage check out <a href="http://www.videocopilot.net/blog/2011/09/flour-fusion-real-particles/" target="_blank">Flour Fusion</a> show.  <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2w-_Vtttrfc" target="_blank">Sweet</a> Deal!!</p> <p><a href="http://www.videocopilot.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Particles_web1.mov" target="_blank">Example Footage</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.videocopilot.net/videostream/particle_free/" target="_blank">Watch Tutorial</a></p> <p><strong>FREE Particle Stock Footage:</strong><br /> <a href="http://video10.videocopilot.net/Stock/Particles_HD.zip" target="_blank">Download Stock Footage</a> (162 MBs)</p> <p>Footage is in h.264 compressed MP4 files. <a href="http://www.videocopilot.net/assets/public/misc/License_Agreement.pdf" target="_blank">Usage License.</a> Enjoy!</p>

<p><a href="http://www.videocopilot.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/snow_wb.mov" target="_blank"><img alt="snow_man" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3528" height="300" src="http://www.videocopilot.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/snow_man.jpg" title="snow_man" width="488" /></a></p> <p>After the <a href="http://www.videocopilot.net/blog/2011/09/flour-fusion-real-particles/" target="_blank">Flour Fusion</a> experiment I began testing the footage in some of my after effects projects and found them to be quite useful and interesting. So later this week, I’ve decided to post some Free HD clips for everyone to try.</p> <p>This comp was created using some snow images placed in 3D space.  Then the snow particles were comped over the entire screen in 2D. I’m sure with a little more work the particles could be in 3D space as well by making multiple copies. You could even use particular to create some additional 3D particles to really sell the depth… so many ideas.  How will you use the clips?</p>

<p> <p> Creating particles in After Effects is awesome!  We have all used Particular and Particle world but why not combine those particles with some real ones!  Sometimes you need to create elements that are so complex and organic that you are better off taking out the camera and making a mess.</p> <p>In this example we use a little bit of flour to mix things up!</p> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/28732551" target="_blank">Watch on Vimeo</a></p>

<p><a href="http://www.videocopilot.net/tutorials/the_portal/" target="_blank"><img alt="the_portal" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3506" height="499" src="http://www.videocopilot.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/the_portal.jpg" title="the_portal" width="488" /></a></p> <p>Step into a new dimension with this exciting new tutorial from the Demon Cam video featuring a powerful portal effect with advanced compositing tips.  This tutorial is one of many upcoming lessons based on the visual effects for our <a href="http://demoncam.com/" target="_blank">Demon Cam film</a>, stay tuned for more.</p> <p>Includes many techniques including:</p> <ul> <li>Chroma Keying, Screen equalizing, Spill Suppression</li> <li>Building the Portal using included Smoke Clip</li> <li>Color Correction, Glow Effects & Optical Flares</li> <li>Planet of the Apes Reference</li> <li>Accurate depth revealing effect using ZPass from a 3D program</li> </ul> <p><a href="http://www.videocopilot.net/tutorials/the_portal/" target="_blank">Watch Tutorial Now!</a></p> <p><strong>References:</strong></p> <p>Optional Plug-in used: <a href="http://www.videocopilot.net/products/opticalflares/" target="_blank">Optical Flares</a></p> <p>The Video Copilot  iPhone App: <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/app/demon-cam/id450552272?mt=8" target="_blank">Demon Cam</a>â„¢<br /> Hey, we’d buy your app if you made one!</p>

<p><a href="http://www.videocopilot.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/reveal_dark_wb.mov" target="_blank"><img alt="reveal_dark" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3498" height="544" src="http://www.videocopilot.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/reveal_dark.jpg" title="reveal_dark" width="488" /></a></p> <p>We are getting ready to release a new tutorial for the Portal effect from our <a href="http://www.demoncam.com/film/" target="_blank">Demon Cam</a> promo video but  I wanted to share one of the many additional tips you will find inside of this upcoming tutorial.</p> <p>In this example, I’ve reused the original footage but implemented a system for realistically revealing the face coming through the portal. This could be useful for passing through energy fields or some sort of stargate time-travel <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJLTGWa-SA0" target="_blank">thingy</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://www.videocopilot.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/reveal_dark_wb.mov" target="_blank">Sample Video</a></p>

<p><a href="http://www.videocopilot.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/organic_cam_sm.mov" target="_blank"><img alt="organic_cam" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3486" height="414" src="http://www.videocopilot.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/organic_cam.jpg" title="organic_cam" width="488" /></a></p> <p>Animating the Camera in After Effects has always been a fun and challenging proposition. We created <a href="http://www.videocopilot.net/tutorials/advanced_camera_tips/">several tutorials</a> and even our free plug-in <a href="http://www.videocopilot.net/tutorials/sure_target_2/" target="_blank">Sure Target</a> to assist users get better results. In some cases these “results” are just too perfect so I wanted to create a simple way to give the camera a more hand-held feel of an imperfect camera guy or girl. One that doesn’t follow the motion perfectly…</p> <p>I’m still figuring out how to work this into the site… either through a tutorial or preset but after we start rolling out the <a href="http://www.videocopilot.net/blog/2011/08/demon-cam-behind-the-scenes/" target="_blank">Demon Cam</a> tutorials next week, keep an eye out!</p> <p><a href="http://www.videocopilot.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/organic_cam_sm.mov" target="_blank">Watch Sample Video</a></p>