Blackmagic Design DV/RESSTUD User Manual

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What is Visual Effects Compositing?

Compositing is the process of combining two or more images to make a unique, new image.

But it’s not just about combining images. You can composite many different elements such

as video clips, animations, text, mattes, particles, and graphics. Sometimes these elements

are called layers because they are layered on top of each other to produce the new image.

Many tasks fall under the umbrella of visual effects. Just as with color and audio post-

production, visual effects are a huge and exciting part of the creative film-making process.

Depending on the type of work you do, you may need to learn some or all of the skills

needed to create a finished visual effects shot. Smaller productions often require youto

build shots from start to finish; whereas larger studios may have specialized artists

dedicated to tasks such as rotoscoping, 3D, particles, lighting, and so on.

Even when you are hired as an editor or a colorist, you will often be asked to produce

smaller effects. Like all aspects of post-production, learning the tools and techniques

requires practice. Understanding the technology behind the tools will improve your

problem-solving skills and efficiency.

As industry deadlines tend to grow shorter, editors and colorists that know how to finish

shots quickly and efficiently are in the highest demand. Learning the basics of Fusion

visualeffects in DaVinci Resolve—along with color correction and audio post-production

will make you a more valuable artist and open you up to more jobs.

Getting Started with Visual Effects

Visual effects were once a luxury reserved only for big budget feature films. With the

power of Fusion built into DaVinci Resolve, you can add feature film-quality visual effects

toany program without a massive budget.

If you think visual effects are only about creating aliens, spaceships, and explosions,

youare missing out on the many smaller effects that can improve any project. In fact,

themajority of visual effects consist of corrective effects, clean-up work, or inserting

subtlehidden effects such as sky and window replacements. These effects don’t take

longto do and can improve everything from poorly framed b-roll to dull gray skies.

Adding Elements

Weather is unpredictable and when the story calls for snow, you need snow! This is why

creating elements such as snow, rain, fog, and even lightning are essential skills of the

visual effects artist. You can use the particle system in Fusion to create realistic weather

elements that move, fall, and drift naturally.

Sometimes it’s just too dangerous to do things on a real set. For example, smoke,

flyingdebris, and fire are always dangerous when actors and an entire crew are involved.

Inmany cases, these elements can be shot separately and you can composite them in

lateras a safer yet realistic-looking alternative.

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Blackmagic Design DV/RESSTUD DaVinci Resolve Studio Activation Card