Extracting an Alpha Channel From a Graphic File

Creating a file with alpha from a flat image file.

Last week we discussed "Common Image Files for Video", and which files are best for what types of graphics. This week we'll look at a solution for another challenge - needing to key a logo over video when the graphic does not contain an alpha channel.

Common Image Files for Video

Dealing with various image file types when editing video.

When producing videos, a lot of times it's necessary to use a company logo in the video. When I ask a company for their logo, I find that a lot of times, even the graphic person doesn't always realize what the best deliverable is for the best quality. I usually have to explain that for a logo, it's best if we use the vector-based file rather than the bitmapped file.

Avid FX for the Adobe After Effects User

The Avid FX interface used in Avid Media Composer.

Last week we used Adobe After Effects to build a film open in Dissecting the Video: 20th Century Fox Open. I had originally tried creating the same 20th Century Fox build in Avid FX, but I ran into some issues. This week I'll discuss some of the frustrations I ran into, and why most of those frustrations come from being used to the way Adobe After Effects works.

Dissecting the Video: 20th Century Fox Open (Pt 2)

Animating the 21st Century DV Fanatics film open.

In last week's blog, Dissecting the Video: 20th Century Fox Open (Pt 1), we discussed using Adobe After Effects to build the different 3D objects, that we will use to create a film open like the one used by 20th Century Fox. This week we'll put those 3D elements together and add the animations of the sweeping spotlights.

Dissecting the Video: 20th Century Fox Open (Pt 1)

Creating a film open similar to 20th Century Fox.

This week we'll talk about creating another film open. Back in December of 2012 we discussed recreating the MGM lion in the Dissecting the Video: MGM-Style Film Open blog. This week we'll recreate the 20th Century Fox film open.