Week 8: March 10, 2011

TRACK MASKS

• alpha matte
• create a mask based on the top layer's transparency
• luma matte
• create a mask based on the top layer's luminance (black and white values)
• track mattes and nested comps

USING ORGANIC ELEMENTS

• building a track mask transition using Ink or Smoke footage
• luma matte vs alpha matte
• use Curves or Levels (Effects > Color Correction > ...) to force perfect blacks/whites for luma-mattes
• use Solid layers (Layer > New > Solid) to force full-frame black or white color (for luma mattes) or 100% matte opacity (for alpha mattes)
• paint spatter

TUTORIALS:

Simple Track Mattes:

http://macdesignpro.digitalmedianet.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=33209

http://vimeo.com/20941657

Ink Bleedng Effect in After Effects (creating a Luma Matte mask):

http://www.gomediazine.com/tutorials/ink-bleeding-effect-in-after-effects-like-gnarls/

Splatter Effect:

http://www.videocopilot.net/tutorial/fun_with_ink/