Tracking and layers: a gentle start
This week it’s all about understanding the essentials. Most visual effects artists start out with compositing layers, which is how creative tools like HitFilm and After Effects work.
This involves combining multiple layers of videos and/or images to create a brand new shot, or to alter an existing shot. Layers can be moved about and resized, or you can cut holes in them to reveal layers below.
In our first practical exercise we take a look at the fundamentals of working with multiple layers.
We also introduce the concept of tracking, which is used to automatically follow movement within a video. There are many forms of tracking, and they will save you hours upon hours of project time.
Project files
Download the ZIP file at the bottom of this page which contains the video assets and HitFilm project file for this tutorial. Be patient though, depending on your internet connection it could take a while, but it’s worth it! Return to Step 1.6 to download and install the HitFilm software if you haven’t already done so.
Let us know how you get on in the comments!
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