Digital Matte Painting DST60904/Final project
Digital Matte Painting
DST60904/Final project
LIU CHENG RUI (0370930)
DST60904/Digital Matte Painting/ Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media / Taylor's University
INSTRUCTION
FINAL PROJECT-THEMATIC MATTE PAINTING (VFX)
In the final project, we need to import the previously done project into After Effects and create a dynamic video.
Before importing it into After Effects, I first improved the previously produced project because Mr. Kannan thought there were problems with the perspective of some buildings.
First, I adjusted the perspective of the buildings to make them look more consistent. Then, I adjusted the tones of the shadow parts of some buildings as well as the colors of the buildings above and below the picture, so that the visual center would be more concentrated in the middle.
Fig3.1 The modified INVISIBLE SET EXTENSION
Before importing AE, I first conceived the content of the picture I wanted
to express and how the camera would move. Below is my storyboard.
Shot 1: The camera focuses on the distant platform and a corner of
the middle part of the building.
Shot 2: As the camera moves forward, more buildings can be
seen.
Shot 3: The buildings at the top and bottom also start to appear,
while the one in the middle becomes clearer.
Shot 4: All the scenes are presented.
Fig3.2 storyboard
First, in Photoshop or other drawing software, I split the scene into
multiple layers (such as foreground, middle ground, background, etc.). Then
export it in PNG or PSD format, keeping the background transparent
(especially obstructions).
Fig3.3 Layer import AE
After importing the materials, set all layers to 3D layers so that they
can move freely in three-dimensional space. Switch the perspective to
"Custom View 1", and you can arrange the layers in the X, Y, and Z
directions more intuitively. Bring the foreground closer and push the
background further away to create a sense of spatial hierarchy.
Fig3.4 Arrange the layers in three-dimensional space
When creating this virtual space, I first added a camera in AE to simulate
the movement effect of the picture. I selected a lens as the preset, and
then created a new Null Object to bind the camera to it for convenient
unified control.
Next, I set Null to a 3D layer and added a keyframe of Position to it
on the timeline, allowing it to move forward slowly from a distance,
creating a sense of traversing space.
To make the camera movement more natural, I used a slow motion, which
made the picture look more realistic.
Fig3.5 Add the camera and set the animation
In addition to the movement of the camera, I also added the movement
of the spaceship from right to left and the up and down floating of
the rear platform.
First video
Mr. Kannan thinks that some parts of my video need to be revised. He
said refine the animation and don't need to bounce like that. just place
the objects in its positions. zoom out slowly with your pace. add some
mist or clouds. animate the light brightness and add some snowfall
effect change it like dust.
First, I tried to add some clouds and change their transparency and hue.
Then add some floating animations to them.
Fig3.6 Add clouds
In order to achieve the drifting of the clouds, I decided to use the offset tool.
Fig3.7 Use the offset tool
After that, I transformed each layer into 3D and added changes in light as well as some special effects similar to dust.
Fig3.8 Convert it into a 3D layer and add changes in light and
dust-like special effects
After completing all this, I conducted another check and adjustment.
Fig3.9 Overall adjustment
Here is my final video ：
This is my Final Project Compilation:
Final Project Compilation
FEEDBACK
week13
Some buildings have perspective issues. You can use blender to better understand the perspective problems of these buildings. If you want to mainly express the middle part of your building, I suggest you can modify the color tones around to highlight the middle part.
Some buildings have perspective issues. You can use blender to better understand the perspective problems of these buildings. If you want to mainly express the middle part of your building, I suggest you can modify the color tones around to highlight the middle part.
week14
refine the animation and dont need to bounce like that. just place the objects in its positions. zoom out slowly with your pace. add some mist or clouds. animate the light brightness and add some snowfall effect change it like dust.
REFLECTION
Experience
This project allowed me to fully experience the entire creative process
from conception to the final product. At the very beginning, by drawing
sketches, I clarified the composition, layers and visual focus of the
picture, laying a foundation for the subsequent production. During the
Photoshop stage, I built a complete scene based on the sketch and divided
the picture into layers such as foreground, middle ground and background.
At the same time, I paid attention to the perspective relationship and
color tone arrangement to facilitate later use. In After Effects, for the
first time, I attempted to use 3D layers and virtual cameras, combined
with Null controllers, to create cross-shot animations. This process not
only taught me how to build a virtual space in AE, but also made me more
familiar with the way different software is used in combination.
Observation
Throughout the entire production process, I observed that many details
would affect the final effect. For instance, if the perspective of a
building is inaccurate, the problem will be magnified when the camera
moves, affecting the sense of reality in the space. I also noticed that
the color and light and shade changes at the top and bottom of the
picture are crucial for visual guidance. Appropriate adjustments can
better highlight the main subject in the middle. In addition, sketching
and creating storyboards in the early stage have played a significant
role in helping with the animation rhythm and shot planning in the later
stage, making the entire process clearer and more organized.
Findings
The entire production process was a challenge for me. At first, I found
that my architectural perspective was not accurate enough, especially
when setting up the camera animation, the problem became more obvious.
Later, I readjusted the Angle of the building and also learned to guide
the audience's attention through colors. Camera animation is not simply
about moving forward; rather, it needs to be designed in combination
with storyboarding, rhythm, and key points of the picture.
Through this complete production process from sketches, Photoshop
layering to AE dynamic videos, I not only enhanced my artistic
expression skills, but also gained a clearer understanding that creation
is a continuous process of trying, adjusting and learning. Each step
brings me closer to the visual effect I want to express. Although there
were many difficulties along the way, it was precisely these challenges
that enabled me to gain the most.
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