Expert: Joseph Silver - 8/23/2009

Question
2 Questions please

1. How can I create and add video effects such as those seen on www.craigdavid.com homepage where Craig David is appears, speaks for some some seconds and disappear from the website.

2. What software is used to create all the nice effects on a videos to make it jazzed up and more appealing and where can I get tutorials on using the software to jumpstart me in acquiring such skills

Thanks for your prompt response

Answer
hey lala, it appears in the video that craig was shot against bluescreen/greenscreen, then keyed in a compositing software such as adobe after effects. to recreate this effect, you will need to shoot your actor against bluescreen/greenscreen as well, then 'key' the footage, ideally using a plugin such as 'keylight' in adobe after effects. once your actor is keyed, you can superimpose him against a background of your choice. alternatively, you could shoot your actor against an actual background, but then you will have less flexibility if you do not like the background.

adobe after effects comes with a pretty comprehensive built in 'help' section which i recommend, but you can also try out a printed tutorial, such as the ones put out by peachpit press.

www.designomotion.com