After Effects (Motion Capture)

A large aspect of our music video involves editing emoji images onto the characters within our production. We are doing this through the use of the piece of software 'Adobe After Effects'. The key feature we are using within this software is 'motion capture'. Motion capture allows us to track the movement of our characters to the emoji images.

Before the editing could commence, PNG images of emojis had to be downloaded off the internet through websites allowing us to do so. The process of motion capture began by importing the footage that required editing. After doing so, the footage was individually dragged down onto the composition to create a new composition. A 'new null object' was then required which would produce track points. This could be accessed within the layer bar located at the top of the software. This would then give me the option to select 'motion capture' located bottom right. The track points were then placed onto the areas that were required to be tracked. We specifically designed masks with dots drawn on them. The dots were then used as tracking areas for the tracking points to be placed on. Once the tracking points were in the correct place and stayed in the correct place throughout the footage, they could then be 'applied'. An emoji PNG was then imported and dragged into the composition area layered above the footage so it was visible. The emoji image then needed re-sizing using the 'shift' key to downsize in proportion to the original image. Once re-sized, the emoji image could then be parented to the 'null object' using the 'pic whip' tool. The  would then present me with an emoji faced character whereby the emoji moves accordingly to the character. Some shots were significantly harder to do that others and some required an addition feature of a 'tracking matt'. This feature basically allowed the emoji images to disappear and reappear behind objects. Another complex feature was the use of 'scale' which basically judged the distance between the camera lens and the character. It meant that the emoji image would enlarge and downsize accordingly to the distance away from the camera.

 Before Process

 

After Process