How to change video clip background location.

gabanoto45 wrote on 11/29/2013, 2:46 PM

Hello everyone, I've been watching all the tutorials and how amazed I am that I have learned a lot from it. Anyway, I have one question knowing that someone can help me as well. I'm using MEP 17 and I want to learn the technique on how to change the background on the clip. For example, I want the dancer dancing in front of the mountain or in front of anything even if the video clip was not actually taken in that location. Thank you and I really appreciate anyone who has that knowledge. You may have a good and blessed day.

Comments

terrypin wrote on 11/29/2013, 3:45 PM

Hi,

That would be a neat trick, but it can't be done. I'm guessing that the video clips you've seen and hope to emulate were made in front of a green screen. That can then be made to appear transparent and any other background shown instead. Google 'green screen video'. Or use the search box on this site for other threads about using the technique in MEP.

Terry, East Grinstead, UK

cpc000cpc wrote on 11/29/2013, 4:47 PM

Just adding a bit to Terry's reply... I'd say he meant '...it can't be done' successfully or easily, if at all, without prior planning eg having shot the original video of the dancer against a plain usually green background.

If you are fortunate enough to have your foreground shot with a plain background you might be in luck. The technique has a more general name 'Chroma key' which you should find under the MEP effects tab -- sorry I've not got MEP 17 to check exactly. The color to be made transparent can be easily green, white, black, or blue. Blue is great if you shot against a clear sky! Other colors can be selected but this can be tricky. In any case it's necessary that your foreground subject doesn't have any of the key color in it or you will end up with holes!

Here's are not too successful replacements of blue sky and then green grass with an aurora:

Regards,

Carl

gabanoto45 wrote on 12/10/2013, 9:41 AM

Thanks for the info. It helps a lot. More power to you guys...