Hi All.
I know this is possible and how to do it for an object like text but can a movie file be accurately placed to follow a precise location within a clip? So far I've had little luck and have had to do it manually so far.
Ray.
Hi Ray
I think it is possible by creating a text object then attaching it to the point in the background object, letting it do it's tracking thing and then copying the key frames / curve to another object.
There was a fairly recent post where a guy talked about doing this with this method and maybe some links to examples - quite cool effects can be created. I will try to find the post and I think @browj2 was involved with the discussion.
Peter
Hi Peter.
I have got about half way through my project so far using 29 such video clips, each with between 35 to 90 data points on each one. Each section has two clips starting at different times and positions to the start point is in the same place overlapping as in the video clip. My problem has been that running two automations doesn't give exactly the same path so the origin points move independent of each other rather than in complete sync. The reason I'm using video clips is mainly because some change size as they move, so may go from say 60% to full size as an example. I really don't know why I do things like this. It just seemed a good idea at the time. 🤓
Ray.
Hi Ray,
I'm not quite following exactly what you are trying to do. However, the automation is approximate at best, trying to get 2 overlay images linked to and following exactly the same point will probably not be perfect. Adding in a video that changes size is definitely going to throw everything off. I don't know how the algorithm would handle this. Zooming in or out changes the image size about its centre, so, depending on how you do this, the point that you are trying to link will no longer line up with the point in the background video.
The only way I can see doing this is manually.
One other thing, rather than having the text move, why not just have the end of the line move, rotating about its point of origin at the text? For that, I would use Xara DPX or P&GD and animate the line.
John CB
Hi John. Thanks, I thought as much and pretty much what happened when I tried.
I'm working in 4K. If I used the animated titles, the memory use within the project escalates rapidly for each one I add. Converting to an MP4 clip reduces that a lot. Playback within the timeline using animated titles is stressing my video card on playback almost using all the vram (4GB). Again converting them to video has reduced this making playback smooth and able to place the tracking points manually and playing back to see how accurate it is. I have not had to use proxy files or import clips. This has been important as the clips I'm importing for the main movie has been shot from 25cm to 12cm in distance and I'm checking for focus of the shots as it's a fixed f2 lens. I need the preview monitor to give as sharp an image I can get. I've also been experimenting a lot trying to get different angles without hand holding the camera. some things have worked while others haven't.
It's been going well tracking the clips manually, it's just the amount of time I've had to spend on each section. I now have the utmost respect for those doing model stop motion animation and I'm learning a lot shooting so close about making minimal shaking of the camera that gives very shaky movement if not panned very smoothly.
I'm not sure if Xara can do that type of graphic or not or if I could put up to 80 live instances into one project and expect MEP to be stable. That is another problem I have had with Borris Title Effects. It's a monster for grabbing resources. Each instance loads the project quite a bit. Boris has been very flexible and easy to use but has a habit of tripping up on my system if I work too quickly. It seems to need time to implement any changes I make and render before I can apply it.
Ray.
Hi Ray,
In Xara, one would make the Title and any vector graphics that get superimposed over the video. After that, it's just a question of rotoscoping or adjusting the text/graphic location as you move along the timeline in Xara animation. Then, there is the bug that I pointed out with Xara files becoming empty after rebooting. I presume that this is still the case. One would have to export the overlay to AVI with transparency as a backup.
I haven't tried doing anything in Xara with 4K. I may give it a go later.
BluffTitler may be a better option, but you're still keyframing the movements. However, you have amazing effects and control.
I'm not at home so I'm using my cell phone or my wife's phone for internet access, and my Surface Pro 4, so things are a bit limited.
John CB
Hi John.
Unfortunately at the moment I can't afford to buy anything else due to not being able to work during yet another lockdown so getting an additional program is out of the question and may be for some time after as I get my overdraft back down. It could be months or more if I end up having to get a loan to tide me over.
I'll just get on with what I have.
Thanks for the input anyway.
Ray.
Hi Ray
Here is the post I was referring to :- https://www.magix.info/us/forum/locked-tracking-stabilization--1253814/
Not sure it would help in your case although it is a good thing to have in your toolbox. Last time I looked at it , it led me to a YT clip of a Nike ad. where the player was holding a basketball which was rendered stationary while the guys body boogied around it - quite striking.
Peter
Hi Peter.
I had seen that thread not that long ago. It would mean placing my made stingers start positions being placed in exactly the same part of the screen before rendering I think. That may be more work than I am currently doing but will look into it for future ideas. Set up a test project. I think that effect works in that instance when there is no horizon. Looks awful to my eyes to see a bobbing background, but that's another effect. I get the gist for other uses. Thanks.
Ray.