Tron: Morphology VFX Proof of Concept

(Links and explanation of the effect follows)
For the Tron: Morphology fan film shooting next month. Just a couple of quick proof of concept tests to ensure that the technique we're using for the circuit glow effect is going to work out OK.

For more on Morphology, visit http://spillwaybrain.wordpress.com or the Tron-sector thread at http://j.mp/iNtc64.
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Using Adobe After Effects CS3, the magenta and the blue are both separated onto their own layers using the Keylight plugin. A solid is then created using the base colour of the glow (white for the bright glow, yellow for the orange glow). That solid uses the keyed layer as an Inverse Alpha track-matte. That results in the solid only showing where the keyed colour is.

At that point, the layer has an Inner Glow layer style applied to it (to add more definition to the effect) and then is precomposed. A Glow is then applied to.. well.. make it glow, and smooth out some of the artifacts that develop in keying.

A couple of things that I've learned while doing this: one, mottled paint makes for a mottled effect (see the example with the outer ring of the disc). Two, even lighting is key, and these tests were both done with just fluorescent overheads and ambient lighting. Even lighting from all sides will ensure that the colour I'm keying out is even and doesn't get those jenky edges you see from time to time.

The effect colours still need work, too. I need to find some HD screencaps to get some good samples of core and glow colours. Once I establish a palette the effect can get more consistent and closer to what we see in the movie.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• tron
• morphology
• fan
• film
• vfx
• cgi
• design
• animation
• graphics

[chj2]

WOW!!!!! Can't wait to see the finished product. Good luck! Will be checking back.

[J3rr0ld]

Hi dude, i must say i am impressed, i am in the middle of creating a short based on the Tron universe as well. I've been thinking about props and costumes and i was wondering if you used any form of fluorescent tape so you could key out all the colours on the objects?

[Persseus0]

Where is the lightsaber sound effects :P vooooom ...very awesome