VFX Techniques: Digital Set Extension

Learn how to digitally extend a set with After Effects. Create a missing wall in the composite and add a moving scene outside windows.

Learn how to digitally extend a set with After Effects. Lee Lanier shows how to remove a tricky green screen with the KEYLIGHT plugin and a custom luma matte, motion track a new background with appropriate parallax, digitally dress a set with static artwork, fabricate shadows, and relight the footage to create a realistic result.

Introduction

• Welcome
• Using the exercise files

1. Getting Started

• Breakdown of the final composition
• Setting up the project

2. Keying Green-Screen Footage

• Applying the Keylight effect
• Creating a luma mask
• Using a track matte
• Refining the alpha matte

3. Motion Tracking the Background

• Combining multiple tracks
• Adding 3D renders to the background
• Parenting additional layers

4. Adding Fake Reflections

• Creating depth of field
• Layering background reflections
• Layering foreground reflections

5. Tracking Foreground Elements

• Adding set dressing
• Set dressing the window
• Creating drop shadows
• Building a new window
• Adding a reversed reflection
• Determining perspective shift
• Animating a 3D layer

6. Color Grading and Lighting

• Building a custom glow
• Making a glint
• Final adjustments and rendering
• Checking out the finished project

Conclusion

• Next steps