Chroma key

Blend live action video with animation using the Chroma key tool in all editions of Stop Motion Pro v7


Step by step: Create a new production/shot in SMP Go to menu Tools \| Chroma key. Action! Plus and higher editions can open the tool using the Sidebar. Locate a suitable file - AVI, MOV for moving footage, JPEG, BMP or TIF for stills. You can change the footage you are using by selecting the open file button. Scroll through the footage using the frame navigator and find a good point to press the sync button. Line up your puppet or subject matter in the live view. Select the color selector button and click on the color you want to make transparent on the live video. Adjust the sensitivity slider on the Chroma key window to the desired level. Click capture and the chroma key will advance to the next frame automatically.
	Here is a sample file, download and save it your desktop (right click on the link and select Save As). You need to have Quicktime installed to use MOV files with SMP.
	It is nice to know that a frame with the key and without the key is saved automatically when you click capture. You can choose to export with or without the key when you Make movie or Export individual frames. This means you can redo the key later with more sophisticated compositing software later, if required.
	Also new in v7 is the ability to switch between Keyed and non-keyed footage in the Editor.
Some tips... Use a smooth bright color for the background. We have found the best key material to be foam sheets from art supply stores. They are bright and non reflective. Even lighting is important. Move lights further away and change the angle if you are getting hotspots (areas of white) on the background. Diffusing lights can also help.