Datasheet

Setting Up a Composite
“ Education is important—I think people need to make sure that they’re learning to
be artists and not just learning tools.”
— Gianni Aliotti, lead lighter, DreamWorks Animation
Before beginning a composite, it’s important
to understand the fundamental differences between layer- and node-based
compositing systems. A strong knowledge of common image resolutions
and frame rates will allow you to make correct decisions. Once the fun-
damentals are grasped, setting up a compositing project or script becomes
fairly easy. Since this book uses both After Effects and Nuke, you will be
required to learn two different workflows. However, if you master both,
you will be well suited for work in the feature animation, visual effects,
and commercial production industries. To add perspective to the lessons,
professional compositing examples are included. In addition, the first 3
of 19 interviews with professional compositing supervisors, lead composi-
tors, and compositing experts are added at the end of this chapter. Two
tutorials are also provided to get you started in After Effects and Nuke.
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