MOTION GRAPHICS AND COMPOSITING VIDEO CAREER CONVENTION

WHAT ARE MOTION GRAPHICS? Motion graphics uses graphics in video footage or animation technology to create the illusion of motion/rotation. Motion graphics can be also combined with audio for use in in multimedia projects. It has become extremely popular because its shows images in a different and creative way. This why so many companies use them for their production logos. Example: https://vimeo.com/67512939

VIDEO COMPOSITING. Video compositing is the mix of visual elements into single images to make it seem like, the elements all together are part of the same shot or scene. Nowadays, compositing is achieved through digital image administration. For example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7F5w4NChUE In this example, it shows the amount of different layer used on the background to get one final one and the additional moving butterfly images.

USES OF MOTION GRAPHICS There are many uses of motion graphics used all over in the media industry. For example, TV indents, DVD menu’s, music videos, animation, production or other company logos, internet, video games and advertisements and more. An example of motion graphics in film can be a explosion effect which isn't in the original footage but is added in later to make one whole complete footage. Another example which is widely popular are DVD menus. https://youtu.be/7JFYT931jPs

DVD menus DVD menus are important because it gives the viewer a number of options. It gives the chance for the user to browse and navigate though the option the DVD menu offers. This could range from scene selection (in case you only saw part of it and want to continue), play movie, change language, extras/ bonus’ which could show you behind the scenes as an example or clips that were taken out.

The walking dead is an American horror but also allows you to change the language so everyone can watch it. Gives you options that you can navigate and select

Why are motion graphics used in DVD menus? Motion graphics are great in the DVD menus because otherwise it would simply be boring. Motion graphics help bring attention from the viewers which gets the viewers wanting to press play and watch. This is because in many cases, it shows some best shots and scenes from the film and intrigues the viewers. Because there is usually movements and animation, it can become eye catching and therefore appealing instead of just words on the screen telling you what to do.

USES OF COMPOSITING VIDEO Compositing video is used when a scene may not be able to be shot in the location that was wanted or if its impossible to get the footage combined. For example, on the news, when the weather is being shown, a green screen is being used so that the map is able to be composited into the shot.

How does it work? The blank wall or screen behind the weatherman is in the colour of a specific bright green. This is so the computer can pick up the colour and removes it from the video image – making it disappear (This is done on a relevant software) . It is important that the weatherman does not wear the same colour as the screen otherwise it will take part of him out.

Software Motion graphics and compositing video is all done on a software and rely on this to be produced. Software such as apple motion, Digital Foundry Nuke and Adobe Effects are used to produce motion graphics and compositing video. However adobe effect is considered to be one of the top software that is specialized in video compositing and motion graphics.

The difference between motion graphics and compositing video Motion graphics gives the illusion of movement in (images) footage whereas compositing video mixes two separate elements of footage to create one whole video footage. The use of motion graphics and video compositing has made shots seems more enjoyable and creative. Examples: Titles sequences, animated captions, TV sting, interactive menu, indents etc.

Characteristics DVD interfaces Interfaces vary depending on the production, most have a still background or sometimes with slight animations altered to it to make it more exciting. In addition, some use clips from movies which replays until the viewer chooses something. Some use still pictures presenting characters or key moments within the movie. Both of these allows the audience insight to the film to make them want to watch. Most have music in the background to engage the viewers.

Characteristics Title and credits sequence: Harry potter opening title uses motion graphics to give the illusion of the Warner Bros logo and the harry potter title floating towards the screen through clouds. Meanwhile, the famous tune is playing in the background and effects are shown when the sun peeks through the clouds. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkDiA5ea2KQ

Characteristics Animated captions These are usually shown on the news to identify the story and the relevant person on screen. It usually done subtle and fast displaying the name as an example. It’s subtle because it shouldn't distract the viewers attention away from the subject since its done at the bottom of the screen.

CHARACTERISTICS Idents BBC uses different idents all the time and they change a lot over the years. However they have stuck to a theme by using a circle to represent the world. The BBC idents have used compositing video and motion graphics by combining the ‘BBC one’ title with another piece of footage under water. This creates the illusion that they are in the same scene https://youtu.be/zygB_BD5PNU?t=7 Stings are shorter idents used when the usual idents are too long for the programming that is in queue.

Technological issues Even though we see motion graphics and compositing videos everywhere, there is still a lot of thought that goes into planning and many problems that can occur. Technical constraints can limit what everyone can see. For example...

Technological constraints Video format This can be an issue because if your video has the wrong format in it or a different type of format that old computer or new computers can’t understand, your motion graphic and compositing video will not be able to be shown or even played.

Technological constraints Frame rate A frame rate is the frequency at which a video sequence are displayed. These are measured in fps (frame rate per second) For example, if the graphic motion is in 30 fps but has to be in 50fps for broadcast, you will get a different result. This will slightly make it look different compared to the original footage.

Technological constraints Visual effects This can be an issue because there are so many different TV’s and so many people have the latest or oldest televisions. Some older models may not be made to cope and play the footage properly. This could lead to changes in colour and bad quality in image. Viewers could develop a misunderstanding of your idents or the meaning of the brand.