are there any video fx plug ins that will allow me to draw on a video segment?

VideoDentist wrote on 2/22/2003, 9:21 AM

I would like to circle or highlight areas on an instructional video. If I split the video where I want to do this I would like to be able to add an fx that will highlight an area that is being discussed. Are there any plug ins for this. I know I could snap a picture of it and bring it to Photoshop etc then bring it back, but that is time consuming. Any help here?

Comments

Tyler.Durden wrote on 2/22/2003, 9:43 AM

Hi Michael,

There are a few ways to do similar things in Vegas:

Using the cookie-cutter on a duplicate event (exactly above the original), you can darken the surrounding areas, so the area if interest remains full-value... this method is good for isolating areas of interest and diminishing other distracting areas. Fast too.

Similarly, you can place a generated ellipse or rectangle on a track above the event and use the media generator to make the shape of a frame (with or without a darkened surrounding area.

For a more fancy look, you might make a duplicate event (exactly above the original) and pan/crop the area of interest (do not fill frame)... then you could use track-motion to zoom-in slightly with a shadow while the background zooms-out slightly and darkens - this could have the look of lifting the area of interest up out of the image for a closer look...

I'm sure there are other nice things to do with plug-ins like the animated PIPs in Spice-2... I personally like to see what I can do in V4, for the fun of it, and so I don't spend money on apps I can live without.

HTH, MPH

Tips:
http://www.martyhedler.com/homepage/Vegas_Tutorials.html

VideoDentist wrote on 2/22/2003, 9:59 AM

Marty,

Great advice as usuall. Would Spicemaster make it easier to place text or an arrow and will it work in VV4?

Tyler.Durden wrote on 2/22/2003, 10:27 AM

Hi Michael,

Spice works in V4, but for text and arrows and the like, I'd consider the text generator in Vegas and using the Webdings, wingdings and Monotype sorts fonts... there are arrows, pointing-hands and shapes of all kinds.

HTH, MPH

Cheesehole wrote on 2/22/2003, 11:18 AM

if you want to animate the drawings you can get Camtasia (time limited demo available) and use the ScreenDraw feature to record drawing, John Madden Monday night football style. then drop the recorded video on a track above your video and use the Screen or Multiply compositing mode so you see your lines and circles being drawn on your video. it has built in arrows too.