How is Compositing Done in VFX?
Compositing is the final step of VFX that involves seamlessly integrating various layers of digital assets and live-action footage to produce a single final shot or image for film. The actual process though, is incredibly technical and can involve a lot of unique actions in order to achieve the desired results. Understanding compositing in film is important, but it’s something that even those who’ve been involved in the film industry for some time often ask, “How is compositing done in VFX?” Because there are several different tasks and techniques that are involved in VFX compositing.
What is Compositing?
Compositing represents the final stages of VFX techniques that are used to effectively layer images or designs together to produce the final footage.
In the simplest form, compositing may involve the use of a rear projection image, such as is seen in older movies where two actors are communicating in a car, and the background appears to be moving behind them, to produce the desired background view.
Green screen shots, such as are common with news footage and weather forecasts, are also representative of typical compositing in VFX.
How is Compositing Done in VFX?
Visual effects editors, or compositors, use a variety of techniques and unique skills to produce the desired images and effects for the film. Compositing can be done in many different ways, depending largely on the desired outcome.
Typically, compositing involves layering different digital images or materials (referred to as assets) with CGI (computer generated images), live action footage, or matte paintings. The goal is to layer the various elements to produce a single, cohesive shot.
Compositing is handled in various different ways. As the final stage of VFX in which several images or assets are pieced together to produce a final, seamless integration, compositors use a variety of techniques to achieve the desired outcome.
Some of the techniques used in compositing include:
- Green screen
- Front or rear projection
- CGI
- Matting
- Physical compositing
- Multiple exposure compositing
When someone wants to know, “How is compositing done VFX?” they’re really wondering, what steps, techniques, and tools are used to produce the final image. VFX represents one way that layers can be composited to produce the desired effect.
VFX compositing can take many different forms, and the amount of or complexity of the visual effects that are used are really dependent upon opportunity cost, budget, and underlying preference of the producer.
Compositing can be performed with incredibly limited resources, making it a valuable option for a variety of film styles and needs.
Compositing shots simply requires a lot of practice, understanding of the many different tools and techniques that are available to achieve the desired outcomes, and of course a desire to succeed.
So, next time you wonder, “How is compositing done in VFX?” The short answer is, through a lot of unique and useful techniques that require a lot of practice.