>
>
>Date: Fri, 22 Feb 2002 08:43:22 -0500
>From: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: layering query
>
>>>Layering, or compositing, can be found in 2D, 2 and a half D, and 3D
>work.
>>>Compositing/layering with part of the matte visible would be sloppy
>>>compositing. If you see a border then that's what it is, a border for
>the
>>>image, not part of a matte.
>
>this was offered as a response to my original question, and i'm grateful
>. . . but i'm afraid i don't understand the answer . . . is "layering"
>then nothing
>but using a matte? . . .
yes, unless you cut hair, usually each matted or masked element in a
composition exists on its own digital layer within a compositing
application. With each on its own layer, each can be controlled
independently. That's very important, if you can adjust the size, contrast,
color balance, FX etc... on each element in your composition independantly
you can end up with much more interesting scenes.
> not sure what the various D references are to: i
>assume
>that ALL photographically based cinema images are on the screen in two
>dimensions but [to a greater or lesser extent] imply three dimensions by
>virtue of the ways of reading perspective that we habitually bring to such
>images . . .
"photographically based", that might not be such a useful distinction at
this point. "Real" images and CG animation are combined so often.... but
yeah, of course the application of traditional rules of perspective convey
a sense of depth. But 3D animation takes it further by allowing elements to
interact, for example with the light source in a scene, reflecting and
casting shadows, etc. It's just about illusion, 3D creating a greater or
more convincing illusion of reality then 2D, which is often (like in
cartoons) read as illustration, though 2D film composites, like Forest Gump
meeting Kennedy or whatever, can be very convincing.
>so what's the difference between two D and three D layering?
> . . . and what, in this context, are borders??
2D, you know what that is, a flat picture (with traditional rules of
perspective usually applying). 2 1/2, a 2D panel moved in 3D space. 3D
animations can be viewed from any side, as opposed to 2D, where you can
only see the front of the image.
Think of it just in terms of animation, South Park is pure 2D, Toy Story
3D. Dinosaurs inserted into scenes also generally 3D.
A border is just that, added for stylistic or aesthetic reasons, unless a
compositor decided to let part of mask show in order to draw attention to
the fact that it was indeed a matted image or whatever, but that would be
covered by the stylistic motive anyway.
hth, I'm sure there are much more thoughtful/precise definitions out there,
but that's the gist of it.
Mark O'Connell
[log in to unmask]
"I don't believe anything about art." Chick Strand
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