What Compositing Involves
- Layering – Combining background plates, live-action footage, CGI, matte paintings, etc.
- Color Correction/Grading – Matching color, lighting, and contrast between elements.
- Rotoscoping – Cutting out elements from footage to isolate them or place them in a new environment.
- Green Screen/Keying – Removing backgrounds filmed against green or blue screens.
- Tracking & Matchmoving – Matching the movement of the camera in live-action footage to composite CG elements seamlessly.
- Set Extensions – Adding digital environments or expanding real sets.
- CG Integration – Blending 3D assets into live-action so they look like they were filmed together.
- Visual Enhancements – Adding effects like smoke, fire, light rays, rain, glows, reflections, etc.
Popular Compositing Software
- Nuke (by Foundry) – Industry-standard for high-end compositing.
- After Effects (by Adobe) – Great for motion graphics and general VFX work.
- Fusion (by Blackmagic Design) – Node-based and powerful, used in film and TV.
- DaVinci Resolve – Includes Fusion and color grading tools.
Common Use Cases
Creating surreal or fantasy sequences.
Adding explosions, lasers, or supernatural effects.
Replacing skies or extending environments.
Blending CGI creatures into live-action footage.