The Art and Science of Digital Compositing

Ron Brinkmann

• Publisher: Morgan Kaufmann
• Year: 1999
• Print ISBN:
  9780121339609
• eBook ISBN:
  9780080499321
• Topic: Computer Science
• Subtopic: Computer Graphics
• Index: Computer Science

Computer-generated visual effects are now used extensively in feature films, commercials, music videos, and multimedia. The backbone of this process, the final and most important step, is known as digital compositing. The Art and Science of Digital Compositing is a comprehensive reference that provides a complete overview of the technical and the artistic nature of this process. This book covers a wide range of topics from basic image creation, representation, and manipulation, to a look at the visual cues that are necessary to create a believable composite. Designed as both an introduction to the field as well as a valuable technical reference, this book should be of interest to both novices and professionals alike. Written by a working professional in the visual effects industry, the book provides over 250 different images and illustrations (including a 40-page color insert) as well as a complete glossary of compositing and visual-effects terminology. Also included are in-depth case studies from well-known films such as Speed, Independence Day, and Titanic.Balances fundamental "hard science" topics with the more qualitative/artistic challenges which face anyone involved in a digital composition projectProvides examples and illustrations from motion picture workCD-ROM contains additional composition examples, illustrations, and development softwareIncludes 32 pages of colour

Table of contents

• Cover
• Copyright Page
• Contents
• Acknowledgments
• Preface
• Chapter 1. Introduction to Digital Compositing
• Chapter 2. The Digital Representation of Visual Information
• Chapter 3. Basic Image Manipulation
• Chapter 4. Basic Image Compositing
• Chapter 5. Matte Creation and Manipulation
• Chapter 6. Time and Temporal Manipulations
• Chapter 7. Image Tracking and Stabilization
• Chapter 8. Interface Interactions
• Chapter 9. Image Viewing and Analysis Tools
• Chapter 10. Formats: Media, Resolution, and Aspect Ratios
• Chapter 11. Quality and Efficiency
• Chapter 12. Learning to See
• Chapter 13. Creating Elements
• Chapter 14. Integration Techniques
• Chapter 15. Advanced Topics
• Chapter 16. Case Studies
• Appendix A: Digital Compositing Software: Tools and Features
• Appendix B: Digital Compositing Software: Manufacturers
• Appendix C: Digital Image File Formats
• Appendix D: Common Film and Video Formats
• Bibliography
• Glossary
• Index