Flame on Red Dwarf

Taught by Jeff Heusser

Course Number:
FLM205
Software Version:
2009 
Original Run Date:
April 2009 
Duration:
5 hours 11 minutes 
vfx
We've finally been able to tap fxguide co-founder Jeff Heusser to teach a course at fxphd, and he'll be showing work he did for the Red Dwarf: Back to Earth production. A long time flame user, Jeff has worked on commercials, feature films, TV shows, music videos and network promos in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and San Francisco. He will share his experience working in small shops to large as well as the freelance world.

Jeff will start out with an overview of setting up a project on flame, gleaned from his variety of experiences over the years. Next, he'll start tackling shots and share tricks for dealing with various compositing problems which come up on the jobs we do every day. Probably the most common shot of all in visual effects is the monitor replacement shot and this show is no different. With shots ranging from a fairly basic 8 monitor replacement (complete with depth of field and keying issues) and switches gears to the mother of all monitor shots -- 20+ televisions at all angles and depths, a camera move, varying levels of bluescreen, depth issues, and more. Next, several shots from another sequence will be tackled as we work through this job including topics such as green screen with RED footage, compositing tricks, a look at the next release of flame, and more.

The course members will receive full quality footage to follow along and complete the composites themselves.
 
Flame on Red Dwarf
Watch our overview of the course

Class Listing

Class 1

Overview of Red Dwarf work, a look at Shot Runner for organizing vfx work, show standards, and setting up for a large project.

Class 2

Looking at rough cuts to go through the thought processes involved with breaking down individual shots. Preliminary work on a multiple monitor replacement, tracking, keying.

Class 3

Continuation and refinement of the monitor shot 3518 from the previous class. Polishing the comp by adding glows and edge treatments. A look at the "mother of Monitor shots" for next week.

Class 4

A long moving shot with more monitor comps and the introduction of 3D tracking with extensive keying.

Class 5

Taking a break from monitor comps to un-break a table for a fall gag. Creating a clean plate and finally reinserting the footage into the background monitor for an infinity mirror effect.

Class 6

Keying for close up green screen footage on the RED with removal of orange tracking markers, light wrapping and z-defocusing the background.

Class 7

Tracking and hand painted clean-up using the source node for wire removal against green screen.

Class 8

A few tips, tricks and improvements made to Flame 2010.

Class 9

A comparison between two similar shots created by different artists. Mixing in CG elements directly onto the live action plate.

Class 10

Three shots showcasing various problems: keying with depth of field, last minute rush comping, and unexpected issues with hair keys.