The Nuke Unfiltered Series
Taught by Doug Hogan
- Duration:
- 5 hours 39 minutes
- Software Version:
- 15
- Launch Date:
- October 2024
- Course Number:
- NUK249
vfx
AI
vfx
AI
It integrates traditional compositing techniques as well as newer AI/Machine Learning approaches such as ChatGPT, the Cattery, and even a bit of ComfyUI to getting the job done. You'll learn how to prepare and process your footage, master keying tools, integrate keyed elements seamlessly, and tackle complex compositing challenges. This intermediate course is perfect for artists with some experience working with Nuke already, as well as those with backgrounds in Photoshop, After Effects, or similar applications.
This course includes footage from the outstanding ActionVFX stock footage library to teach the concepts and help members follow along. The base scenes used in the course are all from the free ActionVFX Practice Footage Library, which has over 500 shots you can use to help build your reel.
Doug Hogan is a Creative Technologist at Cheil/Samsung and has been a Nuke Compositor for over 15 years, with extensive experience in feature animation, film, and theme park industries. As the founder of VFXTalk, a vibrant community of VFX professionals, Doug is passionate about sharing knowledge and helping artists connect and grow. Join Doug in this comprehensive course and elevate your keying and compositing skills to a professional level.
Class Listing
Class 1: Overview & ChatGPT Python Coding
Some of the fundamental principles of keying are covered in this class, where we begin by assessing the stadium footage and identifying potential challenges. We will discuss the common issues such as lighting inconsistencies, motion blur, and foreground-background interaction. This session will also cover how to develop a comprehensive keying plan and set up an effective workflow to tackle complex tasks. In addition, a look at Doug's custom ChatGPT LLM, Nuke Navigator. Sign up for the VFXtalk Discord by following this signup link.
Class 2: Garbage Mattes
We delve into creating garbage mattes using both manual roto techniques and machine learning tools from the Cattery. You'll learn best practices for precise and efficient roto work, followed by an introduction to new ML/AI tools that can speed up the process. We'll compare the results of manual and ML/AI-assisted methods and discuss when to use each approach.
Class 3: Advanced Keying
Advanced keying tools and techniques, including Primatte, Keylight, and IBK. We will explore the strengths and weaknesses of each tool and how to combine multiple keys to handle difficult shots, such as those with complex areas like hair or motion blur. Fine-tuning techniques for edge refinement and spill suppression will also be discussed.
Class 4: Key Compositing Techniques
A focus on key compositing techniques including edge cleanups, grain matching, and roto work. We will also explore the use of synthetic normals and depth passes, and learn how to create a pseudo-point pass. These tools will help prepare your footage for future tasks like relighting, ensuring that your comp is polished and ready for final touches. Adrian Pueyo Gizmo link: https://adrianpueyo.com/gizmos/.
Class 5: Populating the Stadium Crowd
The step-by-step process for creating crowd elements, including card placement on a 3D model and using traditional footage. We’ll also explore methods for seamlessly integrating these elements into the stadium plate and discuss common challenges and solutions for using crowd cards efficiently.
Class 6: Transition Effect
They don't call it movie magic for nothing! In this class, Doug takes you though the process of ideating a transition effect between two different stadium mattepaintings. He'll use various tools like fractals, roto's, and ramps to achieve this cinematic effect. We'll be animating different layers as well to make it feel organic and polished.
Class 7: Relighting
Relighting and color correction are key to achieving realistic composites. In this class, we’ll explore techniques for relighting live-action plates using custom nodes, as well as methods for analyzing and matching color and light from different environments in Nuke. We’ll also cover essential principles and techniques for color matching to create cohesive, seamless visuals. Adrian Pueyo Gizmo link: https://adrianpueyo.com/gizmos/.
Class 8: Re-using Setups
This class focuses on efficiently duplicating keying setups for different camera angles in a production environment. We’ll cover tips and techniques for maintaining consistency across multiple shots and how to adapt keying setups to handle varying perspectives, ensuring a streamlined and cohesive workflow.