I'm trying to create a video where the main character is having a flash back. Which is the best effect to demonstrate that?
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Which effect is best for a flashback video look?
- Thread starter jayeskreezy
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You may want to play with Hue/Saturation to change the color of the video so that you can visually present the scene in a different context. Along that you could probably use some edge feather effect along with some grain and image distortion filters. It all depends on the looks you want to give it.
Evo
Evo
There's a filter called "Vignette" which will do exactly what you want, I think. It makes the edges all fuzzy and alters the color and stuff.
"Vignette" is good, and you could also add a very slight "gaussian blur" to help give it a more "dreamy" look if you want.
Lethal
Lethal
Gaussian blur is good. Here's what to do...
Duplicate your video layer. Apply a gaussian blur to the top layer and set the blend mode to "screen." Go ahead and turn the gaussian blur all the way up, just so you get an idea of what you want it to do.
Adjust the top layer's opacity and/or the amount of gaussian blur to fit your liking.
It also might help to blow out the highlights using the 3 way color corrector. I just turned in a project that required some flashbacks. I also applied a slight "Light Ray" to the top layer (though for prolonged flashbacks with few edits this is less effective).
Duplicate your video layer. Apply a gaussian blur to the top layer and set the blend mode to "screen." Go ahead and turn the gaussian blur all the way up, just so you get an idea of what you want it to do.
Adjust the top layer's opacity and/or the amount of gaussian blur to fit your liking.
It also might help to blow out the highlights using the 3 way color corrector. I just turned in a project that required some flashbacks. I also applied a slight "Light Ray" to the top layer (though for prolonged flashbacks with few edits this is less effective).
I, personally, would avoid any use of blur or vignetting for a flashback. Simply for it's cliché value. Done right or in the right context, it can be good, its just a matter of personal opinion... 
Here's how I'd do it:
Effects > video filters > image control > desaturate. Set it between 40 and 50, depending on taste.
Then go back to Effects > video filters > Quicktime > general convolution and set Cell 2 to "1"
Below are a before and after pic, as well as a shot of my effects window. Have fun!
EDIT: MR refuses to upload the effected shot. It is the right size and format... PM or e-mail me for the pic until I get it figured out.
Here's how I'd do it:
Effects > video filters > image control > desaturate. Set it between 40 and 50, depending on taste.
Then go back to Effects > video filters > Quicktime > general convolution and set Cell 2 to "1"
Below are a before and after pic, as well as a shot of my effects window. Have fun!
EDIT: MR refuses to upload the effected shot. It is the right size and format... PM or e-mail me for the pic until I get it figured out.
Attachments
I, personally, would avoid any use of blur or vignetting for a flashback. Simply for it's cliché value. Done right or in the right context, it can be good, its just a matter of personal opinion...
Here's how I'd do it:
Effects > video filters > image control > desaturate. Set it between 40 and 50, depending on taste.
Then go back to Effects > video filters > Quicktime > general convolution and set Cell 2 to "1"
Below are a before and after pic, as well as a shot of my effects window. Have fun!
EDIT: MR refuses to upload the effected shot. It is the right size and format... PM or e-mail me for the pic until I get it figured out.
Kingsly I really liked your suggestion and it looks koo. I tried to PM you, but instead I just applied the filters and I like the look. My only question would be what's the best transition to indicate a flashback?
Hue/saturation with some bloom or black and white with some bloom. I'd use bloom because it makes it "softer" and the color changes because, like the first poster said, it shows that the context has changed.
Ditto.
Here is the effected shot. I have no idea why MR refused to upload it the first time.
De-saturate set @ 46 and General Convolution @ 1 (see post #6)
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Whatever effect you use should have to do with the content of the story, at what point it is in the film, the pscycology of the character having the flashback and the general look of the film or video.
Edited: and the content of the flashback, whether it is a repeated shot or a shot from a different angle.
Edited: and the content of the flashback, whether it is a repeated shot or a shot from a different angle.
Hmmm... for me that doesn't say "flashback" as much as it says "poorly shot video."
Lethal
Hmmm... for me that doesn't say "flashback" as much as it says "poorly shot video."
Admit it. You're just jealous.
Taken alone, I can see your point. Cut in with normal video and transitioned properly, I has fit "flashback" quite well.
For me, at least.
What is a bloom? This is only my second time using FCE. Also, you can check out the first draft of the music vid
HERE
I made a post asking for a critique, but only received one so far. I really need critiques because I want to win. Sorry about the quality, but it cant be more than 29.97 fps and it has to be less than 3mb. I learned from the last time with the motion so I tried to keep it down. I have a canon optura 20.
Also, any ideas on how to get the words on the bills to show late and eviction would be great. They're on there, but not visible with the effect. Well, let me know. Thanks for the help. I appreciate it.
I'd stay away from special effects and let the directing indicate the flashback.
However, for some ideas you might want to see the CBS shows "Without a Trace" and "Cold Case." They apply effects on flashbacks. There are plenty of flashback sequences throughout each show.
On your last cross dissolve, you can see a few frames of a previous clip pop up. This is a common mistake that just screams amateur. Always double check your cross dissolves.