The light writing effect at DVinfo.net

Nate Benson · August 31st, 2007, 11:20 AM

Its become quite popular and overused in the last year or so.
And that is when a person in a commercial seems to write with a pen light and the light stays on screen even when the character leaves.

Well one the client I'm working with asked if I could do it. I simply told him I'd look into it. I'm somewhat against it mainly because it's quite overused at the moment, but I will look into it for him.

So whats the deal with this effect? is it mostly done in production or in post. I would assume in post, likely in AE or Shake.

Has anyone done this trick? if so how?

Travis Arket · August 31st, 2007, 01:05 PM

Im not sure if this method is how its normally done, but there is a tutorial on videocopilot.com that deals with light streaks in AE. Its pretty simple and Im sure could easily be modified to do exactly what you want.

There are probably easier ways however, so hopefully some others chime in! :)

Alex Sprinkle · August 31st, 2007, 01:23 PM

I'd LOVE to know how they did it before post production. Are you talking about the iPod effect (videocopilot.net), or just the light kinda like that stop animation-esque ad where they're drawing stuff in the park (like the fish that jum,ps out of the concrete)? My question is how they make it look so good with camera movement.

Zach Stewart · August 31st, 2007, 01:48 PM

takes alot of work/time. isn't a simple drag n' drop plugin. andrew kramers tuts are really good so i suggest checking those out, and he shows how to motion track footage when the camera is moving.

Nate Benson · August 31st, 2007, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zach Stewart

takes alot of work/time. isn't a simple drag n' drop plugin. andrew kramers tuts are really good so i suggest checking those out, and he shows how to motion track footage when the camera is moving.

Well I figured it wasn't an easy drag and drop, nothing usually is. Kramers tutorial is a great start, I've gone through it a few times and am getting the jist of it.

August 31st, 2007, 11:20 AM	#1
Nate Benson Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Buffalo, New York Posts: 157	The light writing effect Its become quite popular and overused in the last year or so. And that is when a person in a commercial seems to write with a pen light and the light stays on screen even when the character leaves. Well one the client I'm working with asked if I could do it. I simply told him I'd look into it. I'm somewhat against it mainly because it's quite overused at the moment, but I will look into it for him. So whats the deal with this effect? is it mostly done in production or in post. I would assume in post, likely in AE or Shake. Has anyone done this trick? if so how?

August 31st, 2007, 01:05 PM	#2
Travis Arket New Boot Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Everett, Wa Posts: 5	Im not sure if this method is how its normally done, but there is a tutorial on videocopilot.com that deals with light streaks in AE. Its pretty simple and Im sure could easily be modified to do exactly what you want. There are probably easier ways however, so hopefully some others chime in! :)

August 31st, 2007, 01:23 PM	#3
Alex Sprinkle Major Player Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Moore, Oklahoma Posts: 408	I'd LOVE to know how they did it before post production. Are you talking about the iPod effect (videocopilot.net), or just the light kinda like that stop animation-esque ad where they're drawing stuff in the park (like the fish that jum,ps out of the concrete)? My question is how they make it look so good with camera movement.

August 31st, 2007, 01:48 PM	#4
Zach Stewart Regular Crew Join Date: May 2007 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 176	takes alot of work/time. isn't a simple drag n' drop plugin. andrew kramers tuts are really good so i suggest checking those out, and he shows how to motion track footage when the camera is moving.