Adobe Premiere Pro 2.0 Studio Techniques

We started with the Track Matte Key, a revised powerful effect in Premiere Pro's arsenal. Because you can use alpha channel information to matte out elements, there is no resolution compromise when you output and render your final results.

When creating your track matte graphic elements, remember that the Matte Luma setting of Composite Using composites through pure white and can be used with gradients fading to complete transparency to have a smooth matte key. If you want to key through the black information of a clip without an alpha, check the Reverse option to composite through the black using luma. With Matte Alpha, Premiere Pro composites through the nontransparent alpha channel information of your media. With titles and Photoshop files, their empty space is not considered the alpha channel; instead the graphic and object within the frame will be attributed to the alpha channel.

Using the method of double-laying clips, you can use Track Matte Key effects to create powerful color correction and image effect. If you haven't yet read Chapter 23, "Advanced Color Correction: Three-Way Color Corrector," check out the Secondary Color Corrector effect used in conjunction with the Track Matte effect.

Finishing with custom PiPs. you learned that with a few simple steps you can use the Titler to create an adjustable border that adds a great look to your PiP effects. To change the emphasis of the frame size around your PiP, adjust the size of the inner stroke in your title frame. To change the shape and look of the frame itself, play with the Lit and Tube options to toggle between a flat frame and a rounded one. As for the colors, you can specify them on a project-by-project basis by loading the frame you build from the Templates dialog.

Adding a slight drop shadow helps give the PiP a greater feeling of depth on top of the image that it covers. You can even add a slight edge feather if you want to soften up the edges a bit.

Finally, using the custom PiP presets can save you a lot of time if you apply them properly. If you intend on using two keyframed effect presets, remember to split the clip in half before adding any of the keyframed presets.

Having one custom title frame and all the custom presets should make your life much easier when it comes to creating a good-looking PiP effect.

In the next chapter, you'll complete your look at advanced effects by learning how to properly shoot and key out green screen material.;