Take 5: Five Quick-n-Dirty Composite Effects

Think that compositing is too complicated, too expensive or too computer-intensive for you? Think again. You don't need fancy gear to make cool composites, just a little imagination and a few transition effects.

Creating these two-layer composite effects is easy. Chances are that all you need is the editing program you already own. Simply overlap two shots on your timeline, then stretch the desired transition effect between them to the same length (see left). Set the effect properties to begin and end at the desired setting, render and play. Here are five quick and dirty composites you can create right now.

1. Split Screen - Show two sides of a telephone conversation, or fake a bi-coastal news interview with this split-screen transition.

Clips needed: 1) Shot of one person framed on the left side of the screen. 2) Shot of another person (at a different location) framed on the right side of the screen.
Effect to use: Vertical wipe
Transition start/stop: 50%.
Tips: Apply a black edge to the wipe to separate the shots more clearly.

2. Telescope - Simulate a peek through a spyglass with this easy overlay.

Clips needed: 1) Shot of the person or thing being 'scoped. 2) A black clip.
Effect to use: Circle wipe or iris
Transition start/stop: 45%
Tips: Layer the black clip over the video of your subject.…

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