VFX Compositing with Nuke: Invisible Visual Effects

For users new to the node-based interface of the Nuke software, this lesson covers the interface basics, including how to navigate in Nuke, available tools and nodes, as well as where to find what in this node-based compositing software. If you are a seasoned Nuke user, feel free to skip this class.

A brief insight and lesson into the differences between nodes and layers, including their pros and cons, best and worst use cases, as well as how Nuke's node-based system is different from other similar systems. If you are a seasoned Nuke user, feel free to skip this class.

A deeper dive into the tabs, panels and windows available in Nuke, as well as the nodes and tools in Nuke's hidden and potent arsenal of capabilities and features. A comparison between the different editions of Nuke (Nuke, NukeX, Nuke Studio) will also be covered in this lesson. If you are a seasoned Nuke user, feel free to skip this class.

Expanding from the previous lesson, selected nodes from each category will be covered in greater detail as well as how they all play a pivotal role together in the successful use of Nuke. Learn what each group or category of nodes are typically used for, by compositing pros. If you are a seasoned Nuke user, feel free to skip this class.

This lesson will uncover how invisible visual effects work in film and television as well as what makes an effective invisible visual effects shot. Tips and tricks are revealed on how to identify the problem in any given footage and assess various solutions to solve the shot.

This lesson will explore the concept, setting up and preparations of clean plates and patches in invisible VFX compositing, including understanding the nature of the visual effects shot and how fixes could be applied. Tips and tricks are revealed on the most common techniques used in the visual effects industry and how to apply the appropriate solution with the end shot in mind.

This lesson will explore various color correction methods to ensure that the solutions used in an invisible visual effects shot match the overall look and feel of the shot. Tips and tricks are revealed on which effect to use and how to combine different effects to reach a final harmonious result.

This lesson will explore the different ways of 2D tracking in Nuke, using various nodes or combination of nodes. Tips and tricks are revealed on how to use the data from the 2D track effectively as well as a deeper dive into the hidden functions of Nuke's 2D tracking node.

This lesson will explore the different ways to adjust and modify light and shadow in invisible visual effects compositing including applying what you had learned in the earlier lessons on color correction. Tips and tricks are revealed on how other types of nodes can indirectly alter lighting.

This lesson will explore the importance of grain and how to match grain from two different layers to blend the image together in a final composite. Tips and tricks are revealed on how to carefully remove existing grain and then apply grain manually for more customization.

This lesson will explore rendering options used in the film and visual effects industry, as well as various rendering options at different stages of invisible VFX compositing that may be used prior to exporting a final composite. Tips and tricks are revealed on how to optimize your script for complex invisible VFX renders.

This lesson will explore the different ways to remove or erase moving objects and elements in a shot including applying what you had learned in the earlier lessons. Tips and tricks are revealed on tricky situations where advanced problem-solving may be required. Part 1 of this lesson focuses on removing the moving object and keeping other moving objects that were affected in the process.

This lesson will explore the different ways to remove or erase moving objects and elements in a shot including applying what you had learned in the earlier lessons. Tips and tricks are revealed on tricky situations where advanced problem-solving may be required. Part 2 of this lesson focuses on keeping more complex moving objects such as trees.

This lesson will explore the different types of subtle set extension in composites and how to use your recent learning in previous lessons to create subtle set extensions. Tips and tricks are revealed on matching and aligning images for the purposes of subtle set extension as well as how to work with scale in set extension. Part 1 of this set extension lesson focuses on clean-up work and preparations for set extension elements.

This lesson will explore the different types of subtle set extension in composites and how to use your recent learning in previous lessons to create subtle set extensions. Tips and tricks are revealed on matching and aligning images for the purposes of subtle set extension as well as how to work with scale in set extension. Part 2 of this set extension lesson focuses on compositing and adding in the finishing touches to the set extension elements.

This lesson will explore the addition of moving video elements into an invisible visual effects shot and how to use your recent learning in previous lessons to skillfully add these elements into the composite. Tips and tricks are revealed on matching and aligning additional video elements for the purposes of subtle set extension as well as how to work with scale in set extension.

Now that you've followed along, it is time to put your skills to the test with this new shot to try. Once again, post in the Q&A board if you have any questions or go back to previous lessons in order to figure out how to solve the shot.

A summary of all the points, tips and tricks of invisible VFX we have covered so far, including a take-away sheet that summarizes the lessons and best practices learned about invisible VFX in post-production.

Ending on a conclusive note, we will touch on some discussion points of invisible VFX and the effective ways to use or apply invisible VFX compositing in your own personal projects, including how and when to use invisible VFX in smart ways.

Well done! Invisible VFX can be challenging. For more in this series, stay tuned for future courses where we cover other kinds of similar software, best practices and cheats in the visual effects world.

BONUS: For staying all the way to the end of this course, this lecture is for you. More details inside.