Nodes or layers? It all really depends on who you are and the kind of work you do. For example: Load footage, add effects, color-correct, work in 3D, and make particles.

Every node is designed to perform a specific function. Rather than stack elements atop of each, a node-based composite looks more like a flowchart of interconnected nodes, each of which can have multiple inputs and outputs that pipe into each other. It’s an entirely different story with nodes. Figure 2: In addition to 2D compositing, Fusion 9 has a comprehensive 3D environment that allows for 3D objects, cameras and lighting tools. That is how it’s done in Adobe After Effects. In the case of the latter, compositing a scene is done by stacking layers up in a timeline (like a sandwich). Nodes or LayersĪ main thing that sets compositing programs apart is whether they’re node-based or layer-based. Having been used in many movies and TV shows including the Harry Potter series, Hugo, Thor, Prometheus and many others, it’s safe to say that Fusion has an impressive pedigree and deserves its place as one of the world’s elite compositing systems (see Figure 1). The third is Fusion, originally developed by eyeon Software, now owned by Blackmagic Design.īlackmagic Design’s Fusion, recently updated to version 9, introduces important new features. There’s Adobe After Effects, which comes with the Creative Cloud.

Let’s consider three of the most well known. When it comes to compositing software that is up to the challenges of creating intricate images for high-end, Hollywood-style productions, there are a few to choose from. A compositor is like a master chef who combines various ingredients together: a pinch of fog, a dash of lens flare, then key that, add a little camera mapping, track in some bushes… Before long, the final dish - I mean shot - is realized. It’s where visual effects-heavy shots come into their own, and filmmakers finally see their visions come to life. Courtesy of Trick Digital.Ĭompositing is a critical part of the filmmaking process, the step where, after months of production, all the elements of a scene are assembled. By Joseph Herman Figure 1: Fusion 9’s node-based workflow is ideal for compositing complex visual effects shots, like this one from Jeepers Creepers III (2017).

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