Duane Conder of CondorMedia, a power user of Adobe After Effects and Knoll Light Factory, recently completed two successful projects: a promotional DVD for a new resort in Israel and animated lighting effects for an existing motion graphic logo for Patrick Henry College. Using Knoll Light Factory, Conder was able to apply beautiful finishing touches with subtle light changes to mesh moving elements throughout the Israeli project, and added more depth contour to Patrick Henry College's 3D animated logo.

Promotional DVD for MCM Group and Favilli Studio’s Israel by the Sea Club and Resort Project designer Andrea Favilli of Favilli Studio hired Conder to create this promotional video featuring the new Israel by the Sea Club and Resort. The resort is one of two government-funded projects aimed at helping boost tourism and combat unemployment in Israel.

Challenge

The stock footage chosen included an idyllic scene of a man sitting on a plateau looking down over the sea. A key problem was that the video was shot on a cloudy day and did not look too inviting, nor did it convey the feeling of a destination resort. Conder needed a way to warm up the composition and provide a transition to the resort's sunflower logo.

Solution

Using Knoll Light Factory, Conder was able to create a sun rising through the clouds, complete with realistic reflections on the water. This simulated light source dramatically brightened and warmed up the footage. As the light moves across the scene, it visually shifts the viewer's eye to the logo of the sunflower-providing an effective transition from one shot to the other.

Result

"We ended up with a bright, lyrical, highly stylized piece thanks to Knoll Light Factory," said Conder "Stylizing was crucial since there is typically is a lot of sunshine in Israel. Knoll Light Factory is THE tool to use when both your motion graphics and live action need the brilliance of the sun."

The final production was displayed on large plasma screens for select guests of the 2005 International Macabiah Games in Cesarea , Israel. The DVD was completed in just under a week to meet the aggressive schedule.

Orientation Video with Motion Graphic Logo for Patrick Henry College

Brian Hawkins, the Producer/Director of orientation videos for Patrick Henry College, asked Conder to artfully incorporate the school's medallion into background DV footage of an introductory video for the College. Patrick Henry is a liberal arts College, preparing its students to lead and shape US culture and pay tribute to the spirit of the American founding.

Challenge

Hawkins wanted Conder to help highlight the 3D aspects of the pre-existing 15-second animation of the college's medallion. This rendering had only minor volumetric lighting events which made for a very flat, uninteresting composite when alpha matted over video.

Solution

Conder used Knoll Light Factory in combination with other tools and techniques to help smooth and hide pre-existing artifacts as well add flare events that were consistent with the motion, lighting, and live action camera.

Result

The final composite was designed for use as both an opening and closing shot in video programs produced for Patrick Henry College. The final 16bpc lossless render was completed in late April 2005 and is already being distributed on the orientation/overview program.

About CondorMedia

Based in Carlsbad, CA, CondorMedia provides digital video production, motion graphic design, and compositing services to broadcast and corporate clientele. With experience as a Director, Director of Photography, Steadicam operator, and many years of After Effects compositing/NLE finishing, Duane Conder's deep knowledge of media aesthetics gives him the unique ability to interpret ideas and take them a step further.