Stripping an alpha in FCP???

Is there a way inside FCP via a plug-in or other filter to strip an embedded alpha from a quicktime movie?

Specifically, I have gotten an embedded graphic in Animation codec from my GFX dept. I brought it into FCP for sound design and now have to provide a video element and a separate black and white matte element to the production dept.

I spent some time trying to figure this out in FCP and in Quicktime to no avail and it occurred to me that this might be a useful plugin. Particularly if you are creating those elements in FCP.

Normally I would use AE to render out the alpha only, but I don't have AE on this computer. So, while I'm waiting for GFX to provide me with a rendered alpha element for all these clips that I just finished, I thought I'd ask.

Andy

Yes there is, no plug-in required:

- Put your graphic clip on V1 (making sure it's alpha mode is set to Straight or Black depending on how it was originally created).
- Create a new color matte clip (100% white) and place that on V2 above the graphic clip.
- Ctr-Click or right-click on the color matte clip and choose Composite Mode > Travel Matte - Alpha

You will end up with a white/black matte image which you can export to a new clip.

Martin Baker
www.digital-heaven.co.uk
Unique plug-ins and tools for Apple Pro Apps



Martin Baker
[www.digital-heaven.co.uk]
Unique plug-ins and tools for Apple Pro Apps