Prepping TV screen for tracking & compositing in post?

Hi All,

Does anyone have any advice how to prep a TV screen for easy tracking and compositing in post? I'll need to composite a video clip "into" a blank plasma TV. Motion 3's tracking seems pretty impressive (I've played with it here and there), but I'm wondering what kind of tracking points (bright orange dots? colored tape? etc.) to put on the set during the shoot and/or if I need to bother trying to greenscreen the screen? I'm assuming not as I can corner-pin the video using the tracking points, correct?

Thanks for any advice/recommendations,
~Chris

You shouldn't have to green screen the TV screen. In fact, if the camera will be moving at all, you'll still need to motion track it.

I would apply bright tape (usually white) to each of the four corners of the set and one to the center. The more tracking points you can have, the easier it is for Motion to be able to get the rotation/position/scale right.

Still, I haven't done any REALLY tough motion tracking with Motion so I'm not sure how solid it'd be for jibbed shots or handheld. It might be best to limit the movement of the camera to one direction at a time.

Andy

Thanks Andy, this is why it's good to ask ahead of time ...I'll be sure to plan accordingly, and thanks for taking time to reply.

~Chris