How to make great videos ANYWHERE with AI ENVIRONMENTS
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Introduction
In this article, we will explore how to leverage the new generative fill feature in Adobe Photoshop to create unique environments for your video projects. This revolutionary technique acts like having an AI-driven matte painting artist, allowing filmmakers to extend their sets and breathe life into mundane spaces with just basic Photoshop skills.
The Evolution of Matte Painting
Historically, filmmakers employed real matte paintings on glass to craft breathtaking vistas and imaginative environments. Today, with the power of generative fill, creators can easily conjure custom backdrops that would typically require extensive set design. However, there’s one crucial limitation: the camera must remain stationary. Any movement can disrupt the illusion, so meticulous planning is essential.
Practical Application: Creating Engaging Environments
At Epic Light Media, we understand the importance of lighting in cinema and are excited to illustrate how understanding cinematography enhances the realism of AI-generated environments.
Step 1: Filming Outside Plates
When capturing footage to work with generative fill, camera placement is vital. High vantage points often yield effective wide shots, which can serve as strong backgrounds. For instance, shooting from a hill allows filmmakers to capture usable shots without needing green screen setups. While filming, it’s important to avoid having subjects interact with areas intended for digital enhancement.
Step 2: Shooting in Controlled Environments
Sometimes, filming inside a controlled space—like a studio with a plain backdrop—can yield fantastic opportunities for AI fill. In one instance, we shot against a gray wall, optimizing the camera's settings to capture our subject while leaving the background open for generative fill. Thoughtful lighting choices help maintain realism. For example, positioning the key light to mimic natural sunlight from a window enhances the dramatic effect of the shot.
Step 3: Employing Generative Fill in Photoshop
To create our environments, start by exporting a still image from your editing platform. Ensure that your subject is properly scaled for seamless integration later. After importing the still into Photoshop, remove the background, which will be black to allow generative fill to work effectively. By highlighting areas for change and issuing relevant prompts, the AI generates unique background options to choose from.
With several iterations, selecting and refining backgrounds is part of the creative process. Even after significant enhancements, fine-tuning in Photoshop requires an artist's eye to ensure successful integration.
Final Steps: Editing and Integration
Once satisfied with the new image, save it as a PNG and import it into the editing software. Be prepared to address potential color space mismatches. If discrepancies arise, adjusting the color space to Rec 709a ensures harmony across all elements. Additional post-production tweaks, including color correction and glow effects, contribute to seamless realism.
Conclusion
With high-resolution filming (such as capturing plates on a 6K camera) and an understanding of AI tools, the possibilities for creating stunning videos expand drastically, enabling creators to assemble striking visuals regardless of location.
Keywords
- AI environments
- Generative fill
- Matte painting
- Cinematography
- Lighting
- Photoshop
- Video editing
- Color correction
- Production design
FAQ
What is generative fill in Photoshop?
Generative fill is an AI-driven feature in Photoshop that allows users to create backgrounds and environments by filling in designated areas based on prompts.
How does camera movement affect AI-generated backgrounds?
Camera movement disrupts the illusion created by AI backgrounds; therefore, it's essential to keep the camera stationary when using generative fill.
Can you create realistic environments without extensive filmmaking skills?
Yes, with basic Photoshop skills and an understanding of lighting and cinematography, anyone can create impressive environments using generative fill.
What should be considered when lighting for AI-generated environments?
It's crucial to create a lighting scheme that matches the imagined background to enhance the realism of the final video.
How can I ensure color consistency in my video after using generative fill?
Address color space mismatches by adjusting the image to a compatible format, such as Rec 709a, during the editing process. This will help maintain color harmony across all footage and AI-generated elements.
