Depth of Options
Now, before we get into details, I just want to head off any thoughts that I’m simply a happy, happy fan-boy of this plug-in. I’m very aware that any of the following functions can be individually created with layers of FCP’s effects or in combination with other free or commercial plugs out there. I’ve been there and done that as they say. The value of this plug-in is that these capabilities are all synergistically co-located so that the sum is greater than the parts. If you do this type of color work regularly or have a project requiring color manipulation that these co-located options give you, you’ll see the beauty.
The actual effect controls are segmented into seven layers: Basic, Black Diffusion, White Diffusion, HML Tint, Gradient, Techni, and Color Temperature. Each of these sections has it’s own on/off check box allowing to quickly compare adjustments. The ability to do this becomes more significant when making subtle adjustments.
Each of the seven layers has it’s own set of sub-controls. Let’s follow the list in order and take a look at how these options might integrate into your assignments:
Basic: Five controls. Lift, Gain, Gamma, Contrast, and Saturation. Very quickly you can adjust the overall brightness and color intensity of the sequence without having to load in multiple effects layers. This feature actually saved me about 25 minutes of clicking and dragging from FCP’s menu on a recent 30 hour assignment. But as we all know, clicking and dragging minutes actually should be multiplied by about 10 and then subtracted from the useful life your brain has.
Black Diffusion: Two controls, Amount and Opacity. This is a handy little feature for creating moody or noir type of overtones. We’re all familiar with the white or color glow for that Hallmark Hall of Fame look. Black diffusion is its evil twin.
White Diffusion: Two controls, Amount and Opacity. That’s right, a one-click dreamscape or walk down memory lane.
HML Tint: Three controls, high - mid - low, with color pickers. This tool is a kissin’ cousin of the white and black diffusion. It allows you to select value ranges of the image and then apply a tinting color to that value, not a diffusing color, just a tinting color. It’s a really slick way to modify color in very selective moderation. While you can use these filters to create other worldy effects by pushing them hard, in my experience using them with subtlety is equally dramatic.
Gradient: Eight controls. Rotate, length, width, color, dither/guassian, opacity and overlay. The gradient color fades to full transparency with this option. Very nice for intensifying blue sky or converting skies to super saturated, gradient-ized sunsets. Think Puerto Vallarta travel brochure. However, you can also darken up underwater scenes, intensify fog and other nifty things like that.
