Depth of Information
I often mistrust ‘reels’ for different effects plug ins or graphics generators because they tend to represent only a small part of the final product. It often takes several effects and artists in order to create the final vision that gets bandied about as proof of what an effect can do. In the case of Sapphire, I definitely scrutinized their reel. And before I worked through this training set, I couldn’t put my finger on how some of the effects I was seeing could be done. However, one of the best things about this training DVD is that Todd Prives shows, layer by layer, how the effects on their reel were created. For me, that was proof positive of exactly what could be achieved with Sapphire.
The interface for Sapphire is very intuitive. Once you understand how to adjust the parameters of one effect, you know how to adjust them in any effect. The most effective adjustments are always at the top of the list, including matte/background and threshold. Probably the most interesting and important tool in Sapphire that can show you a whole new world is the ability to use another clip or background as a lens. It can give you complex lighting moves without a ton of work, or provide a matte for layering an effect.
The most impressive part of the training other than the vast amounts of information you can glean from it, is the fact that GenArts guru Todd Prives can keep your attention for 4 hours! If you’ve ever tried to watch some of the youtube tutorials for different effects, you know how difficult this can be. Most editors are not ‘on camera talent.’ I’ve turned off 7 minute tutorials after 2 minutes because I simply couldn’t handle the teacher! Todd works quickly, and very clearly states each of his moves. He keeps you interested in what he is showing, even if it’s an effect that’s not on your top ten list.
Using an alpha channel of the video as a lens, you can make the lens flare peek between the trees as the camera pans for a realistic look.
Reusability
As a technical reviewer, it’s my job to test a product as best I can. With a DVD tutorial, that means I'll watch it two or three times to make sure I’m getting the most out of it. I have already watched it twice, and I plan to watch it again, and refer to different sections of it as needed. And with the depth of knowledge available in the training, you’ll need to watch it a few times to pick up everything!
Create realistic glints and glows by doing fine adjustments.
Value Vs. Cost
If you ever plan on using GenArts Sapphire, this training video is a must have. If you really want to get the most out of your footage, then you need Sapphire! It is compatible with Final Cut Pro, After Effects, Motion, Autodesk, and even OFX and Avid.
For $129, you can get a DVD or a digital copy of the Class on Demand on their website, It’s worth every penny.
Final Comments
The combination of GenArts Sapphire and Class On Demand’s Complete Training for GenArts Sapphire are a home run. If you are planning on using a floating license or purchasing the plug in system, you need this video. It will absolutely bring your skills and your final products to another level!
If you want to get a basic idea of what you’ll see in the Class on Demand video, you can download some smaller, less in-depth tutorials on the GenArts website.
You can also request a free trial of GenArts Sapphire on the GenArts website.
Comprehension
10.0
Depth
of Information
10.0
Interest
Level
9.5
Reusability
9.0
Value
vs. Cost
9.0
Overall Score
9.5
A.J. Wedding is a graduate of Western Michigan University and has won festival awards for his first feature film, "Pop Fiction". As a writer/director, he has won several awards for his short films, and recently garnered worldwide distribution for a feature film titled “The Disappearance of Jenna Matheson” releasing this year. His hit web series, “Infamous” created an instant fanbase, and spawned interest from networks to create a tv series based on it. A.J. currently works with The Production Green, directing and editing commercials as well as developing his next feature film, "Junior Crew."
