Motion Graphics in Fusion

Overview

• Focus on making motion graphics using Fusion.
• Connecting trackers and shapes to create graphics that follow footage.
• Tools used include:
  • Expressions
  • Magic Mask
  • IntelliTrack
  • Reduce Points
• Aim: Create graphics that highlight the hiker scanning for hazards.

Setting Up the Scene

• Footage: Hiker scanning terrain with three rocks identified.
• Objective: Create a shape that locks onto the hiker's head and the rocks.

Creating the Shape

• Go to the Fusion page and select the clip.
• Use Polygon Node to draw the shape:
  • One point for the hiker's head
  • Three points for the rocks
• Connect Polygon Node to a Background Node to create an image.
• Use the hotkey Shift + Space Bar to bring up the select tool dialog.
• Change background color to strong red to signify danger.

Addressing Tracking Issues

• Problem: Shape needs to be tracked with camera and hiker movement.
• Keyframe Control: Use keyframe control to animate shapes but limits to all points.
• Publishing Points: With the Polygon Node selected, publish individual controls for each point.

Using IntelliTrack

• Select Publish to IntelliTrack Tracker option.
• Automatically creates a tracker node linked to the points.
• Tracker Node Setup: Connect tracker back to the node tree to avoid a broken composition.
• IntelliTrack vs Point Trackers: IntelliTrack is better for tracking moving objects (hiker's face).

Enhancements

• Lower opacity of the merge node for a softer edge.
• Use a feathered rectangle mask to create a fading effect.
• Add Text Plus Node for labeling: "Hazard Awareness" in overlay mode.
• Use Magic Mask to place the hiker over the text appropriately.

Second Example

• Create motion graphics with labels and arrows for hiker equipment.
• Start by tracking before creating shapes.
• Position IntelliTrack trackers on:
  • Bag
  • Rope
  • Ice Axe
  • Crampons
  • Cap

Text and Lines

• Use a single text node for equipment labels: Bag, Rope, Ice Axe, and Crampons.
• Draw lines using Polygon Node and connect to Background Node.
• Publishing Points: Publish points for the lines and connect them to the corresponding trackers using expressions.

Dot Indicators

• Create dots using Ellipse Node for each labeled item.
• Expressions used to link dots' positions to tracking points.
• Jittery Tracking: Clean up jittery tracking with the Spline Editor by reducing keyframes and smoothing animations.

Final Adjustments

• Adjust text and lines for better visibility.
• Use Magic Mask to place the hiker on top of graphics.
• Use offset controls in tracker nodes to adjust positions dynamically.

Tips for Improvement

• Ideas for enhancing motion graphics:
  1. Animate line lengths and positions.
  2. Animate ellipses to grow from nothing.
  3. Animate text using write-on properties.

Additional Resources

• Course: DaVinci Resolve for Editors (9 hours) available.
• Free sample lessons and masterclass available.

Conclusion

• Encourage viewers to like and subscribe for more future videos and download follow-along media.