Repairing Footage

There are several reasons that footage might need repair. Archival sources (especially those that are tape-based) can wear with time or equipment failure. Rushed crews or poor preproduction can also impact the quality of a shot through inadequate lighting. Environmental conditions, such as a sunset or inconsistent cloud cover, can wreak havoc with footage as well.

Although the reasons may vary, you’ll find a useful collection of tools in After Effects. The footage we’ll show you is bad (in this case purposely so). We’ve exaggerated the problems so they’re easier to see in the book. You can also open the project Ch6_Repair Footage.aep on the book’s DVD to see the damage (and repairs) up close.