Removing objects from video

[lwhistler]

Hello ....... My first post and I'm sure a similar question has been asked before. I'm sure the movies do this sort of editing all the time.


I want to attach a camcorder to a small RC submarine using a 3 foot wooden or plastic rod to get the whole sub in the shot while it's in motion. Is there a way to "photoshop" out the pole in post processing? Would this be done one frame at a time or is there an "action" that will edit the same location over the entire video?

I'm presently using Windows Movie Maker and assume this sort of editing would required me to purchase some pro software and would require a high level of skill.


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Thanks

Len Whistler

[redwudz]

I haven't used it much, but Gimp can do operations similar to Photoshop and it's freeware: http://www.gimp.org/ But that's really for static graphic files.
For video, one of the higher end video editors are a better choice. But not cheap.

You might try VirtualDub with a logo filter. If the rod or wire isn't moving in the scene, should be fairly easy to 'blend' it out. VirtualDub is freeware and if your video is in a AVI type format, it should work fairly well. http://compression.ru/video/logo_removal/index_en.html

If you have to convert to a AVI format, DV-AVI is easy to edit with. VD Mod can also accept MPEG type video and output as AVI type.

And welcome to our forums.

[edDV]

The process is called Rotoscope. You paint out the object field by field.

Chromakey is often used with proper planning but it won't work well underwater.