Ways around to masking in Sony Vegas Platinum

[Ghost Dust]

I was wondering whether anyone could help me with this query.

I have bought Sony Vegas Platinum 11 (32bit PC) and its apparent the masking function is not there ( i realise it is only in Pro )

Is there anyway around this ? I have looked at the mask generator within the FX but can't seen to get it to do what im trying to do. I have tried to use the Cookie Cutters - but they seem to just cut away rather than grab hold of a certain area to crop/pan/effect ... I am trying to create the Demon Face look like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVpUAjxDOv4&list=SP6947438DA744D525&index=29 ( you should check out Little Rich's channel - he is well cool - Two dwarves in a bath tub - classic ) ! Anyway, this is what i'm trying to to -

I have also tried using the Pinch/Punch - which creates a similar effect but - the selected areas stay in the same spot and don't move with the subject :-S

Can anyone help - is it possible to mask elsewhere and then import into Sony Platinum ? If anyone can bung me a Youtube tutorial on it that would be great ! ? ! ( i seem to be hitting dead end videos all the time - with either wrong information - or for Sony Pro )

Thankkeeees - love and peas x

[poisondeathray]

Does this version of vegas allow keyframing of effects like the pro version? You could keyframe the cookie cutter so it "sticks" as the face moves

is it possible to mask elsewhere and then import into Sony Platinum ?

You can't import a bezier mask from another program, but one workaournd would be to do the roto work in another program , then export out a luma matte (it's a black and white image sequence, 100% white would be where the mask is at 100% transparency, feathered edges or variable transparency would be shades in between, black is completely opqaue) . You can composite using multiple tracks in vegas (I'm not sure, but some vegas versions have limited # of tracks)

But if you're going to use other programs, then you might as well use those other programs for this effect . (They are better suited for this, more tools like motion tracking)

[budwzr]

Use the cookie cutter and make a PNG snap from the preview window set to Full/Best. Also, you can render out a PNG Still Sequence, Vegas can import that as a video.

AFA the bezier mask, the Studio Line doesn't have it, but you can make up your own shapes to use as masks, and deform and fuzz the edges, etc.

I'm not that familiar with the Studio version, but you should be able to do basic compositing, like masking.

Another way to create a mask is to use Mask Generator or Secondary Color Corrector. Use the "Luminance" setting against a black background to create the mask. Example: A pink balloon against a black background would create a cutout of the balloon, then you can change the balloon color, shape etc.

It's just like PhotoShop. Tracks are the same thing as layers. PhoShop Elements probably restricts compositing too. That's where all the real power is.

[Ghost Dust]

Thanks Guys, yes there is a keyframing function in Platinum - my god i need to keep re reading these instructions before its gonna sink in i think ! Ill try both your suggestions !! thanks peeps xx

[budwzr]

Keyframing is simply a visual way to change parameters.

[Ghost Dust]

AHH guys thanks so much -yer key framing is easier than it sounds lol

my first Sony Vegas intro -handmade (not template)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jR0L7TkcA0&feature=youtu.be

hehehe

thanks again for all your help !