CHAPTER 9: INTEGRATION WITH ULEAD PRODUCTS 181alpha channel described above. But unlike alpha channels being only a channel inan image, mattes are complete images you can use in your projects to definewhich areas of your video become transparent, which remain opaque. And again,you can use a single image as a motionless mask for the whole duration of yourvideo clip, or you can use an animated sequence of masks for the same length.First, create masks in PhotoImpact, then import them into the Timeline placing ontop of a video track. Mattes are described in detail in the section “Working withmattes” on page 114.COOL 3D Production Studio filesOne of the most exciting features in MediaStudioPro is working with 3D computer generatedgraphics. Having solid support for COOL 3DProduction Studio is simply cool - your imaginationis the limit.Talking about 3D is beyond the scope of this book,but you can create great-looking 3D text and logoelements for use in your video productions.There are three ways to export a MediaStudio Pro - compatible file format fromCool 3D:• C3D file: MSP can directly import COOL 3D Production Studio project files(.c3d).• COOL 3D Production Studio can export a 32-bit .avi video file with alphachannel; this method is perfect for compositing work. Alpha channel in the filewill make overlaying easy.• The third option is to export it as a sequence of images.An important thing is to use the right settings when outputting sequences fromCOOL 3D. Make sure to output frame-based image sequences from COOL 3D. Also,keep in mind the target format and frame rate of the video project 3D images willbe used in. It is always possible to resize the 3D clips later in Media Studio Pro, butit will take needless effort to do that.Refer to COOL 3D Production Studio documentation for instructions on exportingimage sequences and creating video files with animated 3D objects.
