Chroma Keying More Effectively With Magic Mask + Delta Keyer

Chroma Keying Part 2: Using the machine learning Magic Mask with Fusion’s Delta Keyer for more refined chroma keys

Learn how to use the machine-learning (ML) Magic Mask tool with Fusion’s Delta Keyer for your green screen projects. I’ll show you how ML can generate quick previews for your compositing. Later, the same ML solutions can support the Delta Keyer through Garbage Mattes and Solid Mattes.

Magic Mask: Advantages and limitations

ML keying solutions like the Magic Mask are becoming more powerful but still have limitations. Chroma keying scenarios generally require good contrast between foreground and background elements, which is an ideal starting point for the Magic Mask. However, the Magic Mask still struggles with semitransparent areas, especially around loose hair.

But even a rough keying solution can still help a lot. Often, you can erode the magic mask to use it as a solid matte, or you can dilate and invert it to use it as a garbage matte. This can save a lot of rotoscoping work traditionally associated with chroma keying. It also helps you focus the delta keyer on the most difficult areas: soft edge detail and hair detail.

The Magic Mask does not work well in all circumstances.

For example, in scenarios where multiple actors or objects cross each other during the shot, the magic mask often fails or needs extensive guidance and corrections. We will learn alternative techniques for those cases later in this Insight series.

Sometimes, the magic mask works well in certain areas of the image. For example, you can sometimes mask one object or piece of clothing very well while the mask around the hair is too loose. In this case, you should divide and conquer.

Use the multiple magic masks for different problem areas and choose which ones for solid or garbage masks.

Key takeaways from this Insight

By the end of this Insight you should understand how to:

External Links

Related Mixing Light Insights

Questions or Comments? Join the discussion!

This is an ongoing series. Do you have questions you’d like me to answer in upcoming Insights? Would you like me to host a live webinar to interactively work through problems related to creating excellent chroma keys? Let me know!

– Bernd