create z-depth map/movie with after effects?

kyla

hi all!

I wanna make a movie for a 3D monitor.
The monitor requires a RGB movie and a grayscale movie (for depth).
The last project I've made for this monitor, I've made with 3D studio max.
I've created a grayscale z-depth movie. this worked well for the 3D monitor.

Now I would like to set up a 3D scenery in after effects, with 3D layers and after effects camera.
Do someone know if there is a possibility to create a grayscale z-depth movie out of the 3D scenery in after effects?
And moreover, does this also work for the particles of the trapcode plugin "particular"?

thanks in advance for your answers!
kyla

Jonas · September 11th, 2008, 09:25 AM

I believe Particular has a setting for depth (which could be used to create a depth matte). I think (sorry, I'm not on my home system where i could look) the setting is called Fog. Duplicate your Particular layer and set the Fog color to Black, ( you may need to adjust the Fog Depth) make all of your particles white and render it out as a matte.

As far as the rest of your 3D scene. That sounds like something a Script could take care of. Check in at:

www.aenhancers.com

These guys write GREAT scripts that really enhance the AE workflow. If they haven't written this one yet, they should!

Good luck, Chris

vfxman222 · September 12th, 2008, 03:15 AM

Depth Que is an After effects plug-in that will give you grayscale Z-Depth from any layer that has 3D switched on. If your 3D elements are simple shapes you might even be able to cheat the grayscale with the Ramp filter. You can then use a precomped duplicate of your scene as a depth matte for the Lens Blur filter. I am putting together a video tutorial about AE Z-Depth currently, but it won't be done for a little while, sorry. As far as Particular, you be should able to use the in filter depth settings under "visibility" to get the look you want.

kyla · September 15th, 2008, 01:39 AM

hi!
thanks for your interessting answers. I have to do another project first now but, then I will try these things! If I succeed I will post here again, to tell you!

@ vfxman222 --> do you know from which company "depth que" is?
It would be extrem kind of you if you could tell me, whether you have done the tutorial! It will take 2 or 3 more weeks until I can start the project... Maybe I can come back to you with questions...

Thanks again and have a nice day
kyla

vfxman222 · September 15th, 2008, 11:05 AM

It was originally called Buena Depth Que, I think they are still using that name and DigiEffects own it now. You can easily find it on toolfarm.com. My tutorial won't be done for awhile since I have other work as well to do first. Feel free to email me with questions and I will do my best to answer them. Emai:l torno (@) sydefxink (.) com

vfxman222 · September 15th, 2008, 06:02 PM

Just got an ad for a sale at Toolfarm today and yes it seems that I was right Toolfarm carries the plug-in, DigiEffects does make it now and you can save money on it. Bonus!

http://t.ymlp169.com/ybqbavaumwalaum...qejb/click.php

if this link doesn't work try this one...

http://toolfarm.stores.yahoo.net/diplibcsa.html
(Save 30% During IBC! 30% discount on all Digieffects full versions and bundles of full versions through Sept 17, 2008! Sale excludes upgrades, crossgrades and academic.)

kyla · October 16th, 2008, 01:47 AM

hi!

thanks for the answers!
I've tested the "Depth Cue" Plugin from Digieffects yesterday and it worked well!
Great! This is the solution for my project!

Thanks alot and have a nice day,
kyla

vfxman222 · October 16th, 2008, 02:23 PM

You're welcome, glad it worked out for you. I love it, it really comes in handy.

jgwang99 · October 29th, 2008, 09:24 AM

Hi,

I'm also trying to work out a 2D to 3D video conversion for a 3D display.

Could it possible to create the depth map right from a 2D video with the "Depth Cue" plugin?

If not, could anyone have any idea on how to get it with AE?

Any hints and help would be greatly appreciated!

vfxman222 · October 29th, 2008, 10:57 AM

Depth Que takes depth info from the After Effects camera only unfortunately. You can cheat creating a Z-Depth matte by hand. It's a little crude, but possible. The more detailed your shot the more difficult it is though. You can use the ramp plug-in and various layers to recreate the environment in flat greyscale gradient form. If your shot has a moving camera, then god help you, it might be more trouble than it's worth to do this method. Do a google search for "faking z-depth" and you should find some basic photoshop tutorial concepts that translate to the AE environment.

jgwang99 · October 29th, 2008, 09:05 PM

Thanks David,

Your tips are very valuable to me.

vfxman222 · October 30th, 2008, 01:23 AM

You're welcome. I would have pointed you to my video tutorial for Z-Depth, but I haven't finished it yet.

Hopefully I'll have it done before Xmas maybe.

jgwang99 · October 30th, 2008, 05:38 AM

Hi David,

Please keep me informed when you finish the z-depth tutorial.

I DO appreciate your kind help.

draper3000 · January 28th, 2009, 04:25 AM

Morning
Great little set of responses here, and thankyou for the tip for the plugin, Depth Que.

Can I just ask have you created the Tutorial yet?

Thanks

Jon

vfxman222 · January 28th, 2009, 01:25 PM

Unfortunately, I have not been able to put the tutorial together yet. Been slammed with work. I still plan on doing it as soon as I can. Thanks for the continued interest in it.