Motion Graphics and Live Action: A Trendy Style

The use of motion graphics in live-action scenes is becoming increasingly common — and I’m definitely not complaining about it.

Today I wanted to share a series of videos that all follow the same animation principle: very “pictogram-like” graphics — minimal, clean, and informative — animated on top of live video using what I consider to be the four main principles of visual effects and animation on filmed scenes:

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Stranger Than a Fiction - Opening Titles

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BMW - Efficient Dynamics

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AXA -Automedication

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AXA - Livret

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AXA - Dépannage

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AXA - Garantie Joker

• Tracking: This method, using software such as After Effects, mocha, boujou, icarus, etc., analyzes the movement of the real camera to naturally integrate fictional elements into a scene. You’ll find in my tutorial section, as well as all over the web, many video tutorials covering the topic ;)
• Rotoscoping: When adding fictional elements over a video, if you want your object to blend perfectly into the scene, you’ll usually need to rotoscope... It’s long, it’s tedious, but it’s incredibly effective and essential to ensure that real objects in the shot pass in front of and mask the digitally added elements. This can be done directly in After Effects, but it’s even better to use tools specifically designed for the task, like Motor by Imagineer Systems.
• Color grading and lighting: This involves adjusting the colorimetry of the different layers of effects and animations we’ve added to our filmed sequence so that the fictional elements blend seamlessly with the video. A well-placed light, colors that fit naturally with the environment, and a shadow interacting with the floor or furniture — and the magic happens!
• Talent and creativity: Well yes, you always need a bit of that too :)

And since images speak louder than words, why not watch the very instructive making-of of the opening video for "Stranger Than Fiction", included in the playlist above? If you’re not afraid of English, you’ll see step by step — from storyboard to final production — how the people behind these amazing videos think and work:

MK12
Stranger than fiction - Making Of

The effects were created by MK12 Studio, and I must say — it’s not just close to perfect… no. It is perfect! These are the kinds of projects that make me want to improve a little more every day! Don’t they inspire you too?