Imagine needing to create an action scene where the main character is placed in a virtual environment.
Normally, this would require using a green screen to separate the subject from the background, and then, following that up with manual rotoscoping—where a VFX artist carefully traces the outline of the character or object frame by frame.
This process is time-consuming and can take hours or even days to complete.
Thankfully, advanced tools that use artificial intelligence (AI) make this process much faster and easier for today’s video editors. Here’s how.
What is AI-assisted rotoscoping?
AI-assisted rotoscoping is an advanced video editing technique to automate the separation of objects or characters from the background in a video, typically for VFX or compositing. AI’s ability to track/identify objects or characters and separate them from a background is possible through deep learning algorithms trained on large datasets of images and videos.
Fun fact: The term rotoscoping comes from the original device called the “rotoscope,” invented by Max Fleischer in 1915. This device projected films frame by frame onto a drawing table, which would allow artists to paint or trace directly over the frames to create realistic animations. Modern techniques no longer require this much of a manual process, but the term “rotoscoping” is still used to describe the technique of visually separating elements in a video.
How does AI-assisted rotoscoping work?
Automated rotoscoping generally works this way:
- AI analyzes each frame of the video, automatically tracking the movement of the object or character that we want to separate.
- AI generates accurate masks (digital outlines that define the areas we need to isolate in the image or video, similar to a stencil). These masks can then be used for visual compositions, green screen work, and advanced visual effects.
The automatic tracking is made possible by deep learning algorithms trained to recognize visual patterns and motion with high accuracy.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of AI-assisted rotoscoping?
AI-assisted rotoscoping offers several advantages, but it also comes with some limitations.
| What are its strengths? | What are its weaknesses? |
| 1. It can automate tracking and isolation and speed up the process.
2. It can work on challenging scenarios with motion or intricate edges. 3. It reduces manual labor. |
1. It can be inaccurate with fine details (like hair) or intricate backgrounds.
2. It relies on the quality and variety of AI training data (i.e., it’s less effective with unfamiliar footage). 3. It still needs human oversight for final adjustments and corrections. |
What is the best AI rotoscoping tool?
Some of the leading tools for AI-assisted rotoscoping in videos are the following:
1. Runway ML
Runway ML is known for its simplicity and ease of use. This browser-based solution offers intuitive, automatic rotoscoping. This tool is ideal for video editors seeking quick results without a steep learning curve.
2. Adobe Sensei
Adobe Sensei is integrated into popular applications like After Effects and Premiere Pro, automating mask creation within these widely-used programs. This tool is ideal for video editing professionals familiar with Adobe software.
3. NukeX
¡NukeX is a professional-grade software designed for demanding cinematic projects. It provides advanced AI-assisted rotoscoping tools that offer maximum precision and quality. This tool is ideal for high-end productions that demand the utmost in detail and accuracy.
AI-assisted rotoscoping can offer speed, precision and accessibility
AI-assisted rotoscoping automates background removal and graphic integration, which saves time and labor costs. Even if it needs human oversight for final adjustments and corrections, it allows video creators to achieve professional-quality results without advanced editing skills.
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