CGTalk - Programming in Digital Compositing

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Cool_Guy001

11-11-2005, 10:55 AM

Hi All,

I would like to have inputs from all those who know anything about
Programming in the Digital Compositing field. You might not necessarily
code but if you are aware of what goes in, please reply.

Just about anything you know...

===> type of scripting
===> programming languages used
===> custom plug-ins written
===> comping softwares that can be enhanced by coding
===> do compers code or coders comp or both?
===> pay packet (approx)
===> anyting else u would like to add

Your reply would help me and many others.

Thanks for your time,
Guy.

I am fully aware that Digital Compositing is as much of an art as
it is a science.

NickJushchyshyn

11-11-2005, 04:20 PM

Most pro-sumer and pro-grade compositing applications offer SDKs (software development kits) with full documentation and examples. The SDK for After Effects, for example, is a free download from Adobe: http://partners.adobe.com/public/developer/aftereffects/devcenter.html

Other programs are a little more restrictive (need to go through a formal application process to request the SDK). Apple Shake is like this.

For compiled plugins, most development is coded in C/C++.

Pay scales would be entirely based on skill set, and, if you're looking to get hired by a shop, it's generally better to be an artist that codes rather than "just" a coder.

Only other thing to add regarding coding for compositing is that it would be a good idea to get Steve Wright's book Digital Compositing for Film and Video. It's effectively a detailed specification, down to base mathmatic formulas, on the requirements for a basic compositing tool. Having a full understanding of the concepts and equations in this book are fundamental to coding more advanced enhancements to existing apps.

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