Create Ai VFX (Visual Effects) | With Runway Gen-3 | Full Tutorial

Atomic Gains
17 Aug 202414:21

TLDRThis tutorial showcases how to create stunning visual effects (VFX) using Runway Gen-3's video generator. The video demonstrates how to blend VFX like explosions, growing plants, floating objects, and realistic simulations into personal footage. Tips for achieving a static shot and matching color tones are shared, along with a step-by-step guide on editing the VFX with original footage using a free video editor. The result is professional-looking VFX without a high budget, encouraging viewers to experiment with creative prompts and have fun.

Takeaways

  • ๐ŸŽฅ **Using Runway Gen-3**: The tutorial uses Runway Gen-3 to create VFX shots.
  • ๐Ÿ’ฅ **Creating Explosions**: One of the effects demonstrated is the creation of an explosion after getting into a car.
  • ๐Ÿ“ธ **Camera Settings**: Locking focus and turning off auto white balance are recommended for consistency.
  • ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ **Screen Grab**: Taking a still frame at the desired effect point is crucial for integration.
  • ๐Ÿ” **Choosing Frame**: Deciding whether the effect is the first or last frame affects how the video transitions.
  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ **Fire and Smoke Simulation**: Runway can generate realistic fire and smoke effects.
  • ๐ŸŒฑ **Plant Growth**: The tutorial shows how to make a plant grow using a static image.
  • ๐ŸŽธ **Floating Objects**: Creating a floating or levitating effect, like a guitar, is demonstrated.
  • ๐Ÿ’ง **Liquid Simulation**: Simulating elements like paint falling on a car is achievable with Runway.
  • ๐Ÿ–Œ๏ธ **Animating Images**: Images within a video, like a bird in a book, can be animated while keeping the rest of the scene static.
  • ๐ŸŽจ **Video Editing**: The tutorial covers how to edit VFX footage with the original footage using color grading and masking.

Q & A

  • What is the main focus of the video tutorial?

    -The main focus of the video tutorial is to demonstrate how to create visually impressive VFX shots and blend them into personal footage using Runway Gen-3 video generator.

  • Why is it important to lock the camera and focus when filming for VFX?

    -Locking the camera and focus is crucial for VFX to ensure consistency and stability in the footage, which aids in seamlessly blending the generated VFX with the original footage.

  • What is a 'clean plate' in the context of VFX?

    -A 'clean plate' refers to footage that includes the background without the subject or object that will be replaced or enhanced with VFX, allowing for easier integration of visual effects.

  • How does the video creator suggest generating a car explosion effect?

    -The video creator suggests taking a still frame from the point in the video where the effect should occur, uploading it to Runway, and using a prompt like 'still tripod shot of a car exploding' to generate the VFX.

  • What is the purpose of using the 'last frame' option in Runway?

    -Using the 'last frame' option in Runway allows the generated video to start from the final state of the effect and then reverse it, which can create a unique visual narrative.

  • How can one create a growing plant effect in Runway?

    -To create a growing plant effect, one can upload an image of a plant into Runway, use a prompt like 'static shot of a plant morphing into a bigger plant,' and experiment with different prompts to achieve the desired static shot.

  • What is the significance of the shadow detail in the smoke simulation?

    -The shadow detail in the smoke simulation adds to the realism and immersion of the VFX, making the visual effect more convincing and visually appealing.

  • How does the video creator suggest editing the VFX footage with the original footage?

    -The video creator suggests using a video editor like Premiere Pro or CapCut to align the VFX footage with the original footage, adjusting color grading for consistency, and using masking techniques to blend the effects seamlessly.

  • What are some of the simulation types that Runway excels at according to the tutorial?

    -Runway excels at element simulations like fire, smoke, and physics-based simulations, as demonstrated by the car paint falling and the glass filling up with liquid examples in the tutorial.

  • How can one animate an image within a video using Runway?

    -To animate an image within a video, one can upload an image into Runway, use a prompt like 'camera is still, the image on the book comes alive,' and Runway will generate an animation that keeps the rest of the video static.

Outlines

00:00

๐ŸŽฅ Creating VFX Shots with Runway Gen 3

The video introduces a tutorial on creating stunning visual effects (VFX) shots and blending them into personal footage. The host demonstrates using Runway's Gen 3 video generator to produce VFX, starting with an example of a car explosion. Key tips include locking the camera on a tripod, setting manual focus and white balance, and capturing a still frame at the desired effect point. The tutorial shows how to input the still frame into Runway, choose between first and last frame options, and craft prompts for generating the VFX. The host also explores creating a plant growth effect, emphasizing the importance of keeping the camera still and experimenting with prompts for the best results.

05:00

๐ŸŒฟ Levitating Objects and Simulations in Runway

This section delves into creating a levitating effect on an object, using a guitar as an example. The host inputs an image of the guitar into Runway with a prompt for it to start floating, achieving a realistic effect with a natural shadow. The video then moves on to explore Runway's capabilities in simulating elements like fire, smoke, and physics-based effects, such as paint falling on a car. The host also attempts to fill a glass with liquid, noting Runway's accuracy in recognizing the glass's volume. Additional examples of simulation VFX are shown, highlighting Runway's effectiveness in creating realistic visual effects.

10:01

๐ŸŽจ Animating Images and Editing Techniques

The final paragraph discusses animating a static image within a video, exemplified by bringing a bird on a book to life while keeping the rest of the scene still. The host then transitions into editing the VFX footage with the original footage using a free video editor, CapCut. Techniques covered include color grading to match the original footage, using masks for seamless integration, and adding cinematic effects like zoom and black bars. The host also shares a short film created using the techniques discussed, emphasizing the potential for high-quality VFX without a large budget. The video concludes with a call to action for viewers to experiment with Runway and share their creative prompts.

Mindmap

Keywords

๐Ÿ’กVFX (Visual Effects)

Visual effects, or VFX, refer to the digital or practical effects used to create images, objects, or environments that are not physically present in the filming environment. In the context of the video, VFX are used to create dynamic and eye-catching content for social media posts and storytelling. Examples from the script include creating an explosion effect after the speaker gets into a car, which showcases the power of VFX in enhancing the visual narrative.

๐Ÿ’กRunway Gen-3

Runway Gen-3 is a video generator software mentioned in the video, which is used to create VFX shots. It is a tool that allows users to generate complex visual effects with relative ease, as demonstrated by the video creator who uses it to produce various effects like explosions and plant growth. The software is integral to the video's theme of creating impressive VFX with accessible technology.

๐Ÿ’กAutofocus

Autofocus is a camera feature that automatically adjusts the focus to keep the subject in sharp view. The video advises against using autofocus when filming for VFX, as it may cause the focus to shift during the scene, which could complicate the compositing process. This advice is crucial for achieving a professional look in the final VFX composite.

๐Ÿ’กAuto White Balance

Auto white balance is a camera setting that automatically adjusts the color temperature to ensure natural colors in different lighting conditions. The video recommends turning off auto white balance to prevent color shifts throughout the video, which is important for maintaining color consistency when blending VFX shots with original footage.

๐Ÿ’กStill Frame

A still frame is a single, static image extracted from a video. In the video, the creator takes a still frame at the moment the effect is to occur, which is then used as a reference point in Runway Gen-3 for generating the VFX. This technique is essential for aligning the VFX with the original footage.

๐Ÿ’กPrompt

In the context of the video, a prompt is a textual description or command given to the Runway Gen-3 software to guide the generation of a specific VFX shot. For instance, the creator uses prompts like 'still tripod shot of a car exploding' to instruct the software on the desired outcome, which is crucial for achieving the intended visual effect.

๐Ÿ’กSimulation

Simulation in VFX refers to the process of creating realistic representations of physical phenomena, such as fire, smoke, or paint. The video demonstrates Runway Gen-3's capability to simulate these elements, which is vital for creating convincing and immersive visual effects. An example is the simulation of green paint falling on a car, which shows the software's ability to understand and render realistic physics.

๐Ÿ’กMasking

Masking in video editing is the technique of hiding or revealing parts of a video layer. The video shows how to use masking to blend the VFX with the original footage, such as when the creator adds a mask to the growing plant effect to ensure it appears within the shot without overlapping with his hand. This technique is essential for creating seamless VFX integration.

๐Ÿ’กColor Grading

Color grading is the process of adjusting the color and tone of a video to achieve a specific look or mood. In the video, the creator uses color grading to match the VFX footage with the original footage, ensuring they have a consistent appearance. This step is crucial for maintaining visual coherence in the final video.

๐Ÿ’กCompound Clip

A compound clip in video editing is a group of video layers that are merged into a single layer, allowing for easier editing and effects application. The video creator uses compound clips to combine the original footage with the VFX, making it simpler to apply further edits and effects, such as camera movements or filters.

๐Ÿ’กCinematic Bars

Cinematic bars are black bars added to the top and bottom of a video frame to create a widescreen, cinematic look. The video creator adds these bars to the final composition for a more filmic appearance, which enhances the overall aesthetic of the video and contributes to the professional finish.

Highlights

Learn how to create mindblowing VFX shots and blend them into your footage.

Use Runway Gen-3 video generator for creating VFX shots.

Explosions are impressive effects that can be generated.

Lock camera focus and auto white balance for consistency.

Take a snapshot at the point where the effect should happen.

Choose between using the snapshot as the first or last frame of the VFX.

Use prompts like 'still tripod shot' for static effects.

Generate a 5-second VFX clip of a car exploding.

Experiment with prompts to achieve desired static shots.

Create a plant growing effect with a static shot prompt.

Ensure you have a clean plate version for blending effects.

Edit VFX footage with original footage using color grading and masking.

Add camera movement and cinematic black bars for a professional look.

Create a floating or levitating effect with a simple prompt.

Runway excels at simulations like fire, smoke, and paint.

Animate images within a video while keeping the rest static.

Stitch VFX with original footage using masking and color matching.

Create a short film using all the techniques and add sound effects.

Powerful tool for creating professional VFX without a huge budget.