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Video editing isn’t just about trimming and sequencing clips — it’s also about blending elements together to create visuals that wouldn’t exist otherwise. In this unit, you’ll explore the tools that let you remove backgrounds, layer images and video, and merge multiple takes into one seamless scene.
You’ll learn how to:
Use green screen (chroma keying) to replace backgrounds.
Blend still images and video clips with opacity and blending modes.
Apply track mattes to create effects like transparent titles with video playing inside text.
Use masks and tracking to blur faces or combine multiple takes into one shot.
By the end of this unit, you’ll have the skills to build creative composites that look professional and imaginative — the same techniques used in movies, trailers, and music videos.
Create an Alien
Create an Alien
Use the Ultra Key effect to remove a green screen background.
Adjust settings (Matte Generation, Matte Cleanup, Spill Suppression) for clean results.
Place your subject over a new background (e.g., an alien landscape).
Tip: Ensure even lighting on the green screen for best results.
Blending Visuals
Blending Visuals
Overlay still images onto video for creative composites.
Resize and position images on the timeline above video.
Adjust opacity or use blending modes for a natural fit.
Great for adding graphics, textures, or visual interest.
Using Mask to Merge Multiple Takes
Using Mask to Merge Multiple Takes
Layer multiple takes on the timeline.
Use masks to “cut out” parts of each take.
Blend them together to create one seamless clip (e.g., one actor appearing twice in the same shot).
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
Green Screen (Chroma Key) lets you replace backgrounds.
Blending Modes change how layers interact.
Track Mattes use shapes/text/images to control visibility.
Masks allow you to isolate or hide parts of a clip.
These tools let you combine multiple elements into one shot, giving you creative freedom beyond basic editing.
TrackMatte
Track Matte
Track Matte
A matte layer controls which parts of another clip are visible.
Place the matte on a track above the video.
Use for advanced composites (shapes, patterns, text cutouts).
Track Matte Text
Transparent Title
Transparent Title
Use a Track Matte with text to make video appear inside words.
Creates professional-looking titles (common in trailers and promos).
Works best with bold fonts for visibility.
Motion Mask
Masking & Tracking
Masking & Tracking
Add a mask to blur faces, logos, or sensitive info.
Use tracking so the blur follows the subject automatically.
Adjustable feathering for smooth edges.
Blending Modes
Blending Modes
Blending Modes
Control how two layers interact (similar to Photoshop).
Common modes:
Multiply (darkens)
Screen (lightens)
Overlay (adds contrast)
Experiment to create texture, light leaks, or stylized looks.
Task – Green Screen & Track Mattes Practice
Task – Green Screen & Track Mattes Practice
Objective
Objective
Demonstrate your learning from this unit’s tutorials by creating a practice reel that shows how you’ve applied different compositing techniques. This is not your final project — it’s a showcase of your tutorial work.
Instructions
Instructions
Collect Your Work
Choose 4–6 short examples created while following the tutorials in this unit (green screen, blending visuals, track matte, blur face, etc.).
Before & After Layout
For each example, show a quick “before” version (original clip) and then the “after” version (with the effect applied).
Keep each before/after example around 5–10 seconds.
Titles
Insert a simple title card before each example naming the effect (e.g., “Green Screen – Alien Landscape”, “Blending Modes”, “Blur Face with Tracking”).
Spacing
Add 1 second of black screen between examples to separate them clearly.
Final Assembly
Arrange all examples into a single sequence.
Total runtime should be 1–2 minutes depending on how many examples you include.
Export
Export as H.264 .mp4 for submission.
Save as: GS_Matte_Demo_YourName.mp4.
Deliverables
Deliverables
Final practice reel video (1–2 minutes) with:
4–6 examples
Before & After comparison
Titles for each effect
1 second black between examples
Reflection (Brief)
Reflection (Brief)
Write 3–5 sentences or include a voice over in your video answering:
Which effect was easiest to learn?
Which effect was most challenging?
How do you see yourself using these effects in a creative project?
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