Re: 3d

3D is a big world. I have learned a little about Zaxwerks - it's fairly inexpensive, it's a nice tool for creating 3D logos, etc., and that wasn't too difficult. But I work with some 3D artists who can create completely photo-realistic 3D environments, and I can assure you that it's a full-time job for them, and I have no idea how they do it. And for the sake of my own health and sanity, I have no intention of learning.

It's interesting to me how being an editor is no longer just looking for the most effective ways to cut pieces of video together. The "fix it in post" mentality, combined with the advances in technology and speed, has given us great opportunities to be creative--which can be both a curse and a blessing! But it's also forced us all to become motion graphics artists, colorists, graphic designers, de facto producers, and the most maddening to me, IT experts.

More to the point, though, is that it can't hurt to add a little 3D to your arsenal, but I'd keep it simple unless that's an area you want to dive into full steam. I've found that it's more important to understand how to seamlessly integrate the higher-end 3D work into my programs, and that means mastering chromakey and tracking. Understanding how these can all work together can keep you in control of a project, then you can contract the 3D work and be the guy who puts it all together.

Good Luck,

Larry Melton