Working with large files and lots of tracking data in Mocha AE?

I'll be starting a project soon where there will basically be a 3 minute continuous shot with dozens of planes to track, many of which will exit the frame and then re-enter.

The footage is 4K (though there's a possibility we'll downsize to 2K). So, the source files will be massive (many many many GB's in size).

Is there some sort of "best practices" for handling large files that are multiple minutes long that will have a lot of tracking data throughout the entire shot?

For reference, I'm running AE CS6 (which I believe comes with the equivalent of Mocha 2.7).

To add to Roland's comments, note that you can down-res your clips to smaller size, do your tracking work than re-link the project to full size clips for speed.

It is not always necessary to be working in the full size image. The up-res will scale the shape or track just fine.

-R

Ross Shain
Imagineer Systems
http://www.imagineersystems.com

Hi Josh
1) create a lowrez in AE (ensure that its aspect ratio matches the high rez)
2) track the low rez with mocha
3) apply mocha tracked data to layer in AE (in low rez comp)
4) apply Scale Composition script - File>Scripts>Scale Composition.jsx
set width to actual high rez dimension.
5) place high rez backing/tracking plate into comp - switch off/delete low rez backing/tracking plate
6) replace (alt/option + drag over) insert layer (layer with mocha tracking data)
7) for mocha corner pin data, set the insert layer's Scale to 100%
8) for mocha transform data, place this Expression into the Scale property - value/3
The number 3 should denote the scale factor of the original rez relative to its low rez version. For example, if the original was 1920x1080 and your low rez is 640x360, then the Expression should be value/3
9) for mocha V3, exporting a 3D Cam Solve requires no manual adjustment as the Scale Composition script only affects AE's camera settings

HTH
RoRK

Intensive AE & Mocha Training in Singapore and Malaysia
Adobe ACE/ACI (version 7) & Imagineer Systems Inc Approved Mocha Trainer

[Ross Shain] "after tracking the low res, go to the clip tab and mocha and link the project to the higher res file. mocha will automatically scale up the track or roto data. "

That's awesome Ross! Didn't know that - it's definitely a more seamless workflow.

Cheers
RoRK

Intensive AE & Mocha Training in Singapore and Malaysia
Adobe ACE/ACI (version 7) & Imagineer Systems Inc Approved Mocha Trainer

Hi Josh,
You probably got it sorted by now, but I believe that you simply link the shot to the higher res file.

Best,
Ross

Ross Shain
Imagineer Systems
http://www.imagineersystems.com