How to Mask Fire on a Black Background in Final Cut

[pschmidt]

I am using Final Cut on a MacBook Pro.

I have a loop clip of fire on a black background and I want to put the fire part over another piece of footage so it looks like what is behind is on fire.

How can I mask the black part of the looped fire clip to only show the fire and not the black background?

Thanks

Phil

 

[element80]

If the whole fire clip is on black, then you should be able to key the black out.

 

[russell-lewis]

Yep definitely use a chroma keyer on that one.

But, you may find the fire is distorted where it feathers into the black.
I haven't had much experience with Final Cut, mainly with Combustion but if Final Cut has some particle effects try putting the fire in manually. If Final Cut doesn't, have a look into "Particle Illusion" from http://www.wondertouch.com
A useful tool specially for particle effects.

Rusty

 

[BenB]

Key it in Motion, FCP has a decent keyer if you use it properly, shouldn't be much of a problem. I've keyed fire, it can be done, just take your time, use spill suppression filters, too.