Fast-paced Roto and Painting Enhancements in Silhouette 2024.5 from updated Machine Learning Tools
In a significant move, Boris FX has released Silhouette 2024.5, an update that brings a host of new features and enhancements to its roto, paint, and compositing software. The latest version is now available as a standalone application and plugin for popular platforms such as Adobe After Effects/Premiere Pro, Autodesk Flame, Blackmagic Resolve/Fusion, and Foundry Nuke.
One of the most notable additions is the Mask ML Node, which leverages machine learning to create masks quickly and precisely. This innovation streamlines the rotoscoping process, allowing artists to generate accurate masks with minimal manual effort. Another significant feature is the Roto Markup Tool, which enables artists to make annotations and notes directly within the roto workspace, improving collaboration and communication during the roto process.
The user interface of Silhouette 2024.5 has been refined for better usability, with more intuitive controls, optimised layout elements, and a more responsive UI during playback and when dragging through render-intensive nodes/trees. Progress bars have been added for EZ Mask, Flow->ST, Matte Assist ML, and Power Matte, providing users with real-time feedback on the progress of their tasks.
Silhouette 2024.5 also includes upgraded modules such as EXR v3.1 and OpenColorIO v2.2, ensuring smoother operation and integration within VFX pipelines. The Motion Blur Node, powered by Optical Flow ML models, quickly adds realistic motion blur to roto elements, enhancing the integration of roto shapes with live-action footage.
Pricing for Silhouette 2024.5 starts at $495/year or $100/month. Existing customers with an active subscription or upgrade & support plan can upgrade to Silhouette 2024.5 for free.
For those looking to make the most of the new features, director of content, Ben Brownlee, shares top tips on using the Mask ML node and Matte Assist ML for precise animated mattes in seconds. The new release also includes a powerful action for remapping the tracking reference frame without manual corrections, and seamless composites can be achieved with the new Motion Blur node, which helps match motion blur and generate realistic results on time-lapse and retimed shots.
In conclusion, Silhouette 2024.5 reflects a strong focus on integrating AI-driven features, enhancing user experience, and providing more powerful tools for roto and compositing artists to accelerate their workflows with greater precision and control. The updates to Tracking & Effects, including new versions of Mocha Pro and Particle Illusion, further solidify Silhouette's position as a leading choice for visual effects professionals.
Technology advancements are exemplified in Silhouette 2024.5, as it incorporates AI-driven features such as the Mask ML Node and Motion Blur Node, powered by Optical Flow ML models, which streamline the rotoscoping process and add realistic motion blur to roto elements. This technological integration aims to accelerate workflows with greater precision and control for roto and compositing artists.
