In addition, unlike when using Adobe After Effects, Final Cut Pro does not automatically set key frames. However, this will probably not be a necessary step for most and the 'Analyze All' button is not included in the Final Cut Pro version due to Apple's FX plug API (Application Program Interface which allows a software program to interact with other software) making including it difficult. If there are many changes in the skins appearance over the course of the clip due to lighting, angle, or scene change, you have the option to click on the 'Analyze All' button which will literally analyze the clip frame for frame. A Bezier keyframe is another option should you want to manually key your parameters and a Hold keyframe if your clips has multiple lighting or scene changes. Three types of keyframes can be set, the Linear keyframe will probably be the one you most use when there is little color variation or lighting changes as you might have in a talking head situation.
Should there be lighting changes which affect the image throughout the clip you can move the playhead to those areas and click on the 'Analyze Frame' again which, by default, will analyze the second frame and keyframe that in a linear manner so that abrupt changes in skin tone will not occur to the audience. Beauty Box looks at the frame, changes the values appropriately, and sets key frames. There are no analyzed files stored somewhere as there are for Final Cut's Smooth Cam filter and other filters that do analysis. Final Cut Pro requires clicking this twice in different parts of the clip. In many cases, clicking this just once in After Effects will do. This analysis sets key frames for that frame and clip. Once applied in Adobe After Effects or Final Cut Pro, you are instructed to set the playhead upon a good frame that best shows as much face as possible and click on the 'Analyze Frame' button. Note there is a slight softening of the image in the blinds behind her face. Pore size and creating a natural smoothness to actress Renee Gray's complexion. With the original frame in After Effects on the left, you can see how the frame on the right with the applied Beauty Box has done an excellent job of reducing skin glare, Using it was really quite simple and automatic. Its effects are subtle, as they should be, which only makes it that much more valuable a tool to have. It is about doing the final retouching to facial characteristics and skin tones once you have created your sequence. There are some differences between AE's parameters and Final Cut Pro's but nothing to confuse the user.ĭigital Anarchy's Beauty Box is really not about creating fancy effects and appearances that stand out from the crowd, though I suppose one could create them to some degree.
It is, by design, easy to use and intuitive even though the downloadable manual provides a considerable amount of additional and useful information, which helps to clarify many of the manually adjusted parameters that Beauty Box incorporates.īeauty Box parameters as seen in Adobe After Effects.
One serial number is all I needed for both the Final Cut Pro and Adobe After Effects installations and both went smoothly.īeauty Box is a skin retouching software, which uses Face Detection to identify skin tones at the same time as it preserves important facial features. Looking to get back into the video genre, Jim Tierney and Digital Anarchy have produced 'Beauty Box' for both Final Cut Pro and Adobe After Effects. Not too long ago they sold most of their video software to Red Giant and focused on the marketing of their Adobe Photoshop filters and other products. I still think their Psunami plug in for After Effects rocks and rolls and have used it often over the years. Digital Anarchy has produced some truly fine plug-ins over the years.