Creating a Replicator Effect with Premiere Elements 7
- What Is the 'Replicator' Effect?
- Filming Tips
- Step 1: Setting Up Your Project
- Step 2: Adding the Media to the Project and the Timeline
- Step 3: Creating a Clean Background and Cleaning the Scene
- Step 4: Marking the 'Appearing' Point for the Cup
- Step 5: Creating a Fading Mask
- Step 6: Adding the Beam of Shimmering Light
- Final Steps: Test Render and Add Sound
- Resources
The TV show Star Trek: The Next Generation introduced various special effects to the Star Trek universe, but one that stands out in many people's minds is Captain Picard ordering "Tea, Earl Grey, hot" from his replicator, a wall dispenser that can magically materialize pretty much any food or drink. In this article, you'll learn how to create this effect.
What Is the 'Replicator' Effect?
For the sake of this article, the Replicator effect creates the illusion of a beverage in a glass materializing on demand. The glass is then picked up by the actor to show the audience that the glass really exists.
In this short article, you'll learn how to create this effect entirely within Premiere Elements 7no other application is needed. Step by step, you'll learn how to use a garbage matte to "hide" the cup, how to create a "clean" background, and how to use Opacity keyframing to reveal the cup slowly. You'll also add realism to this effect by importing and using the Beam of Shimmering Light effect created in a previous Premiere Elements article.