Ultra Tutorial 18: Using the Hidden B-sources in Master Set Libraries

By Karl Soule'

Two of the Master Set Libraries have sets with a hidden B-Source. These are the Conference Room A in MSL 3, and the Faith set in MSL 4. These hidden B-sources are designed to work with images that are partially transparent, so you can add a logo or symbol to the B-Source, and it will look like the image is part of the wall. To start with, here is a sample image file to use during the tutorial: cross.zip (ZIP, 153K) Load up the sample clip called "Suzy - Wide Standing," and key it as normal. Then, go to the Virtual Set tab, and double-click on the Faith folder. Double-click on Faith Cam 1B (Wide.)

Fig 2: The Faith set, with nothing in the B-source Now, drag and drop the cross.jpg file into the B-source. You should see the stained-glass cross appear on the wall behind the altar.

Fig 3: Faith set with Cross.png as the B-source

Let's move and resize Suzy into the scene, using the controls in the Scene tab. Click on the Input Clip icon, and in the scene tab, use the Input Position control to move Suzy over to the right.

Fig 4: Moving Suzy over By using the Size in Scene slider, we can also adjust Suzy's height, helping to sell the scene even better.

Fig 5: Resizing Suzy to fit Finally, we can adjust the size of the cross. Select the B-source icon, and then use the Size in Scene slider. With the B-source selected, this slider will adjust the B-source image.

Fig 6: Adjusting the size of the cross If you need to empty out the B-source, go to the Backgrounds tab, and load the image called 640x480 Alpha. this will make the B-source "invisible" again.