Tutorial 14

Using 4:3 sets in a 16:9 project

ULTRA’s Master Set libraries are primarily designed for use in 4:3 production work. However, if you are using ULTRA 2, and want to save out a 16:9 clip, there’s an easy way to use the MSL’s in a 16:9 setting.

First, load your input clip as normal. Key it, and drag and drop in a Virtual set camera angle as a background, just like you would when normally using the sets.

Go to the Output tab, and set the output format to 16:9.

At this point, you’ll see the whole virtual set in the center of the workspace, with black areas on the left and right sides. If a set has a B-source monitor on the edge of the set, the B-source may extend into the black area, as shown below. This is normal.

Go to the Pan/Zoom tab. Enable it.

Click on the first key point. It should be at the very beginning of the clip (00:00:00:00.)

Change the Z value to -0.333.

Now, click on the end keyframe in the list.

Change the Z value to -0.333.

This trick will crop the top and bottom of the set to fit the 16:9 workspace.

If the framing isn’t exactly the way you’d like it, you can adjust the X and Y values to get the precise framing you want for your shot. Just be sure that the values for both keyframes match, or you’ll have an unwanted pan/zoom effect.