Introduction to Fusion for Creating Motion Graphics

Presenter: Tim

Video Overview

• Objective: Simplify the use of Fusion for creating motion graphics, specifically those working with DaVinci Resolve.
• Focus: Understanding node-based systems and simplified motion graphics creation through a lower third animation.

Key Points:

1. Understanding Nodes in Fusion:

   • Nodes are the building blocks in Fusion's compositing software.
   • There are different types of nodes: Media In, Media Out, Generator, Merge, Mask, and Effect nodes.
   • Media In/Out Nodes: Links between the Edit and Fusion pages.
   • Generator Nodes: Create images, colors, or text.
   • Merge Nodes: Combine multiple elements where a triangle represents input and a square denotes output.
   • Mask Nodes: Used for cutting sections out of an image, defining visible areas with the help of black and white masks.
   • Effect Nodes: Affect other nodes by applying effects like transform or color correction.

2. Creating a Simple Lower Third Animation:

   • Adding Text: Use a Text+ node to create and place text on the video.
   • Working with Merges: Combine text with background using Merge nodes. Foreground goes over the background.
   • Adding Background and Effects:
     • Generator Nodes: Create images or colors.
     • Merge process: Background nodes form a layer under the text.
     • Effect Nodes: Used for applying effects like transformations. They act on the connected elements in the node graph.

3. Customization in Fusion:

   • Adjust text properties, such as size and position within the layout tab of the text node.
   • Add masks to define the visible areas of an image; white shows, black hides.
   • Use the spline editor for animation, set keyframes for dynamic motion.

4. Using the Timeline:

   • Fusion uses a frame-based timeline.
   • It counts frames, but this may not always align with the time code of your timeline.
   • Keyframes dictate where and when certain transformations occur.

5. Creating a Lower Third:

   • Generate text using the Text+ node.
   • Create a background generator node for contrast.
   • Use Merge nodes to overlay text on the background and the video.
   • Use a Transform effect node to handle movement, with keyframes for animation.
   • Add masks if needed, e.g., for lower thirds that require a solid background for text.
   • Experiment with shading and drop shadows for depth.

6. Saving Templates:

   • A new Fusion composition can be saved as a template with power bin feature in the software, allowing reuse across different projects.

Overall, the video provides a breakdown of using Fusion for motion graphics creation, tackling fears around node-based systems by guiding viewers systematically through creating a simple lower third animation in DaVinci Resolve.