Video editor capable of drawing circles

[w3tno]

On occasion I have the need to take an existing video and mark an object or face by drawing a circle around the object. What type of video editor allows you to do this?
-- John

[admin]

This is easily* done in Adobe Premiere Pro (CS-CS5). Or even older versions of Premiere (6-7).

You can do all kinds of advanced motion tracking with it, too -- like highlighting criminals in surveillance videos.
The circles follow the path of the person.

There's specialty software out there, too, for media forensic specialists. For example, dTective and MotionDSP Ikena.

I don't really know of any easy to use freeware or cheapware -- not to do this.
This sort of task isn't really part of the normal amateur/hobby crowd, so I don't really see it done.


*NOTE: How easy it is really depends on your NLE abilities. It has a learning curve, like most professional software!

[admin]

Start watching the attached video from 8:20.
The last two minutes are dedicated to adding circles in Premiere Pro. Looks to be CS3 or CS4.

Quote:

In part 2 of this podcast, host Jeff Schell shows you how to take a clip of a football game -- or any sports event -- and export a frame of video to Adobe Photoshop in order to create ESPN-style visual effects, such as having two players briefly grow and shrink on the screen to highlight them.
<snip>
Finally, Jeff adds a simple Premiere Pro title containing two circle objects to help make the desired players stand out.

from http://audiovideoproducer.digitalmed....jsp?id=304231
(Note: Their site is SLLLOOOOWWWWW. That's why I just attached the MP4 for you here.)

You must be logged in to view this content; either login or register for the forum. The attached screen shots, before/after images, photos and graphics are created/posted for the benefit of site members. And you are invited to join our digital media community.

Learning how to import video to Premiere is somewhat basic, fairly easy.
Learning how to add circles is rather easy, too.
Motion tracking takes more effort, but can be done.

There's some REALLY lousy motion tracking video tutorials on Youtube. Lots of rambling, and quality isn't really as good as it should be for a small screen size. If you want a good video on this, let me know. I can either find one from a pro, or possibly try and make one myself.

[w3tno]

Many thanks for your response.

[admin]

I've attached two more related videos worth watching.

Too much time has passed since this thread was made, and I downloaded these videos (accidentally stuffed into a "to upload later" folder and forgotten -- oops!), but it was apparently important enough and/or interesting enough to download, upload to the server, and then intend to attach to this thread.

It will probably become obvious by re-watching them. So consider downloading and watching.

Hopefully these will also broaden your editing skills.

If you need anything else, just make a new thread or post.