Exploring the Exciting New Features in the Upcoming Boris FX Update
I had the chance to get a sneak peek at some of the new features coming in the next release. Some were still undergoing testing, but it’s shaping up to be an impressive update.
There’s work being done to leverage the new correction layers, but since that’s still in development, it is difficult to say when these effects will be fully integrated.
Particle Illusion is receiving some substantial updates, with the ability to use custom sprites being a major highlight. Another exciting addition includes forces and collision objects, both of which will be trackable using the built-in Mocha Pro engine. This will allow for the placement of collision objects on actors, enabling tracking of those objects. The same functionality applies to forces as well.
The Boris Title Studio will be able to import models created in Maxon’s Cinema4D, utilizing an OpenGL renderer. The material options in Title Studio even include vertex shaders, which can deform and even shatter the geometry. This provides a great deal of creative freedom.
While it may not replace a high-end rendering solution, it’s integrated and nearly real-time, provided you have a capable GPU.
Sapphire now features a Pixel Sort effect, which demonstrated some interesting grunge and video glitch effects. Like most Sapphire effects, it offers a high degree of flexibility. Be prepared to spend some time experimenting with it.
Lens Flare Designer
A new lens flare designer may not sound revolutionary, but considering how frequently lens flares are used in film and the prevalence of Sapphire in designing them, this is a welcome addition. The update includes more presets and simplifies lens flare design.
The Whiplash transition builds on the Sapphire Swish Pan, adding options for smoothing or bouncing, creating an organic feel in a simulated whip pan.
There’s also enhanced GPU support, especially for GPUs that support CUDA.
Mocha Pro now has an Essentials interface aimed at simplifying the user experience, making it easier to learn and providing a task-specific interface that speeds up simple tracking tasks.
Mocha’s new magnetic splines and snapping are major new features. The magnetic spline makes creating complex masks much easier, while the snapping feature improves the process of fixing tracking glitches.
All of these updates should make rotoscoping much easier.
And like everything else these days, more functionality is GPU accelerated; Boris has added object removal to that list.
OFX
For Resolve users, the improved OFX implementation in Resolve 16 is enabling better integration for the Boris effects suite. Sapphire plugins like the Effect Builder will have a second port enabled so that the Builder can include a background clip, and the Transition Builder will be available in the Edit page. There are currently some problems with the Boris suite in Resolve because Resolve is in beta, so Boris is working with Blackmagic Design as well as keeping track of problem reports and feedback from users to keep improving its Resolve integration.
If you’ve been considering the suite, these updates might be enough to encourage you to give it a look.
