Enhanced Silhouette Version 2024.5: Speedier Rotoscoping and Paintwork with Integrated Machine Learning Techniques
In the world of visual effects, the latest version of Silhouette has arrived, bringing a host of innovative features and improvements that are set to revolutionise post-production workflows. The new release, Silhouette 2024.5, is a significant upgrade for feature film and VFX artists, thanks to its integration of machine learning (ML) and enhanced GPU-acceleration.
One of the standout additions is the Matte Assist ML, which allows for the rapid creation of animated mattes from a single frame using local machine learning models and rendering. This feature significantly speeds up rotoscoping workflows. The Mask ML, on the other hand, offers point-and-click matte generation driven by ML object segmentation, simplifying complex mask creation.
Another notable improvement is the Optical Flow ML Tracker, which generates optical flow data for tracking shapes, objects, or points, now including realistic motion blur for more natural tracking results. The Roto > Markup Tool facilitates quality assurance (QA) with trackable strokes and linked notes, streamlining team communication and revision tracking.
Silhouette 2024.5 also introduces Retime ML, a feature that produces high-quality time warps with the ability to animate retiming ramps, improving temporal effects and retiming precision. The Motion Blur Node allows for the quick addition of realistic motion blur driven by Optical Flow ML models.
Under-the-hood improvements include GPU-accelerated processing for faster denoising and compositing, reduced memory usage on roto nodes, and better caching efficiency. The new release is highly compatible with high-end tools and workflows, integrating well with plugins like Mocha Pro and Sapphire within a node-based compositing environment supporting stereoscopic workflows and OCIO color management.
For existing customers with an active subscription or upgrade & support plan, Silhouette 2024.5 is a free update. Pricing for new users starts at $495/year or $100/month. The Boris FX Hub offers a free trial for users to try out Silhouette.
Ben Brownlee, the director of content, shares top tips on using the new Mask ML node together with Matte Assist ML to produce precise animated mattes in seconds. Node Highlighting provides tree render status by highlighting each node as it processes using a blue outline. Full size sliders can be enabled with the User Interface > Show Sliders In Parameter Views preference. Progress Bars are displayed above the status bar and within nodes in the tree for EZ Mask, Flow->ST, Matte Assist ML, and Power Matte.
Silhouette 2024.5 is available as a standalone application and plugin for Adobe After Effects/Premiere Pro, Autodesk Flame, Blackmagic Resolve/Fusion, and Foundry Nuke. The release also includes Tracking & Effects Updates, with new versions of Mocha Pro and Particle Illusion, and Module Upgrades, including EXR v3.1 and OpenColorIO v2.2.
With these additions, Silhouette 2024.5 leverages AI and GPU technologies to enhance efficiency and quality in paint, rotoscoping, tracking, and time manipulation tasks, making it a must-have tool for feature film and VFX post-production artists.
Technology plays a significant role in the new version of Silhouette, with the integration of machine learning (ML) and enhanced GPU-acceleration revolutionizing post-production workflows. For example, the Matte Assist ML enables rapid creation of animated mattes using local machine learning models, while the Mask ML offers simplified complex mask creation through point-and-click matte generation driven by ML object segmentation.
