The Hidden Science of Fireworks

Learn about fireworks and pay close attention to the physics in this video from Veritasium.

Best Fireworks Festival “Nagaoka” Nigata JAPAN

I was in Montreal about 20 years ago and the city hosted a fireworks competition with different countries competing, including Japan. We saw displays from two countries but nothing like this!

GoPro Awards: FPV Drone Inside of a Fireworks Show

A drone is an incredible way to film fireworks, I’d be afraid of my drone being hit! If you have a drone in the US, there is no law against filming fireworks. Watch a video from Ken Heron with tips: Drone INSIDE fireworks Legally and Safely | Plus audio Editing TIPS

Fireworks filmed with a drone

The AlteredStates video below is from 2014 but is still one of the most incredible fireworks videos I’ve ever seen. It was shot with a DJI Phantom 2 with a GoPro Hero 3 silver.

Fireworks Stock Assets

Why start from scratch? Especially if you’re a video editor or 3D artist and don’t do this type of effect, we have some great options to add fireworks to your videos.

Pixel Lab VFX Elements Volume 6: Fireworks

Pixel Lab Concert Pyro Bundle

The Pixel Lab created assets to save you time and hassle. These are baked into alembic files or VDB files which you can drag and drop into almost any 3D application and you will have instant pyrotechnics!

VFX Central Essential Pack

Fireworks Tutorials

Fireworks can be created using a particle generator, taking time to get the physics right. To make things easier, multiple plug-ins are specifically for creating fireworks. That said, they don’t always look natural. One of the toughest things about creating fireworks is getting them to look realistic. They need glow, smoke, the proper physics, depth of field, etc. And, adding some sound effects can help your fireworks come to life!

Demo Reels You’ll Have Over Your Career (in VFX)

Adam McCay discusses the different types of reels you’ll create throughout your career, hitting many points mentioned in this article.

The Planning Stages: Strategizing Your Demo Reel

Choosing and Preparing Content

Suzanne from GVSU graciously provided a worksheet she uses in her Digital Post-Production class to guide students through preparing their reels. Rather than delving into technical aspects like duration or music selection, the focus is squarely on content. This worksheet serves as a valuable tool to prompt critical thinking about the content and objectives of the reel.

Below are the worksheet questions she distributes to her students along with my commentary:

Additional Considerations for Content Collection:

Seek Permission from Clients: While your contract may grant you the right to use creative work for your reel, it’s courteous to seek permission from clients. This demonstrates professionalism and also offers an opportunity to reconnect with former clients. Be mindful of any restrictions on using certain content, such as material designated for internal use only.

Include Only Original Work: Avoid including projects that rely heavily on tutorials or templates, as they may undermine your credibility. Ensure that all showcased work is genuinely your own, authentically showcasing your creative abilities.

Avoid Outdated Content: Steer clear of including work that appears outdated or stylistically obsolete. Updating or excluding older projects that no longer reflect current industry standards is advisable to maintain relevance and showcase your current skills effectively.

By meticulously planning and curating your reel content, you can create a compelling showcase of your abilities that resonates with your target audience and effectively communicates your message.

10 Tips For Cutting Better Showreels! | How To Edit A Demo Reel – NEW

Garrett Sammons has straightforward advice on what to include on your reel, using spec work, and editing.

Choosing Music

Avoid copywritten music unless you have permission. Whatever song you end up using, get usage rights. You may think no one will care, but the algorithms on services like YouTube flag unlicensed songs immediately. Certain music is immediately flagged for copyright infringement.

How To Avoid Music Copyright Strikes on YouTube

Where to find music

There is a LOT of music out there and you will find something that is Creative Commons, quality royalty-free music, or independent musicians who would be happy to let you use their music.

People will judge you by your music choice, hence, choose wisely.  Pixar is pretty harsh about your music choice for their applicants. “Nobody cares about music/soundtrack. We turn off the sound. But sometimes we listen to it and get annoyed if we don’t like your taste in music. Keep it basic or leave it off.”  I watched a showreel recently from a very well-known motion graphics school. The work was excellent. The music was an obnoxious and grating dubstep track. Show some personality in your music choice. Dubstep and bland electronica show no personality, in my opinion. With this in mind, choose something that compliments your work, perhaps with a bit of quirk if it works for your content.

Editing your Reel

What is your theme? In this video, Zachary Ramelan begins with a cohesive theme that ties the reel together.

Of course, in the first video above titled Different Reels with Adam McCay, he says not to worry about themes. In reality, it’s your call.

Music will set the pace.

“Cutting to the beat is pretty restricting and results in a very mechanical edit,” says Philip De Wandeleir (aka Pixel Phil). “Just cut to the flow of the music, don’t be afraid of the off-beat cut if it feels/looks alright.”

Length

The consensus is to keep your reel about a minute long, and no longer than two minutes. Why so short? Short attention spans. People tend to stop watching after about 30 seconds. Check out this study from Wistia about the viewing duration. Decisions are made within the first 30 seconds. Impress a client fast by editing out the chaff, and leaving only the best content.

Best work first

To go along with the last point, show your best work first, in case they switch it off.

Second (or third) best work last

Frank Collins says, “Try to end on a high note. Like I was told with a portfolio years ago, best in front, maybe your third-best at the end.”

Don’t repeat footage

It looks like you’re trying to pad your reel.

Title cards

Include your name, email, and phone number at the beginning and end of the reel, but keep it simple. Michael Christophersson explains, “Avoid ‘showy’ intros with your name unless you can make it classy and fast. The sad truth is you are not as important as what you can do.”

Title your work

If it works with your reel, add lower-third titles about each project on the demo reel, such as the project title and your role. If it doesn’t work with your content, you can include this information in a shot breakdown list with your reel, either on paper if you’re mailing it, or in the description on YouTube or Vimeo.

Shot Breakdown List

Frank Collins suggests, “A shot breakdown on the back of your resume is a good idea, especially if you worked on layers/parts of the shot.” Many artists do this on Vimeo and YouTube and it’s useful information. Include the project title, the time code of the project on the reel, and the part you played in the production.

Double and triple-check for spelling errors

Enlist a second set of eyes to read over your titles.

Cut out the junk

Dorian Heller, a motion designer at Microsoft, explains, “Look at your reel once you’ve cut it and take out the worst thing about it”.

Other Random Reel Advice

Applying to the same company twice? Frank Collins says, “Something I heard a long time ago at SIGGRAPH is if you’re applying to the same company twice, make sure your second reel is ALL new. In other words, if you apply to a company again, later on, use a new reel.”

Do a film short instead of a montage? PremiumBeat mentions this in an article with Show Reel Tips that you might want to check out.

Keep your reel up to date

Keeping your work fresh is important but how often do you update it? There are no hard and fast rules on how often to update your reel. Let’s be honest: putting together a reel is a lot of work! If you’re busy with paid work, you’re probably not keeping your reel up-to-date anyway. Some companies put out a reel every single year. My old company put out a reel every 2-3 years.

Just note, if your latest reel says 2021 on the title, update that date!

Here’s some advice from Premium Beat.

DaVinci Resolve Studio-only Features

Below are features included in the Studio version of DaVinci Resolve, but not in the free version.

Technical Specs

With Resolve Studio, users get higher than UHD or 60fps timelines and renders, IMF delivery, encoder plugins, and more.

GPU/Hardware Accelerated Encoding and Multiple GPUs

Most users find that the hardware acceleration is worth the upgrade price to Studio on its own! With Resolve Studio you can switch between the CPU and GPU, which is substantially faster.

In addition, the free version doesn’t support multiple graphics cards, unless you’re using a Mac Pro.

Expanded Format Support and HDR Delivery

The free version supports several 8-bit formats. With the Studio version, you also get support for the following:

• Advanced HDR delivery with Dolby Vision, HDR10+ formats, DCP Encoding and Decoding
• Native IMF Encoding and Decoding – SMPTE ST.2067 compliant Interoperable Master Format
• DCP (Digital Cinema Packages) Encoding and Decoding
• AVCHD, AVC-Intra, and popular H.264 formats
• Encoding support for XDCAM, XAVC, P2 AVC Ultra, P2 AVC Intra, HEVC/H.265 Main and Main 10 profiles, and AS-11 compliant packaging.

Accelerated H.264 and H.265 Decoding

Most consumer-level cameras and phones use H.264 compression. Resolve Studio has decode options under Preferences. If you have an NVIDIA card, you’ll see that listed under the Decode Options. This decoding provides faster editing and smoother playback of H.264 and H.265 footage.

Watch comparison video

Note: Hardware acceleration is available in the free Mac version, not the free Windows version. ^[3]

4K Resolution Limit & Frame Rates over 60fps

4K Ultra HD Resolution is the maximum resolution for export on the free version. You can still import, edit, grade, and more with larger resolutions in the free version. You can’t export it. In addition, Studio can handle framerates over 60fps and includes advanced HDR delivery in Dolby Vision. Not only that, Studio can export HDR10+ formats and digital cinema packages (DCP) for theatrical distribution.

Version	Maximum Resolution & Frame Rate
DaVinci Resolve 19 Free version	4K / 60fps
DaVinci Resolve Studio 19	32K / 120fps

The DaVinci Neural Engine

The Neural Engine, introduced with Resolve Studio v16, is the AI engine that drives many features of DaVinci Resolve Studio. The main purpose of the Neural Engine is to minimize those time-consuming and repetitive tasks.

Some features that use the Neural Engine include:

• Text-Based Editing
• Audio Transcription
• Voice Isolation
• Audio Classification
• Face Refinement

• Super Scale
• Speed Warp
• Object Isolation & Tracking
• 3D Depth Map
• UltraNR Noise Reduction

• Music Remixer FX
• Film Look Creator
• IntelliTrack
• Relight FX
• Magic Masking
• And lots of others…

Color

Resolve Studio is known for its incredible color grading tools for colorists and those interested in detailed visual effects.

UltraNR Noise Reduction (New in 19)

AI noise reduction tool and Spatial denoising, powered by the DaVinci Neural Engine. Dramatically reduce noise while maintaining image clarity. And, users can combine UltraNR with temporal noise for more effective denoising.

UltraNR was trained on footage to recognize noise so it works well in low light, looking clean and sharp.

Film Look Creator (New in 19)

The Film Look Creator allows users to replicate film properties like grain, flicker, halation, bloom, gate weave, and vignetting. Customize by adjusting color settings, vignette, halation, split tone, and much more. Create custom film looks or use Preset LUTS based on existing film stocks… all in one effect!

IntelliTrack (New in 19)

IntelliTrack is a super fast multi-point optimized Tracking, powered by the DaVinci Neural Engine. Track points to stabilize footage, or add effects in the Fusion and Color pages. Track motion and automatically pan audio in Fairlight! More on that in the Audio section.

In the video below, JayAreTV walks viewers through using IntelliTrack on the Fusion Page, the Color Page, and the Fairlight Page.

Face Refinement (Improved in 19)

Face Refinement is a beauty tool that allows users to make target color grading and effects on skin tones, using Face Detection tracking. In addition, it can be used to adjust side lighting, add makeup effects, and sharpen, brighten, and adjust the eyes, lips, and teeth.

The 19 update includes improved tracking, profile handling, and more skin options.

Relight FX (New in Resolve Studio 18.5)

Relight FX allows users to add virtual light sources into any composition or scene, fixing problems or changing the mood of a shot. The lights can be adjusted to create a spotlight, an overall ambient light, or anything in between. Users can modify the light qualities as needed.

Audio – Fairlight FX

Since Resolve v14, the advanced audio tools in FairlightFX are professional-grade audio tools for recording, editing, mixing, dialog replacement, sound clean-up and repair, EQ, dynamics processing, and mastering soundtracks. Get it all in standard formats from stereo and surround sound to the latest immersive 3D audio formats!

The tools below are only available in the Studio version.

• Immersive 3D Audio with Ambisonic surround sound (new in 19)
• AI Audio Panning (Intellitrack) (new in 19)
• Music Remixer FX (New in 19)
• Dialogue Separator (New in 19)

Immersive 3D Audio with Ambisonic Surround Sound (New in 19)

Immersive 3D audio creates a surround sound experience by using height, width, and depth to envelop listeners in a 360-degree field. In DaVinci Resolve Studio, this technology supports high-resolution 3D audio, allowing you to work with spatial formats as complex as 22.2 channels. Resolve Studio also facilitates the import and export of the latest IAB and ADM files, common in advanced audio workflows. Object-based formats can move sounds in a way that feels natural and immersive, adjusting to different listening environments, from home setups to large theaters. You also get native support for Dolby Atmos and MPEG-H, plus new fully integrated ambisonics Ambisonics audio with up to 5th-order capabilities. Tools like a 3D panner and Spaceview scope let you visualize where each sound is positioned.

Dolby Atmos Mastering

DaVinci Resolve Studio’s Dolby Atmos integration allows you to create 3D audio productions from the ground up. It supports channel configurations from 5.1.2 to 9.1.6 and provides seamless connections with remote mastering units (RMU) and the Dolby Atmos Production Suite through AudioBridge.

Re-mixing External Productions

For those working with Dolby Atmos, the Studio version can import mastered content from various file types, including .damf, .wav, and .mxf. It can also break these files into their original components, such as individual audio sources, buses, and VCA groups. Afterward, you can re-export your work into an Atmos Master ADMBWF or as an IMF with audio embedded.

IMF Audio Deliverables

IMF (Interoperable Master Format) is widely used in professional video workflows, and DaVinci Resolve Studio supports it by allowing you to add audio to video via IMF containers. You can create multiple audio deliverables simultaneously in formats like IAB-MXF or .wav. These deliverables can be derived from a bus or track in your timeline or sourced from an existing IAB file.

IntelliTrack-Powered Audio Panning to Video (New in 19)

Automatically track people or objects in the Fairlight viewer and automatically pan the audio. See the IntelliTrack section for more.

Voice Isolation (Updated in 19)

Driven by the DaVinci Neural Engine, Voice Isolation now works better on a wider variety of source signals.

Dialogue Separator (New Track FX Plugin in 19)

The Dialogue Separator, a DaVinci Neural Engine AI-based effect, can separate dialogue from background sounds and ambience, giving editors individual control over the level of each component.

Music Remixer (New Track FX Plugin in 19)

Isolate, remix voice, drums, bass, guitar, and other instruments… without stems. Powered by the DaVinci Neural Engine, turn a vocal track into an instrumental, lower a guitar that is muddying the dialog, or remix drums to have them come in at a specific time.

OpenFX

OpenFX, or OFX, is a standardized software interface between the host and plug-ins for visual effects, editing, compositing, and finishing. DaVinci Resolve includes several filters under OpenFX, but some filters are not included in the free version, including Lens Blur, Camera Blur, Lens Flare, and Film Grain. One useful tool OFX tool is Face Refinement.

Third-Party OpenFX Filters

OpenFX is now widely used for visual effects and video processing and is supported by numerous hosts such as Assimilate, Blackmagic Design, Digital Anarchy, NewBlue, RE:Vision Effects, and more.

Resolve Studio offers support for additional third-party plugins and tools. In other words, these plugins can’t be used in the free version. You may see a watermark if you have them installed in the free version.

Third-Party OFX Plugins for DaVinci Resolve:

• Boris Sapphire (subscription and perpetual licenses available)
• Boris Continuum (subscription and perpetual licenses available)
• Digital Anarchy Flicker Free
• NewBlue Transitions 5 Ultimate
• RE:Vision Effects ReelSmart Motion Blur Pro
• RE:Vision Effects Twixtor Pro
• Red Giant Universe
• and many more. See the full list of Resolve Studio-compatible OFX plugins.

Stereoscopic 3D

Create 3D content with advanced stereoscopic tools with DaVinci Resolve Studio. Users have complete control over stereo-specific clip properties including convergence, floating windows, eye alignment, mastering, and output.

Special Thanks + Training

I also want to thank Patrick Imhofer and the DaVinci Resolve training on LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com). The training was helpful to me when writing the original article for version 16.

• DaVinci Resolve Certified Training Program from Blackmagic Design. The training is FREE and hits upon topics such as editing, multicam editing, visual effects, color, and more. It includes project files and many lessons are available in Spanish, German, and Portuguese. They’re all available in English.
• LinkedIn Learning. My library provides access to LinkedIn Learning for free.
• 9 Best DaVinci Resolve Courses for 2024: Professional Post-Production – From The Report. I don’t know this website but they list training options.

References

1. Learning DaVinci Resolve 16, by Patrick Imhofer. Lynda.com. December 2019.
2. New Features Guide: DaVinci Resolve 16, Blackmagic Design.
3. DaVinci Resolve Minimum System Requirements | A Reality Check, Richard Lackey.
4. Blackmagic Design Puts AI Into DaVinci Resolve 16, Jay Ankeny, The Broadcast Bridge, 19 August 2019.
5. Feature Comparison: DaVinci Resolve 15, Blackmagic Design.
6. Release of DaVinci Resolve Studio 19 Public Beta, Apr 12, 2024, Blackmagic Design.
7. DaVinci Resolve 19 Features Guide, Blackmagic Design.