How do I move two objects closer to each other?

I have two guests sitting talking to each other.. They are too far apart. How can I move them closer? Background is a black screen. Some time ago I saw a plugin that eliminate in-between space. Maybe that plugin would help. Thanks for any assist.

There are different ways you can do this. Much depends on what exactly you see in the picture between the two guests. Can you post a screenshot from the scene?

- Ronny

how big a png file can I attach?
hopefully it's attached.

thanks for looking!

Okay, I see it now. Will have a look at it.

- Ronny

Will,

There's not much you can do because they sit back and their chairs are already close to each other.

If you don't mind scaling up the footage you will show less background which would make them appear sitting closer, like this:



In this case you also can cut out some of the space in the middle and move both persons closer, which would give this result, compared with your original picture:



If this is what you want post back and I will post a little video showing how to do this.

- Ronny

Yes, this is good! My producer would love it if we could move in closer as well, so that we would not see legs nor the papers. It was shot 1080 so it's acceptable to the producer to lose some clarity. It would be web-shown at 720p. Many thanks for the video offer!

I am making the vid. Will be back soon.

- Ronny

Hi Will,

I have made a little video, you can download it here: we.tl/CHYBbtar1Y

If you want to get rid of the legs and the papers you will need to scale up the clip quite a bit. But as you have shot in 1080 and will be delivering in 720 this probably will pass without too much quality loss. As long as we can keep the producer happy

In the video I have used simple cropping to bring the two ladies closer to each other. As they are in front of a dark background this should work with a little correction you will see at the end to match the cropped backgrounds.

You could do this even better in Motion using a feathered mask or in FCPX with a soft Garbage Matte. Should you have any problems with the method I describe in the vid, post back and I will give you some other options.

- Ronny

this is fab! I'm learning loads and its loads of fun.

thanks a bunch.

<= the program with Ronny's tip applied .. many thanks again.

The producer was thrilled that she didn't have to reshoot the two-shots.

How did you create the training vid?

Hi Will,

Looks great, well done!

I use SnapzPro or Screenflow (depending on the circumstances) for recording tutorials and demos. The one I sent you was done with SnapzPro.

- Ronny

Now I'm curious as to what tasks are better for SnapZpro and what's better for Screenflow.

Hi Joe,

It merely depends on what computer I'm on at the moment I want to record something. At home I have Snapz installed, in my office I have Screenflow. I don't have any particular preference for one or the other.

- Ronny

ScreenFlow for serious work, it is more feature rich and independent. Has great editing abilities for doing "how to" videos. Most professional trainers use it for capturing screen movies AND editing them.

Snapz Pro is more of a utility, lacks the production features of ScreenFlow, but has some screen snapshot options (I've never used).