I need a "spotlight" plugin for subjects in PE

[rpelements]

I need a "spotlight" plugin for subjects in PE 3.0.2 for subjects I have interviewed in lieu of actually having a real spotlight on the camcorder I used. I'm betting there is something like this that I could use to just "lighten" up an area such as circle or oblong oval to cover the subject leaving the background the same.

Maybe there is a plugin already built-in that could also be used in this fashion.

Could someone please help me with that?

[Steve Grisetti]

I've tagged a graphic on your post at the Adobe forum with instructions on how to use it. It may well be the easiest solution, r.
http://www.adobeforums.com/webx/.3c05d510/0

(A Track Matte will also work, but it can be a bit tricky.)

[rpelements]

Any specific plugins just for interviews?

[Steve Grisetti]

I don't know what you're asking for, Ryan.

But, if you can describe what effect you're trying to accomplish, we can usually offer a solution.

[Chuck Engels]

I'm with Steve, what is it that you are trying to accomplish?
Is there anything similar you could point us to that has the effect you are looking for?

There are tons of effects in Premiere Elements already that deal with lighting, including the Lens Flare that is quite versatile.
After Effects would add a whole new dimension to that as well (I think this might be what you would need but not sure yet).

If we can get a good idea of what you are looking for we can probably help you come up with something that will work.
There are not many plugins for Premiere Elements but some of the Premiere Pro plugins will work, none of them are cheap however.

[rpelements]

I want a plugin that would give me the ability to light up only the subject (ie. the person I am interviewing) in the same or closely similiar way an actual light would on my camera.

See I did not have a camera on my light, hence my subject is dark.

I also, don't want to lighten the entire frame, just the subject themself. The background colors and light are good, just the foreground with the subjects need to be lightened up. This is true for all of my 11 interviews.

[Chuck Engels]

You don't need a plugin, Steve's suggestion of a Track Matte and one of the lighting effects will work just fine.

[Steve Grisetti]

And please try the overlay I created for you. I think you'll find it will do exactly what you're looking for!

[VernonRobinson]

Sounds like his person was backlit. Isn't there a filter in PE4 for a backlit situation? Can't check since I am on the road this week.

-Vernon

[Steve Grisetti]

I think Shadow/Highlight is what you're thinking of, Vernon.

I'm still not sure what Ryan wants, but it sure sounds like we've each got entirely different ideas what he wants and how to do it!

[rpelements]

Okay, here is finally a graphic that should depict exactly what is going on with ALL of my 11 interviews at the recent NAIAS auto show in Detroit this past weekend.

You wil see the subject darker than I would like. The background in my opinion is PERFECT, I don't want to mess with that, I just want to highlight (lighten/brighten) the subject.

[rpelements]

Well, it looks like shadow/highlight in the adjust section of video effects really does the trick. I left it at "auto" and it works well, only adjustment is the top one that I manually set to 100. Looks much better, no other problems it seems, all other colors and background look true.

[Chuck Engels]

Easier than you thought wasn't it

[John 'twosheds' McDonald]

Any chance you could post the 'after' image?

It helps us to see the resulting effect so that we can all gain from the experience - for which thanks in advance.

[VernonRobinson]

I think Shadow/Highlight is what you're thinking of, Vernon.

I'm still not sure what Ryan wants, but it sure sounds like we've each got entirely different ideas what he wants and how to do it!

Yep Steve,
That what I was trying to think of. It seems that this solved the problem. Thanks for shining the light. Poor pun intended.

-Vernon