This is our short guide on motion tracking – a great tool that can take your video content to the next level without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro in commissioning video content or just dipping your toes into the world of multimedia, understanding motion tracking can be a game-changer for your projects. In this blog, we’ll break down what motion tracking is, how it’s traditionally done, and most importantly, how you can harness its power to elevate your company’s video content.
What is motion tracking?
Let’s start with the basics: what exactly is motion tracking? In simple terms, motion tracking is the process of mapping the movement of objects within video footage. It’s like placing virtual markers on specific points of interest and allowing software to follow their trajectory throughout the video.
Imagine a scene where a character is walking through a bustling city street. With motion tracking, you can attach digital elements, like text or graphics, to the character or objects around them, making them seamlessly integrate into the scene. So as the person is walking they may get a text message which pops up as a graphic above them and follows them as they walk down the street, allowing you to keep camera motion, subject and graphic all on screen at the same time.
How do video editors deliver motion tracking?
Traditionally, motion tracking has been a painstaking process, requiring skilled editors to manually track and keyframe every movement frame by frame. Not only is this time-consuming, but it also demands a high level of precision to ensure smooth and realistic tracking.
Depending on the complexity of the scene and the desired outcome, motion tracking can take many hours to complete. But the payoff of using it can far outweigh any budget considerations as it truly can elevate your video both in terms of production values and the ability to communicate key messages to your target audience in an effective way.
Where is motion racking useful in a company video?
Now that we understand what motion tracking is and how it’s typically done, let’s explore how you can leverage its power to enhance your company’s video content.
Motion tracking isn’t just a flashy gimmick – it’s a tool that can significantly raise the production value of your videos, making them feel premium and professional, and if that is how you want your product or service to be perceived it can go a long way to delivering this.
In the engineering sector, motion tracking can be used to highlight specific components of a product, providing viewers with a detailed breakdown of its functionality and design. For example if you have a product that has specific technical specifications or components hidden inside casing, you can highlight all of the figures, statistics and key points connected with footage of it working.
In the hospitality industry, motion tracking can transform a standard video tour into an immersive experience, allowing viewers to explore your facilities in detail without ever leaving their screens. From highlighting room features such as wifi speeds, additional pillows and air conditioning to showcasing amenities like pools and restaurants, motion tracking can make your hotel or resort feel more inviting and engaging.
Imagine a cooking tutorial where ingredients and cooking steps are dynamically highlighted as the chef progresses through the recipe, making it easier for viewers to follow along.
Or consider a medical training video where anatomical structures are tracked and labeled in real-time, enhancing the learning experience for students and professionals alike – crucial information for a clinician or patient to understand quickly.
But motion tracking isn’t limited to a handful of specific industries – its applications are as diverse as the videos themselves. Whether you’re creating educational content, marketing materials, or training videos, motion tracking can help convey information in a dynamic and visually compelling way.
Practical examples of motion tracking in corporate videos
Here are several practical examples of how motion tracking has been successfully integrated into corporate videos:
- Product demonstrations: Motion tracking can be used to highlight key features and functionalities of products, providing viewers with a detailed understanding of their capabilities. For example, a tech company might use motion tracking to showcase the sleek design and innovative features of a new smartphone.
- Mobile app showcase: where you have a mobile app or website, you can get some stock footage of someone holding a phone with a green screen and then motion track on top of that green screen your app or website designs without having to film the person holding a phone, which can save lots of production time.
- Virtual tours: Motion tracking can enhance virtual tours of facilities, properties, or event spaces by adding interactive overlays and guiding viewers through each area. This is particularly useful for hotels, resorts, real estate agencies, and event venues looking to showcase room capacities, number of bedrooms, value of a property or included elements in a day delegate rate.
- Training and educational videos: Motion tracking can aid in the visualisation of complex concepts and processes, making them easier to understand for viewers. For instance, a manufacturing company might use motion tracking to demonstrate assembly procedures or safety protocols in training videos.
- Interactive presentations: Motion tracking can bring presentations to life by dynamically highlighting key points, data, or graphics as the speaker progresses through their talk. This can help keep audiences engaged and focused on the most important information being presented.
- Branding and marketing campaigns: Motion tracking can be used creatively in branding and marketing videos to grab attention and leave a lasting impression. For example, a car manufacturer might use motion tracking to showcase the sleek lines and advanced safety features of their latest model in a promotional video.
A summary of how motion tracking can work in your company videos
Motion tracking is more than just a trend – it’s a valuable tool that can be leveraged across various industries to achieve specific goals. Whether you’re aiming to showcase products, educate your audience, or simply entertain, motion tracking has the potential to transform your videos into dynamic, engaging experiences. By incorporating motion tracking into your corporate videos, you can elevate your brand, engage your audience, and achieve your business objectives more effectively. Whether you’re aiming to inform, inspire, or entertain, motion tracking offers endless possibilities for enhancing the impact and effectiveness of your video content.
In summary, motion tracking isn’t just a fancy trick reserved for Hollywood blockbusters – it’s a versatile tool that can add depth, clarity, and engagement to your company’s video content. By harnessing the power of motion tracking, you can elevate your videos from ordinary to extraordinary, leaving a lasting impression on your audience. So why settle for static when you can make your videos come to life with motion tracking?