Am unable to create an alpha channel as described in gnomon training dvd Dynamics 13.
I have created 100 smoke sprites (128x128, tifs) in maya. The images have no alpha channel. DVD outlines a process to take them into After Effects to create alpha channel.
Here's what I've been doing in After Effects:
Import tifs as a sequence. When prompted I have selected "ignore" alpha.
Tifs are dragged into the time line. They are highlighted and
Layer->precompose is selected. In the pop up dialogue I select the top radio button: "leave all attributes in comp"
I then drag the original tifs into the timeline again and place them under the newly created comp layer.
I select effect->channel->set matte. In the box that pops up, for "take matte from" I choose the non-comp layer of tifs. for "use for matte" i select luminance.
under the composition menu I select add to render queue. for "render settings" i choose best. for "output module" i click on lossless. In that dialogue box, for format I choose tif sequence and 32 bits. for "channels" i choose RGB + Alpha. for "color" I choose straight.
I designate a name and location for the new tifs and render it out.
What I get is tifs with a solid white alpha channel. I've changed every variable that appears to be in play. I've tried multiple comibnations of variables but no matter what I do, the alpha comes up solid white.
I've tried rendering from maya with and without an alpha layer. (which shouldn't make any difference since i tell ae to ignore any alpha anyway on import).
My maya is 6.5 and my AE is 5.0
Sorry so long. Can anybody help me?