editing CG shot - need some feedback

[Nicwillu]

Hi there folks, working on a short VFX video, integrating CG elements onto a live video.

Here is a little snapshot of Atlantis from Stargate Atlantis appearing in the sky behind the trees.

What do you think? I want it as realistic as possible, so if you got any feedback, I would love to hear. This is one of my first attempts using Vray as a renderer for 3DS Max using HDRI for lighting/texture.

I am fairly new with vray and the use of HDRI, got any sweet tips for a "semi-newbie"?

EDIT: I also got a question! I want to keyframe the rotation on the ship, but whenever I turn on "auto-key" or start keyframing manually, only the outer hull rotates, the towers and all that does not. It gets greyed out in 3DS Max. Why?

 

[rianlemon]

Maybe you should make those branches a bit darker because of the light from the spaceship hitting off the other side and making a silheoutte?

 

[Nicwillu]

Maybe you should make those branches a bit darker because of the light from the spaceship hitting off the other side and making a silheoutte?

Yea I could do that, it may help sell the effect. Thanks for the tip!

 

[_Rok_]

Yes, consider your exposure and darken the tree branches. Also, your branches appear very cut-out against your CG light sources. Google a technique called 'light wrap' and study some online reference (see attached).

 

[Nicwillu]

Thanks, I'll look it up and figure a way to do it in After Effects!