1. Launch your Host Application (Premiere Pro or After Effects, etc.)
* Open the application you're using and load your video project.
* Import the photo you want to posterize into your project.
2. Apply the BCC Posterize Filter
* Premiere Pro:
* Select the photo on your timeline.
* Open the "Effects" panel (typically found in the Window menu).
* Search for "BCC Posterize" or browse to `Boris FX Continuum > Color & Tone > BCC Posterize`.
* Drag the BCC Posterize effect onto the photo on your timeline.
* After Effects:
* Create a new composition and import your photo into it.
* Select the photo layer.
* Open the "Effects & Presets" panel (typically found in the Window menu).
* Search for "BCC Posterize" or browse to `Boris FX Continuum > Color & Tone > BCC Posterize`.
* Drag the BCC Posterize effect onto the photo layer in the timeline.
3. Adjust the Posterization Levels
* Once the effect is applied, the "Effect Controls" panel (Premiere Pro) or the "Effect Controls" panel/layer properties (After Effects) will display the settings for the BCC Posterize effect.
* Key Parameter: Levels
* This is the most important setting. The `Levels` parameter determines the number of color tones that will be used in the posterized image.
* A smaller number of levels (e.g., 2, 3, 4) will create a more drastic, graphic posterized effect. A higher number of levels will result in a subtler posterization.
* Experiment with different values for `Levels` to achieve the desired look. Start with a low number and gradually increase it.
4. Fine-Tune (Optional)
* Blend with Original: Some versions of the filter might have a parameter that lets you blend the posterized effect with the original image. This can be useful for creating a more subtle or complex effect.
* Other Effects: Consider adding other effects before or after the BCC Posterize to further enhance the look. For example:
* Color Correction: Adjust the overall color balance and contrast before posterizing.
* Glow/Bloom: Add a glow effect after posterizing to give the image a soft, dreamy look.
* Edges: Use edge detection effects to outline the shapes in the posterized image.
Example Values & Tips:
* Extreme Posterization (low levels): Levels = 2-4
* Subtle Posterization (higher levels): Levels = 10-20 (or more)
Troubleshooting
* Effect not showing up: Make sure you have Boris FX Continuum installed correctly. Check that the host application (Premiere Pro, After Effects, etc.) is compatible with your version of Continuum.
* Image looks blocky/pixelated: If you lower the levels too much, the image can become very blocky. Try using a higher resolution image or adding a slight blur effect after the posterization to soften the edges.
* Effect is too strong/weak: Adjust the "Levels" parameter to fine-tune the intensity of the posterization.
In summary, the core process is:
1. Import your photo.
2. Apply the BCC Posterize filter.
3. Adjust the `Levels` parameter to control the intensity of the posterization.
Experiment with different values and settings to get the exact look you're after! Good luck!