It seems to me this should be a standard effect as it's probably the most commonly used filter.

I mean the kind of effect you see badly used a lot in exterior shots where they need to darken the sky.

This kind of thing: (around the edges): http://www.met.tamu.edu/class/Metr304/Exer10dir/CH1.gif

Ah, here it is: http://image.abcaz.co.uk/productimages/137/5063049.jpg

Really I need to be able to control all the parameters, ideally also the shape of the area to be darkened.

I don't know exactly what you are asking, but you can create the gradient in Photoshop and use it as a track matte in Premiere Pro.

thanks.

I've tried that, but it lightens rather than darkens.

What I want to achive is the same effect the filter in the second link achieves, i.e. it darkens the given area.

when i say i'd like to control parameters, i'd like to choose where the gradient begins, how dark it goes, etc.

i can get a crude approximation of what i want by using the ramp effect to create a gradient and a luma key, but the result is very pixellated and you can see the bands of gradation.

I'm looking for a smooth gradation that looks as close to an optical filter as possible.

I can't imagine why it lightens and not darkens. The track matte merely shows through what you want to show through. So darken the upper track, don't lighten it.

The advantage of using Photoshop is that you can get some very smooth gradients.

also, photoshopping every time you want to create the matte must be incredibly time consuming.

i can't believe there's nothing on the market (or a technique of manipulation already present in adobe) that lets you simulate a simple filter and control the variables!

you know what i'm asking, right? think the 'ramp' render effect, but you're basicaly creating this filter that darkens selected areas (bonus if you're able to create curved as well as straight gradients).

i've tried all the different kind of mattes but like i said, the gradient is way too grainy.

Have you tried blurring the gradient? That would take the grain out.

You have to determine the shape of the area on a frame by frame basis. One way to do that would be to use a garbage matte. But since the matte has sharp edges, you would need to use the garbage matted clip in a nested sequence, make it monochrome, then use it as a track matte over a gradient, then use that result as a track matte for your task.

Otherwise, what kind of filter would know the shape you wanted to make changes to?

the blurring works a little.

yes, the idea is not to have a gradient that changes.

it would be a simple filter that would be most effective on static shots.

exactly as the one in my link is used, really.

in a way, it's the colour correcter facility applied to certain areas, with a gradient leading between 'effected' areas and un'effected' areas!

You could always use after effects, and make a mask then feather it. Or add a spot light in AE.

You are right that there is not an effect such as this yet in Premiere (though there is one called "paint" for Avid)

You could also try making titles with the adobe title tool - you can draw squares, circles and change the opacity etc.

Otherwise as it has been said you need to create the colour you want to add as a photoshop image - with white as the background on that image.

You then place that above the video and add the mulitply key.

Jon

In the Total Ttraining DVD for "What's New in Premiere Pro 2.0", Jacob does that with some shapes in the titler.