Quick summary of layers and how to move them/ adjust them to your preference!
OK, first things first.
- The set layer for all things is 0.
- The LARGER the number for the layer, the more “in front” it is. So, if you wanted a character at the front of your scene (you may make them really large, if that helps you picture it) you’d want them at layer 10 to 15.
- Therefore, the SMALLER the number for the layer, the more “behind” it is. So, if you wanted a character at the back of your scene (you may make them really small, if that helps you picture it) you’d want them at layer -10 to -15.
-Yes, layers can go into minus’s! - Yes, overlays can be put into layers!
OK, now some more advanced things!
- To make characters “fade” out don’t use layers as much as you use the opacity command, but here is a template for it anyway
INT. BACKGROUND - DAY/NIGHT
@CHAR stands screen center
@CHAR moves to layer -5
@overlay IDENTICAL_IMAGE_AS_BACKGROUND create
#The default opacity when creating overlays like this is 0, so the next command is NOT needed but it is there as a guideline and to help establish the command
@overlay IDENTICAL_IMAGE_AS_BACKGROUND opacity 0 in 0
#You can currently SEE the character
@overlay IDENTICAL_IMAGE_AS_BACKGROUND moves to layer 5
#You can still not see the overlay, but when it appears it will cover the character
@overlay IDENTICAL_IMAGE_AS_BACKGROUND opacity 1 in 1
#The character will fade out
OK, now if you want, let’s say, 5 characters in the same scene, you’d want them all at different layers.
For example -
You want CHAR1 in the front, so -
@CHAR1 moves to layer 10
You want CHAR1 in the front, so -
@CHAR1 moves to layer 10
You want CHAR2 at the very back, so -
@CHAR2 moves to layer -10
You want CHAR3 in the middle, but towards the front so -
@CHAR3 moves to layer 5
You want CHAR4 at the back, but near to the middle also, so -
@CHAR4 moves to layer -5
And say you want your main character in the very middle, so -
@MC moves to layer 0
OR any layer between -4 and 4
The reason MC can be any layer between -4 and 4 AT THE MOMENT, is because there is no character at layers -4 to 4. Obviously, characters can be at the same layer (as I already mentioned, set layers for everything - including characters - is 0. It just means that it will be the last character you put down who will be at the front. EG -
- @CHAR stands screen center
-
@CHAR2 stands screen center
CHAR2 would be in front because CHAR2 was created last. Makes sense? PM if it’s still confusing…)
Back to the point, If you had a CHAR6 at layer 3 then the character you wanted in the middle would have to be between layers -4 and 2. And if you had CHAR7 at layer -3, you’d had to have your MC at layers -2 to 2.
Hope that wasn’t too confusing?
PM me with any questions