ENDA Episode 206→ The time when ENDA tells a little secret called: Segment Anything (Part 3)

In a previous episode, we saw how Segment Anything can generate Cryptomatte-style masks that make it easier to colour correct specific areas of a shot. However, we also mentioned that it comes with downsides.

In the video below, we can see one of the biggest issues: the Cryptomatte edges aren’t always clean. And once motion blur enters the picture, even adding blur doesn’t necessarily help, because the grade starts spilling into neighbouring areas.

On top of that, once the shot starts moving, the masks can suddenly disappear or shift onto a completely different region. When we inspect the Cryptomatte output, we realise what’s happening: as the plate moves, the generated masks move too, and not always consistently. That makes the node difficult to rely on in a production environment.

That said, even if the tool struggles with motion, it can still be useful for quick tests on a single frame, especially for look development. Instead of building multiple manual masks just to explore an idea, you can generate these mattes and immediately test whether a grade on certain areas fits the overall look you’re aiming for.

So no, it’s not a tool that does everything, and it won’t magically save us from masking.

But it can still be useful in the right context.

And who knows? Maybe one day it will work reliably with motion.

A good question for a follow-up episode.

So, stay tuned!

The journey continues...