AI Video Masking for the Rest of Us – New “The Efficient Filmmaker” Course on MZed

by Mascha DeikovaSeptember 5^th, 2025

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Every video creator and film editor has been there. You’ve got an almost perfect shot – except for that one distracting logo, or the light that feels too harsh, or a random person in the frame who didn’t sign the release. Sometimes, you might even need to isolate the main character and replace the whole background! In the past, this required one of several difficult solutions – either begging a VFX artist to save the day with some painful rotoscoping or searching for an alternative shot. But what if you could fix these things yourself? Faster, simpler, with no VFX degree or advanced skills in rotoscoping? That’s exactly what we’re tackling in Part 2 of “The Efficient Filmmaker” series: “AI Video Masking for the Rest of Us.”

In this course, we continue our mission to explore AI-enhanced workflows that don’t steal creativity, but instead give it more space to breathe. Of course, we understand that AI video masking won’t work smoothly in all the situations you may encounter. Neither will it replace the precise approach of highly-skilled VFX artists. Yet it may assist both them and you, saving hours and headaches, so you can focus on telling the story and perfecting your creative vision instead.

Click here to jump directly to the “AI Video Masking for the Rest of Us” course on MZed.com.

AI Video Masking: practical workflows

With the “The Efficient Filmmaker” series, we aim to remain curious and proactive about technology while keeping our feet on the ground. These courses are short and focused, each zooming in on a specific filmmaking task. In Part 1, we dealt with subtitles and transcripts. Now, in Part 2, we jump into precise masking – because sooner or later, every editor, colorist, or indie filmmaker needs to isolate something in the frame.

Think of it this way: Masking is one of those invisible tasks that can completely change the feel of a scene. With selective color grading, you can guide the viewer’s eye exactly where you want it. With relighting tools, you can add a bit of cinematic touch to your shots or fix troublesome footage. With a quick blur or object removal, you can clean up distractions without reshoots. And the best part? These workflows aren’t complicated anymore. In our course, you’ll learn how to integrate them into your editing process, saving time while still getting decent results.

What you’ll learn in this course

In just one hour, you’ll get step-by-step demonstrations that show you exactly how to bring AI masking into your projects. Here are a few highlights:

• Understanding the basics: how AI masking works, when it’s reliable, and how to refine your results.
• Selective color grading: shifting attention, creating mood, or separating subject from background.
• A combined Magic Mask and Relight workflow: brighten, soften, or add subtle light sources.
• Everyday fixes: blurring faces, removing logos, or hiding small distractions.
• Exploring the options across other NLEs: taking a closer look at Magnetic Mask in Final Cut Pro and Roto Brush in Adobe After Effects.
• Creative experiments: text behind moving objects, background swaps, or stylized effects.

Throughout the course, we utilize the AI Magic Mask in DaVinci Resolve as our primary tool for most workflows. Yet we also take a look at its competitors across other major NLE platforms, showcasing how to work with them and comparing the results.

Each module features hands-on demonstrations, so by the end of the course, you’ll be equipped to use AI masking as a daily tool and become a faster, more efficient filmmaker.

Head over here to read all the module descriptions. (Course link)

AI Video Masking course: price and availability

We’re aware that modern AI tools and features have been developing at a breakneck speed. That’s why it is our goal to update these courses regularly – to keep you on track with the newest tech.

“The Efficient Filmmaker: AI Video Masking for the Rest of Us” is available as part of the MZed Pro subscription. If you’re already a member, the course is waiting for you to dive in. If not, this might be the right time to consider joining. A single membership gives you access to the entire library of filmmaking education, plus every new part of “The Efficient Filmmaker” series as it comes out.

And yes, we’re already working on the next one. So, stay tuned!

What else do you get as an MZed Pro member?

As an MZed Pro member, you can access hundreds of hours of filmmaking education. Plus, we’re constantly adding more courses (several are in production right now).

Starting at just $29/month (billed at $349 in the first year, $199 from the second year, or billed monthly at $49), here’s what you’ll get:

• 60+ courses, over 800+ high-quality lessons.
• Highly produced courses from educators with decades of experience and awards, including a Pulitzer Prize and an Academy Award.
• Unlimited access to stream all content during the 12 months.
• Offline download and viewing with the MZed iOS app.
• Discounts to ARRI Academy online courses, exclusively on MZed.
• Most of our courses provide an industry-recognized certificate upon completion.
• Purchasing the courses outright would cost over $9,500.
• Course topics include cinematography, directing, lighting, cameras and lenses, producing, indie filmmaking, writing, editing, color grading, audio, time-lapse, pitch decks, and more.
• 7-day money-back guarantee if you decide it’s not for you (on annual billing only).

Full disclosure: MZed is owned by CineD.
Join MZed Pro now and start watching today!

What’s one shot in your recent project where AI masking could have saved you hours? And what do you think about practical AI tools in general? Are there some areas of filmmaking where you’d like to see more of these? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!