In visual effects and post-production, continuity is king. A single broken frame, a distracting flash, or an out-of-place artifact can ruin the emotional flow of a scene or kill its professional polish.

But now, tedious manual retouching is a thing of the past thanks to Frame Fixer ML, an AI-powered tool inside Boris FX Silhouette. Whether you're fixing single frames, smoothing out dropped footage, or even altering an actor’s performance mid-shot, Frame Fixer ML makes the process faster, smarter, and dramatically more efficient.

Let’s explore how this powerful tool demonstrated by Boris FX Product Specialist Christoph Zapletal revolutionizes cleanup workflows with just a few clicks.

What Is Frame Fixer ML?

Frame Fixer ML uses machine learning models trained specifically for image restoration. With a single node, it can:

• Remove flashes, artifacts, or dropped frames
• Seamlessly interpolate fixed frames using optical flow techniques
• Integrate into node-based workflows for precise, artist-controlled results

Whether you're doing a quick fix or tackling 40+ frames of complex motion, Frame Fixer ML adapts to your needs.

Real-World Scenario: Fixing Flash Artifacts in a Scene

In the demo scene, multiple flashes from set lighting disrupt the mood. Here’s how Frame Fixer ML handles it with ease:

Step 1: Insert Frame Fixer ML Node

Start by identifying the problematic frames. With hotkeys like Z and X, it’s easy to navigate frame by frame.

Step 2: Define the Repair Duration

Rather than fixing each frame manually, set a duration (e.g., 2–3 frames) to interpolate the repair across a time range. This smooths the transition and preserves detail all while saving time.

Step 3: Add Keyframes Where Needed

For additional flashes (e.g. frames 39, 64, 75, etc.), simply hit F to add them into the timeline. If a flash spans several frames, just extend the repair duration.

Result?

A clean, artifact-free sequence that maintains the integrity of textures like the talent’s coat, all without tedious manual patching.

Enhancing Performance: Eyes Open, Emotion On

Frame Fixer ML isn’t just about cleanup; it can alter performance.

In one clip, the actor closes his eyes during a pivotal moment, softening the emotional impact. Zapletal uses Frame Fixer ML to "reopen" the eyes, but it requires some preparation:

Step 1: Stabilize the Face

Using Mocha Pro inside Silhouette, track only translation, rotation, and scale. Add holdout mattes to isolate the eyes, then use a Transform node to stabilize the head.

Step 2: Work Within Stabilized Space

Add a second Transform node with matchmove enabled. Now you can confidently retouch a stabilized image and reapply natural motion after cleanup.

Step 3: Define Domain of Definition (DOD)

To speed things up, use a DOD node to limit the area Silhouette needs to process in this case, around the actor's eyes.

Step 4: Apply Frame Fixer ML in Ranges Mode

Instead of isolated fixes, choose Ranges Mode and define the full span (e.g., 42 frames). This gives you a seamless ML-generated transition while preserving realism.

Step 5: Rotoscoping and Compositing

With a soft Roto mask, isolate the modified area and composite it back onto the plate using the final Composite node. Boom, the actor’s eyes stay open, and your scene retains its emotional weight.

Advanced Use Case: Removing Snow, Preserving Reflection

Another powerful combo? Frame Fixer ML + Silhouette Paint.

Here’s the challenge: remove falling snow while keeping reflections intact.

Step 1: Use Paint Node

Paint over the frames you want to clean up. Then, connect both Image Output and Data Output from the Paint node to Frame Fixer ML.

• The Data Output tells Frame Fixer ML exactly which frames you've painted and which to morph.

Step 2: Choose Your Mode

• Continuous Mode: Morphs between all painted frames for seamless transitions.
• Pairs Mode: Morphs between defined pairs of frames for more control.

Keep your painted frame distances short and consistent for the best results.

Why Artists Love Frame Fixer ML

Whether you're fixing continuity issues, retouching performances, or combining Paint with AI interpolation, Frame Fixer ML is an all-in-one solution for:

• Faster cleanup workflows
• Artist-directed control with node-based logic
• Seamless AI-assisted transitions

Why Use Frame Fixer ML?

• Fix flashes, artifacts, or dropped frames in seconds
• Powered by ML, guided by you
• Combine with Paint, Mocha Pro, and Transform nodes
• Save time on repetitive tasks
• Enhance continuity and scene integrity

Learn More

Ready to go deeper? Explore more Boris FX tutorials on our website. From PowerMesh Morphing to advanced Paint workflows, their expert-guided lessons help you master your tools faster.