Changing colors in specific spots of a video clip

[gregb43838920]

Hi,

I'm an artist and working with Premiere Elements kind of for the first time. I have two clips that I've overlayed over each other. The opacity is fine, so no problems there.

However, in one of the clips I want to adjust the colors but for only a few seconds at a time. In other words, I want to make the clip a lot more blue from seconds 20 to 27, and then I want it to revert to normal at second 28. Then I want to change the color to more red from seconds 36 to 42, and then have it revert to normal. These times and colors are examples, but that's basically what I want to do.

I am aware of how to change the colors in the way I want to for the entire clip (either go to Color or Color RGB and click what I want). That gives me the desired effect. What I can't figure out is how to apply that desired color effect for just those specific time periods. 

I'm a little wary of using a color matte because I don't want the color change to apply to both video clips. I just want to apply it to one. I understand I may have to separate out the one clip, adjust it separately, and then re-insert it, but I kind of have the timing set up with the other clip already and would like to avoid it. Plus, the Color and Color RGB functions kind of work like a "bucket paint" in photoshop and only applies to certain areas, whereas the matte is more full screen.

Is there something akin to a "start" and "stop" function that could apply to color affects? I know you can do it with text, but again, I'm looking for specific color effects for specific moments in time in one single clip.

Thanks a bunch. Looking forward to hearing if anyone has a suggestion.

Best,

Greg

[Bill Sprague · Accepted solution]

If I understand your question correctly, it should be as simple as cutting the clip on the timeline where you want to do the color changes.  Cutting a clip does not change the way it plays but will allow you to change the colors of the new sections.

[gregb43838920]

OK, Perfect. I'll give that a go. Still new to some of the tools, but I should be able to figure this out as I've used cutting tools in other video editors, although simpler platforms than Elements. And what do you know, I never saw those scissors in the middle of the line. That's precisely what I needed to do. Thanks so much for your response!

Greg

[Ann Bens]

In addition to what Bill sayed.

Cutting the clip for each color is the easiest way to go.

You can use keyframes if you want, but that is more work.

If you need to smooth one color into a different color, you can use a cross dissolve.