All classes Premiere Pro Syllabus · Episode 84 of 105

Premiere Pro Class #84: Spotlight Effect: Darkening the Background and Highlighting the Subject with Mask Tracking

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Premiere Pro tutorial: subject spotlight effect with mask tracking and Lumetri. Episode 84 of the Complete Adobe Premiere Pro Series.

Software: Adobe Premiere Pro
Level: Beginner
Duration: ± 3 min
Series total: 6 h 22 min · 105 videos
Published: October 27, 2026

Episode 84 of 105 · view syllabus

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Transcript

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Introduction

In this episode, we create a spotlight effect. One subject remains bright and colorful, while the surroundings darken, complete with tracking so the spotlight follows the movement. Let's get started. Welcome back to the complete Adobe Premiere Pro series from Cerdas Inovasi Digital. A spotlight effect or spot leak directs the viewer's attention to one subject. The method involves two clip layers that are the same, the bottom layer is darkened, and the top layer is only displayed around the subject through a mask. The traditional dance clip is on V1.

Step 1: Duplicate Clip

Hold Alt and drag the clip to V2 to duplicate it. The two clips are identical and perfectly aligned.

Step 2: Darken Lower Layer

Temporarily disable the track of V2. Select the V1 clip, open Lumetri Color, lower Exposure to -1.2 and Saturation to 30. The bottom clip is now dark and faded.

Step 3: Mask on Upper Layer

Re-enable the track of V2. Select the V2 clip, in the Effect Controls section, click the Ellipse icon under Opacity. Only the area inside the mask appears bright. Adjust the mask around the dancer in the center.

Step 4: Feather and Expansion

Raise the Mask Fader to 80 for a very smooth transition from bright to dark, like a real spotlight light. Mask Expansion 20 slightly expands the bright area.

Step 5: Tracking

The dancer is moving, so the mask must follow. Place the playhead at the beginning, then click Track Selected Mask Forward. Premiere tracks the dancer and moves the mask on every frame.

Step 6: Rotate Result

Play the clip. The dancer remains glowing and colorful, while the surrounding noise reduces. The audience's eyes immediately focus on the main subject. Done.

Done!

We have duplicated the clip, darkened the lower layer with Lumetri, displayed the upper layer through an Ellipse mask, adjusted the Fader and Expansion, tracked the mask, and played the spotlight effect. In the next episode, we create a freeze frame. Need a product advertisement video, business profile video, Reels and TikTok content, or subtitles for YouTube videos? Cerdas Inovasi Digital provides video editing and color grading services, as well as opens Premiere Pro courses from beginner to advanced level. Want to master the entire series? 105 episodes from the interface to the final project? All episodes, complete with step-by-step PDF guides, source footage, and project files, are available to premium tutorial subscribers. Subscribe starting at Rp69.000 per month, save 28% with the 12-month package, or one-time pay Rp999.000 for lifetime access. Want just one class? Buy single classes with lifetime access. Subscribe now at the premium page cerdasinovasidigital.com. Contact our WhatsApp, or visit cerdasinovasidigital.com. Thank you for watching, see you in the next episode. Thank you for watching,

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53 video classes1,282 episodes

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Transcript

0:03Introduction

0:40Step 1: Duplicate Clip

0:48Step 2: Darken Lower Layer

1:03Step 3: Mask on Upper Layer

1:18Step 4: Feather and Expansion

1:33Step 5: Tracking

1:47Step 6: Rotate Result

1:59Done!

Ask the class material

My notes

Questions & answers

Your instructor

Recommended classes for you

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Transcript

0:03Introduction

0:40Step 1: Duplicate Clip

0:48Step 2: Darken Lower Layer

1:03Step 3: Mask on Upper Layer

1:18Step 4: Feather and Expansion

1:33Step 5: Tracking

1:47Step 6: Rotate Result

1:59Done!

Ask the class material

My notes

Questions & answers

Your instructor

Introduction

Step 1: Duplicate Clip

Step 2: Darken Lower Layer

Step 3: Mask on Upper Layer

Step 4: Feather and Expansion

Step 5: Tracking

Step 6: Rotate Result

Done!

Introduction

Step 1: Duplicate Clip

Step 2: Darken Lower Layer

Step 3: Mask on Upper Layer

Step 4: Feather and Expansion

Step 5: Tracking

Step 6: Rotate Result

Done!