After Effects and video at DVinfo.net

Simon Duncan · September 25th, 2006, 06:52 AM

I'm new to After Effects and very naive to what After Effects has to offer. I currently edit short films using AVID Xpress Pro.

My question is:
Can someone explain to me or point me in a direction to see examples of how/what After Effects can add/do regarding actual video production?

This is a very crude and general question. SORRY

But just would like to know what After Effects could add to my video production.

Thanks

Jimmy McKenzie · September 25th, 2006, 07:05 AM

AE is basic 3d manipulation of 2d objects in a key-frameable space that allows for creativity way beyond any NLE. You won't build and manipulate 3d objects, but for text effects, animating an illustrator or Photoshop composition and matte work, this program is worth the time to learn.

Much deeper control over masks, mattes and the different elements of effects like lighting, environments (smoke, lightning, fog) and motion control.

This program requires a learning aid. Do not attempt without a good reference book.

Simon Duncan · September 25th, 2006, 07:33 AM

Thanks

Any suggestion on a good reference book with video in mind?

Jimmy McKenzie · September 25th, 2006, 07:45 AM

Total Training:

http://store.adobe.com/store/product...fects7Advanced

Emre Safak · September 25th, 2006, 08:26 AM

Get Chris & Trish Meyer's books.

Cal Johnson · September 25th, 2006, 11:12 AM

Ditto to Emre, Trish and Chris Meyer's "Creating Motion Graphics" books are a great way to learn After Effects, arguably one of the best text books written for After Effects. Be advised that currently (unless this just changed) they offer two texts, and they are based on After Effects 6.5.

For an instant idea of what After Effects can do, go try Andrew Kramer's www.videocopilot.net, click on the products link, and then click on the "Serious Effects and Compositing" and watch the little movie that comes up. That will give you a really good idea of just a few of the things that After Effects can accomplish.

After Effects 7 Pro is really raising the bar for post production graphics. There are some simple things that people aren't aware of. For instance, you can use the "Spherize" preset on a flat, 2D image of earth, to create a totally convincing 3D earth that rotates, has shadow, etc. You can even add a cloud layer. Its how Steam created the planet earth you see for Discovery Channel.

If you start getting into After Effects, you probably really fall in love with it. Just one word of warning. While it is a deep program, and yet not all that tough to learn, a lot of tutorials out there start with preping something in Photoshop, so if you are, like me, not a Photoshop user, you might find it a little frustrating.

Nick Jushchyshyn · September 25th, 2006, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emre Safak

Get Chris & Trish Meyer's books.

Ditto seconded !!

Yes, the books currently in print are based on 6.5, but 99% of what's covered still holds true .... once you find your way around AE's new UI.
The other major enhancement in AE 7 is linear processing, which generally effects film work more than video.

BTW: The manual and tutorials that come with AE aren't a terrible place to start either.

Don't forget to ask lots of questions here at dvInfo, too. :D

Have fun.

Liam Dunlop · October 3rd, 2006, 12:59 AM

To show you a peak of what After Effects can do watch Rubber Johnny.

That film led me to this simple lesson on lasers which was the very time I used After Effects.
Even though it was written for AE 5.5 it still holds up for AE7.

Blasters, Using the Beam Effect.
http://www.durbnpoisn.com/films/BeamTut/index.asp

Original Version.
Flying Tie Fighter.

My Version [2005]
Tie Fighter Blasting Rebel Scum.

Get you trained
After Effects 7 Pro Essentials otherwise have some fun with a gun, some bombs and a time machine.

September 25th, 2006, 06:52 AM	#1
Simon Duncan Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Angers, France Posts: 181	After Effects and video I'm new to After Effects and very naive to what After Effects has to offer. I currently edit short films using AVID Xpress Pro. My question is: Can someone explain to me or point me in a direction to see examples of how/what After Effects can add/do regarding actual video production? This is a very crude and general question. SORRY But just would like to know what After Effects could add to my video production. Thanks

September 25th, 2006, 07:05 AM	#2
Jimmy McKenzie Major Player Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Waterloo Ontario Posts: 721	AE is basic 3d manipulation of 2d objects in a key-frameable space that allows for creativity way beyond any NLE. You won't build and manipulate 3d objects, but for text effects, animating an illustrator or Photoshop composition and matte work, this program is worth the time to learn. Much deeper control over masks, mattes and the different elements of effects like lighting, environments (smoke, lightning, fog) and motion control. This program requires a learning aid. Do not attempt without a good reference book. Last edited by Jimmy McKenzie; September 25th, 2006 at 08:43 PM.

September 25th, 2006, 07:33 AM	#3
Simon Duncan Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Angers, France Posts: 181	Thanks Any suggestion on a good reference book with video in mind?

September 25th, 2006, 07:45 AM	#4
Jimmy McKenzie Major Player Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Waterloo Ontario Posts: 721	Total Training: http://store.adobe.com/store/product...fects7Advanced

September 25th, 2006, 08:26 AM	#5
Emre Safak Trustee Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Brookline, MA Posts: 1,447	Get Chris & Trish Meyer's books.

September 25th, 2006, 11:12 AM	#6
Cal Johnson Major Player Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 180	Ditto to Emre, Trish and Chris Meyer's "Creating Motion Graphics" books are a great way to learn After Effects, arguably one of the best text books written for After Effects. Be advised that currently (unless this just changed) they offer two texts, and they are based on After Effects 6.5. For an instant idea of what After Effects can do, go try Andrew Kramer's www.videocopilot.net, click on the products link, and then click on the "Serious Effects and Compositing" and watch the little movie that comes up. That will give you a really good idea of just a few of the things that After Effects can accomplish. After Effects 7 Pro is really raising the bar for post production graphics. There are some simple things that people aren't aware of. For instance, you can use the "Spherize" preset on a flat, 2D image of earth, to create a totally convincing 3D earth that rotates, has shadow, etc. You can even add a cloud layer. Its how Steam created the planet earth you see for Discovery Channel. If you start getting into After Effects, you probably really fall in love with it. Just one word of warning. While it is a deep program, and yet not all that tough to learn, a lot of tutorials out there start with preping something in Photoshop, so if you are, like me, not a Photoshop user, you might find it a little frustrating.

October 3rd, 2006, 12:59 AM	#8
Liam Dunlop New Boot Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: London Posts: 14	To show you a peak of what After Effects can do watch Rubber Johnny. That film led me to this simple lesson on lasers which was the very time I used After Effects. Even though it was written for AE 5.5 it still holds up for AE7. Blasters, Using the Beam Effect. http://www.durbnpoisn.com/films/BeamTut/index.asp Original Version. Flying Tie Fighter. My Version [2005] Tie Fighter Blasting Rebel Scum. Get you trained After Effects 7 Pro Essentials otherwise have some fun with a gun, some bombs and a time machine.