Tutorial: Getting Started with After Effects Text Animators Part 1

Trent Armstrong explains his simple formula for getting started with the Text Animators in After Effects. 

Studying 3D Camera Tracker - After Effects CS6

Tutorial by Maltaanon. This is a follow-up to the introduction to 3D Camera Tracker tutorial by Maltaanon. Learn the do's and don't's of the match-moving process in After Effects CS6.

Faking Physics in Newton and Element 3D

by Adam Taylor at AEtuts+ "In this tutorial I will be going over the steps of setting up a 2d physics simulation in Motion Boutique's Newton, and then tying 3D models to it using Element 3d. Then I'll go over how to tweek the keyframes to make the physics appear to be more 3D. I'll share some tips for animating a 3D camera. Finally I'll go over making the shots looks good. "

Using Shape Layers to Create a Vector Water Animation in After Effects

By Batuhan Türkay at AEtuts+: "In this tutorial we’ll take a look at the basic principles and behaviors of water in the case of forces being applied to it. We’ll be keyframing masks on solids to recreate a liquid movement."

Creating a 3D Cloud Fly Through Scene With Horizon

By Felix Cremerius on AEtuts+ "This tutorial explains the steps you need to take to convert an HDRI in Photoshop into a usable file in Trapcode Horizon to create a Skydome and populate it with clouds. We’ll also explained how to mask clouds, create a camera move in AE, and add a complimentary lens flare to the scene."

Paint Drips with Trapcode Particular + Free Preset

In this QuickTip, Harry Frank shows you how to create a spray paint effect with paint drips.

Simple Car Rig in Video Copilot Element 3D

Create a Simple Car Rig with Element 3D! This technique will work well for almost any 3D vehicle model. Be sure you are using Element 3D V1.6

Layer Space Transforms in After Effects, 6 Part Series!

Felt Tips, secret agent and VFX artist, gives a 90 minute, 6 part series about “Understanding Layer Space Transforms in AE and Manipulating 3D Space with Expressions”. Felt Tips gives a great presentation. He's very articulate and explains it with great care and interesting graphics. Good stuff!

Displacement and Deformation Techniques in Cinema 4D

In today’s tutorial, new Cgtuts+ author Mario Brajdic will introduce you to working with displacement and deformers in Cinema 4D and show you how this powerful combination can be used in conjunction with custom materials, lighting, and post effects to create some truly unique and visually stunning results.

Baking Textures in Cinema 4D for Element 3D

By Harry Frank: "CInema 4D has a couple ways of baking textures for your objects and this is one of them."

Setting up Depth of Field Rendering in Cinema 4D and Compositing in After Effects, Nuke

Post by Joey Korenman at School of Motion: "Learn about the two most common methods of creating a depth-of-field effect on your renders. This tutorial goes through setting up your Cinema 4D scene, then shows you how to composite your renders in After Effects as well as Nuke."

Make a Chalkboard-Style Scribble and Smudge

By Jorrit Schulte at AEtuts+. "We’ll be looking at creating a chalk-style scribble based on an image. We’ll be creating masks to make the lines using both manual and automatic techniques. From there we’ll animate the drawing on, and create a wiping animation which leaves smudges on the screen."

How to Animate Retro Pixel Art in After Effects

In this tutorial Nik Morris will show you how to take animated pixel art and incorporate it into large HD videos while retaining the original quality!

GreyscaleGorilla City Kit

In this quick tutorial, Chris shows you how to add some effectors to City Kit so you can focus in on just a few buildings, and then zoom around the city. A similar effect was used to make part of Iron Man’s heads up display. Keep an eye out in the future for a follow up where we push this effect even further!

Video Copilot: Explosive Training

Video Copilot has a brand new training series online and it is completely free!  It is one of the most advanced tutorial series that they have released to date! First Video Copilot shows you how to do compositing and Adobe After Effects, then they teach you how to build advanced 3D assets.

V-Ray 2.0 for 3ds Max - V-Ray Light Select

V-Ray 2.0 for 3ds Max - V-Ray Light Select
VRayLightSelect - Render element to extract the contribution of individual lights

V-Ray 2.0 for 3ds Max - Lens Analysis utility help stuff

V-Ray 2.0 for 3ds Max - Lens Analysis utility help stuff
VRayLensAnalysis -- Quickly creates realistic distortion patterns for your V-Ray Physical Cameras

V-Ray 2.0 for 3ds Max and Maya - Hair and Fur Shader

Now, with the latest update to V-Ray 2.0 you can render hair and fur with unprecedented control, quality, and speed using the new VRayHairMtl shader and VRayHairInfoTex map.
User can also seamlessly render hair created using Ephere's Ornatrix( http://www.ephere.com/plugins/autodes...) plug-in with the new modifier - VRayOrnatrixMod.

V-Ray 2.0 for 3ds Max - Car Paint Material

Jim from Chaos Group shows you one of the new material tools in V-Ray 2.0; Car Paint! 

Use the Cinema 4D Exchange Plug-in to Make an Editable Football Highlight Graphic

Post by George Ahimeyer:

"Cinema 4d has the ability to generate a compositing file containing all passes that make up the specific image as well as sending all 3D information for a seamless composite. I watch a lot of sports shows and decided to create this graphic to transition into highlights by making a customizable jumbo tron animation."

Using RE:Vision Effects RE:Match:Pro; Matching Color From Separate Cameras/ Settings

RE:Match takes intuitive color and texture matching to a whole new level by addressing common problems on multiple shot, multicam and stereo shoots. RE:Match is a set of plug-ins to match one view of video or film to another so that it looks as if it was shot with the same camera and settings. RE:Match assumes that both image sequences are taken roughly at the same location but perhaps were not shot at the same time or from the same point-of-view.

Download a free trial for Adobe After Effects and Premiere!

Using RE:Vision Effects: Matching Color From Separate Cameras/ Settings

RE:Match takes intuitive color and texture matching to a whole new level by addressing common problems on multiple shot, multicam and stereo shoots. RE:Match is a set of plug-ins to match one view of video or film to another so that it looks as if it was shot with the same camera and settings. RE:Match assumes that both image sequences are taken roughly at the same location but perhaps were not shot at the same time or from the same point-of-view.

Download a free trial for Adobe After Effects and Premiere!

Create a Valentine’s Day Themed Animation in Cinema 4D & After Effects

Post by Stefan Surmabojov at CGtuts+ :  “In this tutorial we are going to create a Valentine’s Day themed animation in Cinema 4D and After Effects.... Use particles and forces in Cinema 4D, as well as MoDynamics and Effectors to put everything together to create our final animation. Finally we’ll add materials, light and render the scene before finishing it up in After Effects with some compositing and post effects."

Curious Turtle Fundamentals of mocha - 11 - Mask Shapes and Rotoscoping Part 2

Following on from the previous exercise, we look at another technique for using mocha for rotoscoping work. We stabilize the camera using a technique called “Unlink tracking” to effectively track the background with the least amount of effort. Once we have then created and animated our mask shape, we explore methods for dealing with roto work on motion blurred and out of focus objects.  There a number of techniques, including mocha’s built-in tools to deal with Motion Blur and Edge Width.  We see how well this translate into After Effects upon export.

Snow Mountain Titles with Element 3D and Cinema 4D

By VinhSon Nguyen at Creative Dojo. "In this in-depth tutorial, we’re going to explore how to quickly create a motion graphics style mountain titles using primarily After Effects and some Cinema 4D. We’re going to cover all sorts of things, from creating a basic landscape, to creating camera rigs and incorporating 3D elements within our scene. This is one of the longer tutorials I’ve done which was a rough run through, so I hope you’ll take your time and tweak it to perfection!"

How to Automate a Stop Motion Photo Slideshow in After Effects

By Emanuele Fiorito at AEtuts+: "In this tutorial we will see how to work some expressions to create your own preset that you can apply to achieve a stop motion effect for hundreds of photos."

Use Video Copilot Metropolitan with Element 3D to Create a Realistic City Title

By Andrew Kramer/ Video Copilot: Use the new Metropolitan with Element 3D to create a realistic city title, Use Randomize Angle feature to distribute buildings into the scene

Snow White and the Huntsman - Aetuts+ Hollywood Movie Title Series

Today we’ll re-created the animation title style of movie Snow White & The Huntsman using Element 3D inside After Effects. We’ll start in Cinema 4d to model the letters of the title and then we’ll move over into AE for the stylistic aspects like color, lens flare and such.

At the end of this tutorial, you can learn how to draw and animate your own title with Element 3d inside After Effects. The actual example of the Snow White & The Huntsman movie title is just for training purposes and is not to be used in a final project without permission from the original creators.

Create a Shattering Glass Animation in Cinema 4D & AE – Part 3 Rendering

Post at CGtuts+: "Today’s lesson is all about prepping for rendering. You’ll start by finalizing the animation with some slight tweaks to the timing. Once done you’ll move onto the material setup and learn how to create realistic glass and metal shaders using Cinema 4D’s intuitive material editor. Finally, Cyril will walk you through lighting the scene. This lesson includes building a dynamic light rig using XPresso and fine tuning it’s position to generate correct caustics at render time."

Create a Shattering Glass Animation in Cinema 4D & AE – Part 2 Cameras & Pre-Viz

Post at CGtuts+: "In part two you’ll get an in-depth lesson on how real-world cameras work. Cyril provides detailed insight on working with focal length, aperture, depth of field and motion blur and how these principles and settings apply to your Cg cameras. Then it’s back to Cinema 4D where you’ll learn how to block out shot timing, and find the best camera positions for the animation by running through a detailed pre-visualization process."

Create a Shattering Glass Animation in Cinema 4D & AE – Part 1 Modeling & Animation

Post at CGtuts+: "Create a cool slow-motion shattering glass animation using Cinema 4D and After Effects. Over the course of this massive lecture, professional artist Cyril Kotecky will teach you the ins and outs of working with dynamics and what goes into creating such a shot. Including the benefits Pre-Viz can have in the early stages as you block out your shot timing and camera positions."

Create an Animated 3D Extruded Logo – Part 2

In part 2 of this video tutorial, Eran Stern uses Adobe Premiere Pro’s multicam edit tool to edit the four different angles and applies BCC effects to finish the animation.

Create an Animated 3D Extruded Logo in BCC – Part 1

In Part 1 of this video tutorial, Eran Stern of SternFX uses the Boris Continuum Complete Extruded EPS filter to extrude a logo created with two Adobe Illustrator EPS files. He then uses Adobe After Effects to render four different angles. 

Behind the Scenes of the new Boris TV Opener- BCC AE

Eran Stern of SternFX gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how he created the all-new Boris TV opener using Boris Continuum Complete plug-ins such as Beat Reactor, Damaged TV, Extruded Spline, Extruded Text, Film Glow, Film Grain, Layer Deformer, Lens Flare 3D, Organic Strands, Particle Array 3D, Scanline, and Videoscope in Adobe After Effects.

Tempo: Up in Flames - Realistic & Slow-Motion Fire Effects

In this episode of Red Giant TV, Aharon Rabinowitz walks you through the workflow used to create realistic fire for the film Tempo. He’ll be using a combination of real fire footage, Trapcode Particular, and some 3rd Party plug-ins from RE:Vision Effects.

Tutorial: Introduction to After Effects Scripting

Dylan Winter explains the basics of scripting in After Effects. "Unlike expressions, scripts operate from the application level and are not locked down the a single parameter. They can be used to affect multiple properties of multiple layer simultaneously, as in this lesson where we'll increment through layers and rename them according to their indexes."

Create Cinema 4D Style Effectors in After Effects/ Dylan Winter

Dylan Winter demonstrates how you can expand After Effects towards the premise of Effectors in Cinema 4D. "If you ever wished that you could take advantage of some of Cinema 4D’s powerful effector tools while working in After Effects, your wish may now be granted. Using some clever scripting and a basic control system, we’re going to rig up our very own effectors within After Effects".

Authority FX Chroma Key Plug-in Overview

Toolfarm just started carrying the Authority FX products in November 2012. Ryan P. Wilson of Authority FX has put together a tutorial for their Chroma Key plug-in for After Effects

Image Based Lighting in Video Copilot Element 3D!

Andrew Kramer at Video Copilot has a new tutorial on a technique he didscovered for generating Imaged Based Lighting Effects with Video Copilot Element 3D! Use an environment map to illuminate a 3D scene with Element 3D. Andrew explains.

Imagineer mocha AE 3.1 and mocha Pro 3.1 Lens Distortion Tips, Calibration Clips, Using Grids

Martin Brennand takes you through how to calibrate a lens with the mocha Lens Module and use it with the new mocha Lens plug-in supported with mocha AE 3.1 and mocha Pro 3.1 - Also covered- using a calibration clip when you do not have enough information in your shot to define the warp of the lens.

Set Up A Natural Unfolding Logo Reveal Or Transition – AEtuts+

How To Make A Jack-O-Lantern Pumpkin In Cinema 4D

Chris and Nick at Greyscalegorilla will show you how to make a Jack-O-Lantern pumpkin scene in Cinema 4D.

Chris shows you how to model it using a Loft Nurb, the connect object, a boole for the face cutout, and displacers to make the pumpkin bumpy.

In part 2, Nick will show you how to light, texture, and render your pumpkin scene for compositing in After Effects.

Guide: The Secret Menu of Radio Waves in After Effects

By Satya Meka / Rowbyte: "So, where exactly is the secret menu? It is right in front of you, in the main Radio Waves Effects Panel, but it is hidden in the form of Frequency,Opacity,Fade-in and Fade-outs. Yes, with proper tweaking you can produce some amazing results using the Radio Waves plug-in. Let me give you some brief tips so that you can utilize, the plug-in much better. Remember, this is not a tutorial, but just a brief guide which helps you to create better organic forms using Radio Waves plug-in."

Trapcode Mir - Amplitude Mapping, Creating City Scapes, Audio-Triggered Animations

Post at Red Giant TV: Aharon Rabinowitz shows you how to take Trapcode Mir in a whole new direction using Amplitude Layers. You'll learn to create looping animation, cityscapes, audio-triggered displacement and more. 

Creating Object buffers and Depth mattes in CINEMA 4D and using them within After Effects

Check out this tutorial from AE Templates about creating Object buffers and Depth mattes in CINEMA 4D and using them within AE.

Depth Compositing in After Effects

Post by Andrew Kramer/ Video Copilot: "In this tutorial we’ll use a technique called Depth Compositing to combine stock footage with 3D rendering and the use a Z-Depth pass. This method allows you to place 2D elements like stock footage into the depth of a 3D render. I also demonstrate how to export a Z-pass from 3D max, Cinema 4D and even use Element 3D to output a depth channel."

Exporting Models from CINEMA 4D to Video Copilot Element - Workflow

Post by Joren Kandel at The Pixel Lab: "David Biederbeck, from beckmotion.com, has been helping me out with converting The Pixel Lab model packs into Videocopilot Element 3D ready packs."

"In this extensive tutorial he’ll go through the entire process of exporting a model from C4D to Element 3D. This includes how to bring in the geometry and also the textures. It’s a bit tricky, but this tutorial should give you a good picture of the workflow."

Creating Faux Shadows in Adobe After Effects by Eran Stern

Shadows sell the illusion that we are really in 3D space. This lesson demonstrates how to add depth to our scene with shadow effects. You'll also learn how to save the effects as an animation preset so they can be reused and matched to each element.

What’s New in Sapphire 6.1

A brief overview of the enhancements to the preset browser in GenArts Sapphire 6.1.

iPhone 5 Screen Animation with Video Copilot Element 3D

Post by Andrew Kramer/ Video Copilot: "If you wanted to get your hands on the new iPhone 5, “Congratulations”, we have a free 3D model just for you! Along with this free mode I also recorded a short tutorial that focuses on animating the screen and preparing the model for Element 3d. The iPhone model is in the OBJ format so you can use it with any 3D program such as 3D max or Cinema 4D."

Depth Compositing in After Effects

In this tutorial we’ll use a technique called Depth Compositing to combine stock footage with 3D rendering and the use a Z-Depth pass. This method allows you to place 2D elements like stock footage into the depth of a 3D render. I also demonstrate how to export a Z-pass from 3D max, Cinema 4D and even use Element 3D to output a depth channel.

Alien Surface Set Extensions with Video Copilot Element 3D and Roto Brush Tool

Post by Andrew Kramer/ Video Copilot: "In this tutorial we will create a realistic set extension for the surface of a far away alien planet. With the help of the Matte Painting challenge we will be compositing the background along with adding 3D rocks with Element 3D and pulling out the Roto Brush tool."

Iron Man Interface Battle Widget – Parts 1 - 5

Post by Stefan Surmabojov at AEtuts+: "In this tutorial series we are going to go beyond basics using the true power of shape layers inside After Effects. As you can see we are going to dive into the magic of creating this Iron Man battle widget inspired from The Avengers movie. We are going to recreate the element from start to finish using various different techniques and learning some pretty cool workflow tips as well."

Parts 1 & 2

Parts 3, 4 & 5

Using Mocha Camera Solver for Shots that are Difficult to Solve with Point Tracking

Imagineer systems Product Manager Martin Brennand takes you through using the mocha Camera Solver for a shot that is difficult to solve with point tracking.

Depth of Field with Trapcode Mir

In this QuickTip, Learn how to simulate stunning depth of field effects with a few great tips from Dino Muhic. Check out Dino's work at DinoMuhic.com

Create Full 3d Reflections With Falloff Using Form or Particular

Jorrit Schulte at AE Tuts+ shows how to make some lovely full 3D reflections with falloff on a table with Trapcode Form or Particular. Create Full 3d Reflections With Falloff Using Form or Particular

Simulating A Campfire With 3D Studio Max, Thinking Particles & FumeFX

Madhan at CGTuts+ shows you how to create a campfire with 3ds Max and some great plug-ins and Adobe After Effects. 

Element 3D: Environment Tips

By Andrew Kramer/ Video Copilot. Create a custom Environment map and learn to control the background!

Luca Visual FX Training Series: Film Leaders

Kes Akalaonu / NLE Ninja introduces you to Luca Visual Effects'Film Leaders works in After Effects, Final Cut Pro, and Motion using the Noise Industries FxFactory Engine.

Magnet Disruption Using Digieffects Artifact

Do you watch Breaking Bad? Then if you saw Season 5 Episode 1 you saw a little glimpse of computer artifacting that you can easily replicate with Damage v2.5's Artifact plug-in.  Watch this tutorial to learn how to create magnetic damage with Damage v2.5 Artifact!

Video Copilot Element 3D Particle Replicator

Video Copilot has a new tutorial out about how to use the replicator options in Element 3D.

Video Copilot Element 3D: Element Animation Engine

Animate Pre-Fractured Objects with our new plugin, Element 3D!

Video Copilot Element 3D: BioHazard Logo

Andrew Kramer shows you how to create an impressive 3D logo right inside of After Effects using the new plug-in Element 3D. First we create masks of the logo and use Element to extrude and animate the final result.

Creating Realistic Dust Hits with Trapcode Particular

Post at Red Giant TV: "In this tutorial, John Einselen shows you how to create realistic dust hits with Trapcode Particular. He also covers some very advanced compositing techniques for 3D animators working with Particular."

Color Isolation Effect with Magic Bullet Colorista II

Michele Yamazaki from Toolfarm explains a couple of cool tricks that you can do with color in Red Giant Software Magic Bullet Colorista II, a robust tool made for color correcting footage.&nbsp;</p>

Creating A Cool Broadcast Background In Cinema 4D & AE

By Stefan Surmabojov at CGuts+. Uses Maxon Cinema 4D and Adobe After Effects Optional: Video Copilot's Optical Flares :  "In this tutorial we are going to create a cool looking extruded globe in Cinema 4D using the best technique I was able to find (after endless attempts trying different ways of doing it.) With the globe model complete we’ll add some simple, yet stylish shaders and render out the animation before moving into After Effects to composite the sequence and add various effects to make it look even better!"

Building an iPhone in Adobe After Effects

By VinhSon Nguyen on AEtuts+: "Hey folks, today we’re going to be taking a look at a simple approach to building a basic iPhone model within After Effects. We will be designing the phone purely in After Effects with easily replaceable screen content, then we will extrude the phone to add some pseudo depth, and finally we will add some cool glossy reflections and shadows."

After Effects CS6 3D Camera Tracker

An overview/tutorial of the new 3D camera tracker in Adobe After Effects CS6 by Matt's Macintosh channel on YouTube. Good stuff.

Melting Objects in Cinema 4D

Charles Rowland explains how to melt a soda bottle or other object/ model in Cinema 4D.

Fantastic Facial Motion Capture in After Effects

Post by Matthew Perks/ AEtuts+. Use puppet pins tracked to motion data from dots on a face to animate a face or other objects in your scene.

Shape from Vectors in After Effects 6

Eran Stern shows you how make an instant Motion Graphics Promo using the new Create Shapes from Vector Layer in After Effects CS6.

Fantastic Facial Motion Capture in After Effects

Post by Matthew Perks/ AEtuts+ "In this tutorial, I will be sharing with you how to achieve 2D facial motion capture in After Effects. The technique involves acquiring motion data from dots on a face, and using that motion data to manipulate the position of puppet pins on an image that you want to animate. It’s a very useful way of quickly creating detailed animations, and characterizing inanimate objects, like the rock face in the intro. It’s also possible to do face replacement."

Using Image Lounge To Save Time Animating Shapes

Post by Alex / AEtuts+. "In this tutorial I’ll show you how to create a simple and fancy animation while playing with shapes and the Image Lounge plug-in from Red Giant Software."

Clones, Step Effector, and Atom Array Tutorial for Cinema 4D

Post by Nick Campbell/ Greyscalegorilla. "In this tutorial, I try to recreate some of the effects in Ion’s beautiful Spherical Animation using the Cloner, Step Effector, Atom Array, and Cel Renderer. I also show you how to do the final composite in After Effects."

Getting Started-  Use Quick Looks to Grade Like a Pro

In this Getting Started video, Apple Certified Master Trainer Simon Walker shows how to enhance your video footage with Quick Looks. Even if you're not experienced in color correction, Simon will teach you how to grade your footage quickly and professionally. Watch it on RGTV, where training is always free.

After Effects CS6 – 3D Camera Tracking Tutorial

Maltaannon presents the new 3D Camera Tracker in After Effects CS6, a new feature to CS6.

How to Create a Security Sweeper effect in After Effects

RedGiantTv's Seth Worley shows you how to create this cool looking Sweeper Effect (Inspired by Ridley Scott’s new film Prometheus) in After Effects using Foundry’s Camera Tracker, Trapcode Particular and other techniques.

After Effects to Cinema 4d Tutorial by Tim Clapham / Luxx Part 1

Post at Luxx: "From Tim Clapham: In this third tutorial in the series, Tim takes us through the process of transferring your After Effects information over to CINEMA 4D. Using The Foundry Camera Tracker, you will track and solve some footage, resulting in an After Effects camera and reference nulls being created. This camera and null information will be exported from After Effects into CINEMA 4D and used to build some basic proxy geometry for catching shadows and reflecting the environment. This is then output using CINEMA 4D’s multipass rendering and composited back over the original footage in After Effects."

Taking you step by step through the process, the tutorial starts by covering the basic principles of working with multipass rendering and exporting 3D information from your Cinema4D scene over to your After Effects projects.

Uses Trapcode Particular, Video Copilot Optical Flares, and The Foundry CameraTracker for After Effects.

An A to Z of Building Projections in After Effects - Part 1

By ChrisZwar / ProVideoCoalition: "A behind the scenes look at two different building projection projects, including the largest building projection ever staged - the massive Alfa Bank show in Russia.  If you’ve ever wondered how these events are created then this is the video series for you…"

Part 1 is a general overview of building projections and offers some insight into the staging of two different sized building projection projects.

Uses Frischluft Taronites Zborn Toy

Mid-Air Emergency in After Effects by Video Copilot

Post by Andrew Kramer/ Video Copilot: "In this new tutorial we’ll composite the interior of an airplane as the wing bursts into flames. We’ll cover green screen keying, 3D tracking with Camera Tracker, particles and compositing live action elements. I’ve also included a dropping Oxygen mask in the project file for people that want to add an extra layer!"

Tutorial: Variations on the Organic Lines Preset in Trapcode Particular

Red Giant QuickTip 62: Variations on the Organic Lines Preset (Trapcode Particular) by Harry Frank. "In this Red Giant QuickTip, Harry Frank takes you on a Back-to-Basics study on the Organic Lines preset in Trapcode Particular: how it works and how to create some variations of it."

Creating the Mission Impossible 4 Titles in Cinema 4D and After Effects

Post by Antonio Cerri at AEtuts+ : "In today’s tutorial we’ll be creating the Mission Impossible 4 title animation. In the first part, we’ll be in Cinema 4d to create and animate the logo, lights and materials. We will then continue to After Effects for the overall composition and all the graphic elements that characterize this particular animation. We’ll also explain how to make the fantastic ghost protocol effect."

How To Edit Together Night Time-Lapsed Videos in After Effects

By Grzegorz Rogala at AEtuts+. "This technique is ideal to demonstrate events that take substantial time to develop in seconds. Today’s tutorial will introduce you to a simple and effective workflow concerning time-lapse photography. It basically involves taking a series of photographs, maintaining the same interval between the shots, and compiling them into a movie clip."

Using Trapcode Form 2.0 with Cinema 4D

Post by Nick Campbell/Greyscalegorilla: "a video of Gavin Morrissey’s talk about integrating Cinema 4D and Trapcode Form 2.0" at Chicago C4D.

Animated Swirls in Adobe After Effects

Animated swirls are all the rage in the motion graphics world, and there are some pretty cool things that can be done with them. But creating and animating such elements is really not as difficult and time-consuming as it would seem, even if the shapes are detailed and intricate. Bring on the swirls!

Growing 3D Vines

Create Vines in only After Effects

3D Set Extensions with Trapcode Particular and The Foundry CameraTracker

Create a 3D set extension with fog using Stock Footage. Use Camera Tracker to matchmove inside of AE.

Advanced Soft Keying using Keylight

Key out footage without eliminating the soft reflections. Composite in 32bpc for more realistic blending.

Dynamic Machine Gun with Video Copilot Action Essentials II & Trapcode Particular

Create a machine gun with dynamic ricochets types. Use Expressions to emit unique particles on each surface. Uses Video Copilot Action Essentials II & Trapcode Particular

Magical Hits with Video Copilot Action Essentials and Optical Flares

Composite stock footage elements to create magic hits. Use ripple distortion to enhance blast effect. Uses Video Copilot Action Essentials and Optical Flares.

Grenade Throw using Video Copilot Optical Flares

Composite a super-slow motion grenade to live footage. Use 2D Tracking on a camera to match a nodal pan. Uses Video Copilot Optical Flares

Shatterize with Video Copilot’s Optical Flares

Create a progressive shatter effect in After Effects and Composite with Glows and add subtle camera shake, using Video Copilot's Optical Flares

Animating Spray Paint and Stencil Effect in After Effects

Create a spray paint effect using After Effects. It’s a fairly simple process but I’ve got a few tricks that you may not have thought of.

Digieffects Damage | Artifact - 8bit Gaming Tutorial

Brandon Smith from Digieffects shows us how to create 8bit looking video with Damage's Artifact plug-in in After Effects, Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro 6/7, & Final Cut Pro X.

Cosmodius - Creating a Retro Sci-fi Logo Animation

In this episode of Red Giant TV, Aharon Rabinowitz walks you through the process of creating a Retro Sci-Fi logo. In addition to creating the logo, he'll show you how to age the video to make it look like it came out of the early 80's.

Kinect MoCap Animation in After Effects — Part 1: Getting Started

Post by Victoria Nece. "Today I’m going to show you how to use your Kinect to animate a digital puppet like this one in After Effects. Once you’re up and running, you’re going to be using a Processing app called KinectToPin, written by the very talented animator Nick Fox-Gieg. That’s where you actually capture the tracking data, as well as where you convert it to keyframe information After Effects can understand."

Let it Flow: An In-depth Look at the Grid Emitter in Trapcode Particular

Post by Harry Frank at Red Giant: "Trapcode Particlar and Form are very similar in many ways. Sometimes, you might even want the organic look of Form with the 3D position control of Particular. We'll discuss how to get detailed control over particle grids to create something organic."

Inside the Nebulae by Peder Norrby/ Trapcode

"Actual images of nebulas taken with the Hubble space telescope were combined in After Effects with CG gas clouds and stars made using Trapcode Form and Starglow."

Funky Animations With CC Circle And Radio Waves

Post by Tibor Miklos at AEtuts+. Hello everyone! In this tutorial we’re gonna show you how you can create 3 awesome circle animations with a few simple steps and default plug-ins such as CC Circle and Radio Waves.

After Effects CS5.5 Changes from Video2Brain

Todd Kopriva of Adobe goes over changes in the CS5.5 version of Adobe After Effects. 1 hour 25 minutes. It's probably more of an overview than a tutorial, but you're guaranteed to learn something.