Background

Description Adobe After Effects allows you to create the type of sophisticated video effects previously only available to television graphic designers and film special fx producers.

This two day introduction is designed to allow those new to video post production techniques to get the most from this immensely powerful software. The emphasis throughout this introduction is on practical exercises. These exercises will cover incorporating video with Photoshop and Illustrator graphics, video layering techniques, working with key frames, using filters for special effects and rendering your final project.

You will also look at different rendering techniques and ways to optimise the finished production. Feel free to tailor the course to your exact needs if you wish.

This course is based on the Professional Edition of After Effects. If you would like a course on the Standard Edition, please call for details.

Course Outline

DAY ONE

STARTING A PROJECT
Importing layers from Photoshop
Using the Project window
Working with layers over time
Animating layers independently
Using multiple key frames
Animating antialiased text
Using Bezier motion paths
Applying effects to layers

IMPORTING FOOTAGE
Nesting footage
Precomposing footage
Using alpha channels
Looping video footage
Drafting a project
Interpreting footage

WORKING WITH LAYERS
Different layer masking techniques
Creating animated Bezier mattes
Exposing elements of your last project
Changing playback speed
Changing playback direction

PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIPS
Working with the z-axis
Text layers
Trimming layers

WORKING WITH KEYFRAMES
Animating graphic elements
Precisely controlling animations
Using markers to synchronise actions

INTRODUCTION TO USING MATTES
Using colour keys to create simple mattes
Making layers react interactively
Using Free Transform Mode
Working with multiple effects
Using paths in After Effects
Using the align palette
Using adjustment layers
Previewing in RAM
Using the Keylight keyer

COMPILING YOUR PROJECT
Optimising project settings
Rendering the composition

PRACTICAL EXERCISES

Questions and answers