HD SMPTE Color Bars With Tone – Free Download I quickly generated this color bars test pattern for a recent video project. It may not be 100% accurate but it looks professional enough! Feel free to download it using the link at the bottom of this page. Originating in the 1970s, the SMPTE color bars is a standard test pattern, utilised by video engineers, to conform multiple sources of video content to a single specification. The pattern can also be used to calibrate chroma and luminance values on video monitors. Understanding the SMPTE Color Bars: A Guide to Video Calibration In the world of video production, quality and accuracy are paramount. Ensuring that the colors, tones, and levels in your video are calibrated correctly is crucial for delivering a professional and visually appealing product. One tool that has been a staple in video calibration for decades is the SMPTE color bars. What… read more
Video Production Articles, Tips and Tutorials
Creating cool animations in After Effects is often really quite straightforward, but to make things even easier you’ll want to be using these handy tips and expressions. We’ve spent years creating motion graphics and animated sequences, so we thought we’d share our go-to, time-saving pointers – the shortcuts we use all the time! Included in this list : → Handy Tips for After Effects – general hints, tips and pointers for making life easier!→ Useful After Effects Expressions – exciting code snippets to automate and elevate your animations!→ Essential AE Keyboard Shortcuts – memorize these simple keystrokes to speed up your workflow! Download this After Effects tips and expressions list as a PDF : Try After Effects for Free Use the link below to access a trial version of Adobe’s incredible motion graphics software. Handy Tips for After Effects Let’s start with some general After Effects hints and tips, from… read more
Turn your footage into 8mm film! In the realm of visual storytelling, the allure of vintage film formats endures, with 8 mm and Super 8 standing as iconic representatives of a bygone era. These compact films, once threaded through mechanical reels, capture moments with an intimate graininess that speaks to the artistry of analog recording. In this article, we look to achieve a vintage Super 8 film look using Adobe After Effects and find some handy free film overlays. But first, let’s quickly recap on the 8 mm film types. 8 mm Film: Overview: 8 mm film is a motion picture film format that is 8 millimeters wide. It was introduced by Eastman Kodak in 1932 as a more affordable and accessible alternative to expensive 16 mm and 35 mm film. Common Use: 8 mm film was popular for home movies and amateur filmmaking due to its compact size and… read more
Turn your footage into a silent movie! Creating a vintage silent movie look in After Effects involves emulating the characteristics of early film, such as black and white imagery, vignetting and film grain. Here’s a step-by-step guide to achieve this effect: Step 1: Import Footage Step 2: Convert to Black and White Step 3: Adjust Contrast and Brightness Step 4: Add Film Grain Step 5: Apply Vignette Step 6: Simulate Dust Marks Step 7: Simulate Scratches Step 8: Lower Frame Rate Step 9: Add a Film Frame Overlay (Optional) You can add a rounded overlay box, in an aspect ratio similar to vintage film, as follows: Step 10: Export Once satisfied with the vintage silent movie look, export your composition by clicking on File > Export > Add to Render Queue. By following these steps, you should be able to give your footage a convincing vintage silent movie look in… read more
How to Add a Film Burn Overlay | Video Tutorials | Free Overlays | Handy Templates What are film burns (light leaks)? Film burns and light leaks are visual artifacts that originated from the analog film era. These effects were unintended and often considered flaws, but in the digital age, they have become popular as creative elements in filmmaking and photography to add a vintage or nostalgic look. Here’s a brief description of each: Film Burns: A film burn is a sudden change in brightness or color saturation that occurs during the exposure of film. It is often characterized by a burst of light that washes out the image temporarily, creating a warm or reddish tone. Film burns can occur due to various factors, including light leaks in the camera, improper film winding, or exposure to unexpected light sources. In modern filmmaking, these effects are often simulated to evoke a… read more
Using After Effects to create the VHS effect Text Guide | Video Tutorials | Free Overlays | Handy Templates The VHS look refers to the distinctive visual characteristics associated with video recordings on VHS (Video Home System) tapes, a popular consumer video format during the late 20th century. This aesthetic has experienced a resurgence in recent years, as filmmakers, photographers, and digital artists intentionally emulate the nostalgic and gritty qualities of VHS footage. The VHS look is characterized by its low resolution, analog artifacts, color bleed, and a unique texture that results from the limitations of the VHS format. One of the most recognizable aspects of the VHS look is the visible scan lines that run across the screen, giving the footage a retro and dated appearance. The color palette often exhibits a warm and slightly faded tone, with noticeable distortions in color accuracy. Additionally, VHS recordings are prone to… read more
