The goal was to create an atmospheric title sequence using only the built-in Adobe After Effects tools and without using any external images or footage. Firstly we wanted faded lines, akin to fiber optics, to be emitted horizontally from the side of the screen. After experimenting with CC Particle World using the default lines it was obvious that a bespoke particle would be needed. A long, thin Solid layer was faded using a Gradient Ramp of white to black. An additional tiny white Solid square was added for the tip. This formed the particle element. In a CC Particle World composition the Particle Type was changed to Textured Square and the Texture Layer set to our new particle element. For Physics, the Animation was set to Direction Axis with 0.10 Velocity and zero Gravity. Extra and Extra Angle values were zeroed out. Once done, it was time for some variations…. read more
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The goal was to create an atmospheric title sequence using only the built-in Adobe After Effects tools and without using any external images or footage. After some initial layout sketches were done, several scene compositions were created using just circular Shape layers. Using Layer Styles, adding a combination of Inner Glow and Outer Glow it was possible to create a realistic, spherical look. This was then applied to all the circle shapes. The ‘spheres’ were attached to Nulls and rotated to achieve the appearance of planets orbiting a sun. Lens Flare, Glow and CC Lens effects were added to provide additional brightness and distortion to the sun elements. Text was added over the top. Good Headline Pro Light was chosen as an elegant, timeless typeface that sits well within the concept of a vast solar system. CC Star Burst was used in the background of each scene to add faint… read more
The goal was to create an atmospheric title sequence using only the built-in Adobe After Effects tools and without using any external images or footage. Firstly, admittedly, Adobe Illustrator was used to create the lozenge shapes which were imported into After Effects. Though, to animate these they had to be converted into Shape layers inside of After Effects. The lozenge shapes could have been formed directly inside After Effects but Illustrator is much more suited to this design task. Once the layered Illustrator files were imported and converted to shapes a Stroke was added, along with a Trim Paths effect. With an End Point of 50% the Offset was animated with the expression ‘time*40’ which moved the line going around the shapes at the desired speed. Each Shape layer was switched to 3D and their Z positions moved backwards in 3D space. To add texture to the lines a Solid… read more
Close-up or medium shot? High angle or POV shot? What type of camera angle is best? We break down the basic camera shot types so you can storyboard your video or animation sequence with confidence! For video makers, film directors and animators using the correct, conventional camera terminology is key to giving the impression that you know what you’re doing! One of the basics is learning how to describe the framing of your subject matter to other people. This is where you’ll want to brush up on the language (or grammar) of camera shots. Of course, you can simply disregard all of the tried and tested findings from a hundred years of cinema, and develop your own unique style of communicating! But, it’s important to know the rules before you break them. Bear in mind everyone in the television and film industry will be using the same lingo, so don’t… read more
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
