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VIDEO COPILOT BLOG News, Updates, Projects Files & Tips |
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In this special behind the scenes episode of the Blog Show, we will take you through setting up the shot for an upcoming tutorial. The technique allows you to create a 3D camera from a single 2D track!
We also discuss the benefits of temporary post production so you can reshoot before the set is taken down.
UPDATE: Thanks to everyone for coming and saying hi. I had a blast!
I’m excited to be presenting at the Digital Media Artists / LA meeting next week and hopefully you will can join the fun. It’s a free meeting from 6pm-10pm in Los Angeles but you need to register and last year it sold-out pretty quick. Please stop by, it was great meeting so many of you last year.
Remember, there will be plenty of with plenty of door prizes as well.
In the most recent tutorial called 3D Ball Dispersion, we learned a technique to offset an animation one slice at a time, to create a wave-like effect with 3d balls.
After further experimentation, I’m now working on a follow-up tutorial that takes this technique even further using more built-in plug-ins for a shatter-like effect that breaks up your titles.
And ya, there is a subtle flash of our Optical Flares plug-in to spice it up 
In this tutorial we will learn a technique to offset the animation of the CC Ball Action effect to create a cool transition. This effect uses only built-in plug-in and offers creative flexibility for a variety of looks. The project file also includes a script for offsetting the layers by 1 frame to make the process easier. The tutorial is about 25 minutes but the time will fly by!
So I’m still getting over a little cold but I wanted to make something shiny so here is a project file that uses 3D looking text with a billion layers to create depth and shadows. Everything was created with After Effect and there are no Lights in the scene.
Download CS4 Project File (I don’t have CS3 on my laptop)
So… I spent some more time playing with the CC Ball Action effect to create a logo reveal. I think there is a lot of possibilities with this plug-in and to simplify one step, we even created a quick script that offsets the layers. In this example I used the Card Wipe filter to animate the logo on after the Ball Action animation.
This example does demonstrate that the animating pattern of the “balls” can be any shape to fit your design. Still working on the tutorial, until then!
Here is another test using CC Ball Action for a wall of balls…
See new sample Video
To answer a question from a previous comment, yes you can use this technique to recreate pictures or logos and even animate them on in a different pattern other than circular. More soon.
You can also check out the previous video example.
So I spent a few hours today experimenting with various effects and the idea of mixing Jolly-Ranchers with water to create a delicious fruit drink when I came across an interesting technique using CC Ball Action. This one technique can be used to create many different styles of dispersion and you don’t need any 3rd party plug-ins! I will be talking about this technique in my next tutorial along with the many creative ways it can be used. Stay Tuned!
Gkaster just posted a very inspirational spot using Cinema 4D, After Effects and our own Optical Flares Plug-in. Great work with close attention to the little details… who knows, maybe we can convince him to give us a little breakdown of some of the creative work.
What’s up! Anyone notice how sad particles look when they are played against slow piano music? Well here is a test I did using CC Particle World linked to a 3D NULL! I used several copies featuring different settings to serve as the smoke particles and the light debris. I think CC Particle World has great potential to create amazing particles but it may take a little more work when compared to Particular.
Another cool tip: Once I completed the particle animation, I put the comp in a new comp and slowed it down 200% so the particle movement is slower and also more depressing in a happy good way!
Now close your eyes… and imagine what it would like with some Optical Flares!
One visual technique that I find so fascinating is Camera Projection. It allows you to project imagery on 3D surfaces and then fly a camera around in 3D. It has it’s limits but the capabilities are amazing.
Here is one example of using images with basic geometry.
Cool Examples and 3D max Tutorial
AE Camera Mapping on Video Copilot
Random You tube Video in Blender
Written tutorial by Janine Pauke
Digi Effect Camera Mapper Tutorial in AE
Do you know of any cool examples? Post them below!
In this tutorial we’ll use Particular and a single smoke picture to create pretty realistic smoke trails in After Effects. As a bonus I will also be using Optical Flares to add the bright lights.
Check out our New Plug-in: Optical Flares!
One year before I was born HBO made a very ambitious intro that was said to be the most expensive and innovative concepts at the time (for the medium).
I love the idea of incorporating techniques from the real world inside of After Effects for even more unique results. In fact the whole idea of mattes for compositing come from the early days of film-making…
Watch the final intro above then be sure to check out the making of video below, especially the part towards around 5:30 that talks about the burst of light…
I’ve also created a project file using that similar technique that mixes 2 images into a subtle animation. Download the Project
Our new plug-in Optical Flares includes 12 powerful Core Objects that are the building blocks for making intricate lens flares with this tool. I’ve put together a basic breakdown of the the 12 objects in a handy PDF.
You can also watch a video demonstration in the Feature Videos.
Watch Core Object Feature Video
Our new Plug-in for creating lens flares and lighting effects is now available! As always this product includes 5 advanced video tutorials plus access to the Video Copilot Preset Network for sharing lens flare presets.
2 Packages Available:
OPTICAL FLARES PLUG-IN: only $124.95
Includes the Optical Flares Plug-in, 60 Presets and 5 Video Tutorials.
OPTICAL FLARES BUNDLE: only $139.95 (save $10)
Includes all the above, plus the Pro Preset Pack with 50 high-end presets with a crazy amount of detail in each flare.
PRESET NETWORK NOTE:
Upload and share your Optical Flare presets with our new network. Your access information will be sent with your order confirmation.
GPU SUPPORT:
Yes Optical Flares has accelerated rendering with supported video cards. Be sure to install the latest driver from your card manufacturer for best performance. Of course, a video card is NOT required at all and Optical Flares renders beautifully in standard mode. In fact, Optical Flares even checks for GPU support and automatically reverts to the best option so you don’t need to do anything.