In this tutorial we will be creating a progressive shatter effect  using the Pixel Poly plug-in and some simple expressions. This 20 minute tutorial is an expansion to the 3D Ball Dispersion technique for offsetting animated layers, to achieve a unique burn-away look.

Sample Video

Watch Tutorial

PS, the handy SEQUENCER script can be downloaded with the project.

I’m finishing up some work on my 3D ledge presentation and more ideas came to mind (after watching The 5th Element) and I wanted to include some tips for possibly creating a futuristic scene as well. We’re going to have a busy couple of weeks ahead including the Shatter tutorial coming out on Monday and this 3D Ledge soon after. Stay tuned and have your multi-pass ready!

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 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.

Watch Sample Video

More Shatner Effects

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!

Watch Tutorial

New Sample Video with Ideas

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.

Watch Sample Video

Download CS4 Project File (I don’t have CS3 on my laptop)