Contact:
Product Support & Customer Service:
Email support@videocopilot.net
Product Support Section help :
Click Here
Sales questions:
Email: sales@videocopilot.net
Company Inquires:
Email: info@videocopilot.net
Mailing Address:
Please email info@videocopilot.net to request our Shipping Address
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Creative Questions about VFX, Motion Graphics or Advice:
Please Post Questions on Creative Cow
Tutorial Ideas:
Post Ideas Here
Post a Link to Your Work:
Click Here
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Andrew Kramer
Founder, VFX Supervisor
Video Copilot founder and the guy who spends hours talking to himself, and handles company development.
"AfterShake"
Bobby Hommel
3D Animator
Our resident 3D guy, and motion graphic designer, Bobby brings forth creative concepts and animation.
"ForeverOne"
Tino Hertz
Editor
In addition to filming and video editing, Tino also can be found starring as adventure guy and friend #2 among others great characters.
"Energy Drink"
Patrick Otten
Web Developer
Our database consultant and video copilot friend. Helps with implementing php and backend scripts.
"How about this?"
Sam Loya
Actor / Designer
One of our most popular team members, Sam delivers stunning performances with every take. He is also a photographer and plays the guitar.
"Is this safe?"
Jeff Wells
Camera Operator
Camera Operator and Post Production assistant, Jeff also is a key part of on-set productions and camera gear.
"Motor!"
Marc Biorklund
System Administrator
Helps with server administration. Also whatever we need, Marc knows the answer... In both English and French!
"How do you say the server is down in French?"
Matt Kramer
Processing Manager
Handles order processing and the people at the post office, he is also a sports guy and enjoys watching and playing.
"No shipping on Holidays!"
Mark Jacobs
Technology Officer
Our in-house computer specialist and systems administrator, Mark is versed with all type of hardware, software and networking.
"Move over!"
Message from Andrew Kramer:
Welcome to Video Copilot.
I get a fair amount of email asking about getting into the industry and If I had any advice for upcoming artists, it would be to take Art Classes. These kind of workshops will teach the concepts of color and composition, some of the most necessary skills to become a designer or compositor. I've read many books on the subject and although they have helped me extensively, perhaps a formal class would have allowed me to progress even faster.
This website is to provide products and tutorials to assist all visual effects artists and talented visionary's seeking the benefits of post production. The tutorials highlight real-world production issues and solutions that work. You'll also find our products to be helpful and affordable so everyone has access to great tools.
I enjoy sharing my knowledge with people that are interested in creating impressive visual effects. I don't get paid to record the free tutorials, so when I make them I try to have a good time so I apologize if I get off track momentarily, but I try to have fun.
Andrew Kramer
View Andrew Reel
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of computer do you record your tutorials with?
I use a Custom Built Intel Core 2 Duo 6800 Extreme Processor with 2GBs of DDR2 Ram and a Geforce 7950 GX2 as well as a 150GB 10k Raptor Hard Drive. For the early tutorials I used an Athlon X2 4200+ with 2GBs of Ram and Geforce 7800 GT and a 74GB 10k Raptor Drive.
Where do you get your music from?
Shockwave-sound.com among others.
How should I render my Video to use in my video editor and stay high quality?
Check this out: http://videocopilot.net/blog/?p=18
What camera do you recommend?
Depending on your price range you have the Canon HV20 at the low end and the JVC HD110 or the Canon XLA1, I don't like the HVX-200 because the view finder and LCD is useless but the quality is great if you can afford a good HD monitoring system. Get a good mic that will help a lot too. Check out DVinfo.net for good camera info.
How did you learn After Effects?
I've been self-taught since I was 16 and learned from my ambition to create great visual effects and to propel my filmmaking. I have never had formal training but through experience and the internet (creativecow.net) I've enhanced my skills.
What Kind of Microphone do you use?
Tutorials up to the 3d light streams I used the MXL V67. Now I'm using a RODE NTK studio mic.
How do you record your screen captures?
I use an early version of Camtasia Studio by http://TechSmith.com
What other things can you do?
Well in addition to the computer arts I am also an illustrator and story writer. I also play musical instruments including the drums, acoustic guitar & keyboard. I love fishing, and playing golf, usually not at the same time.
Oh, and I like to cook.
What kind of camera do you use?
For most of the video on the site, including the adventure guy, and the Serious Effects DVD, I used a Canon XL2. Most times filming in 24p and using the standard 20x lens. I'm now using a JVC HD 200 ; )
How can I learn after effects and get really good?
Well... go do something. Pick up a video camera and film something meaningful and use visual effects to enhance the shots. Try to figure out how certain visual effects were done. Follow my free tutorials and if they help you out then buy some DVDs too. If you buy enough of them maybe I'll come to your house and show you a thing or two.
Are you married:
I've been Married since May 20, 2006. My wife is awesome. We dated for 5 years before tying the knot. We had chicken and tri-tip at the wedding.
Where can I show my appreciation for your hard work and free stuff?
The best place to do that is our products page, not only will you show appreciation but you'll get a cool DVD too.