NEW TUTORIAL: 3D Vines
March 17th, 2008

In this tutorial I'll show you how we created the 3D vines from our Twitch Promo video. We will be using 3D Studio Max and finishing in After Effects. This may not the most advanced tutorial but it certainly isn't for beginners.

I'd also like to remind you that our new Plug-In for After Effects is available now so if you have been thinking about some of our products, now is the time. Be sure to check out our new Bundles as well.

Click here for more information

Andrew Kramer
POSTED:
17 years ago
122 Comments
Looks very cool.
knowmee
17 years ago
going good andrew..
love ur tutorials and a very good plugin TWITCH. it's realy nice plugin. I think 1 thing should b in this plug, and that is "scan lines" i think ur plugin will b more attrective.
thats what i think
what u think?
Louis Tristan
17 years ago
Works like a charm..But when you throw a Twitch vid up in youtube it comes out shoddy...
Any suggestions?

It plays better in the facebook app but not youtube

http://moviespoofmaddness.com/HairSpray.html
Kevin Ballon
17 years ago
Where did you get the sound effects for the intro for Twitch? Are they "buyable" by other people? (Especially the metallic clang at the beginning and the heavenly voices).
Thanks,
-Kevin
Konstantin K
17 years ago
Iâ??????m trying to create this tut in maya. But itâ??????s rather difficult for me, because I have just start learning Maya.

Iâ??????ve create pretty good wires and itâ??????s rather easy (of course itâ??????s easy if you already know the way )

The main problem Iâ??????ve got is in creating of wire-growing effect.

If anyone want to help with wire-growing effect - mail me mds.kostik@gmail.com

When I finish (perhapse it wonâ??????t be soon ) I will post link to tut here
Wersa
17 years ago
So, when i render out still image, my Z-depth picture is totally black! And when I render out range of PNG pictures- final results - high sharpness of picture. How I can fix it?
Paul
17 years ago
...and maybe that comment should've gone into the Twitch thread!
Paul
17 years ago
Just stumbled across VCP.net a couple of weeks ago in my desperate attempt to find some inspiration for an upcoming job.
I find Twitch and bingo it's exactly what I'm looking for.
I wasn't looking forward to doing all this stuff with expressions so I got my download on Friday and this will save me hours if not days of work (which will probably be balanced out by spending way too much time going through ALL your tutorials!)
Thank you and I am now looking at ways to work Riot Gear etc into other projects.
I can't believe I haven't found you before.
Thanks
Wersa
17 years ago
It's really fantastic tutorial! I can't beleive that it for free! When we see your new advanced training DVD, Andrew?
17 years ago
Yo Andrew,
I've been having loads of fun with Twitch. I watched your tutorial where you made the "cables" in 3D Max since you said it wasn't possible to do in AE alone. Well I like a challenge, so I decided to see what I could come up with. I also happened to be putting together a promo for a new web tv show and figured I'd try and kill two birds with one stone.
I used 3D stroke from Paticular (okay, so I cheated alittle) to try and simulate the "cable effect", and though it's not perfect, I think it came out fairly well. The other plug ins I used were 3D Invigorator from Zaxwerks and Aurora Water from Digital Elements (Anarchy).
I see many people who simply "ape" your tutorials. While I don't see anything wrong in this as long as credit is given, it's not my style. I prefer to take the tutorials as tech tips and then work them into my own ideas.
Anyway since I forgot to copy and paste the link, just goto www.youtube.com/user/Brett5758 and click on the "Remote Control Promo" video and check it out. I'd be interested in hearing what you think. Also thanks a million for your willingness to share your knowledge and the great products. Riot Gear here I come!
Thanks, Brett
Rob van der Spank
17 years ago
Hi, I was wondering if it is possible to put small avi movies in the 3DS room on different places?

Rob
fredzy
17 years ago
Hey Jess!!

Such a good idea to translate this tutorial for Maya users.

You did the same thing for the 3DText and it was great !
Well done & tks angain

Look forward for some new ones
17 years ago
Hey Andrew, Great work. Just did something similar to your stuff in TWITCH. Great Plugin, and dude did I forget to say you totally rock?

Thanks again.

Here's the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmIsUUmw-Pc
RobvdS
17 years ago
Im still looking for a way to make that MocaMX parking lott but no luck.. If anybody knows how to?

j.spank@chello.nl

Thanks
17 years ago
Twitch is awesome, the tuts are really cool too! especially the particle design one thx, the price is very affordable and most definetly a huge bang for your buck! Glad i finally stoped talkin and actually paid for one of these prducts!
Nicolas
17 years ago
look my picture..made with after effects..
http://img1.werkenntwen.de/photo/i/i/ii8wzlqo9ukxatcckw392eqah7ayd.jpg
Warti
17 years ago
Hey guys...
here is one Frame of my Vines, completely done in Cinema4D! But it would takes Jahrs to render the whole animation.

Dont know i will do it... and when i will show u again
Btw. the RPF Format is really powerfull and contains much data to use in After Effects. Z-Depth, Camera Data, Object ID and much much more...

http://img529.imageshack.us/my.php?image=raumgullifp5.jpg
djkob3on
17 years ago
yeah andrew, we need to know. you are killing us. i can sleep at night. when the new dvd is comming out?
Connor
17 years ago
sweet tutorial

do you have a rough idea when the 50th tutorial DVD and advanced training DVDs will be ready?
17 years ago
@Moca MX

Did you find a tutorial on how to make that 3D parking lot, or are you just a veteran at 3DS MAx?

If you kow where I can find a tutorial for that please post!

-Carlito MX
bader
17 years ago
Very nice product - Easy tu use and at the same time complete.
VERY NICE JOB (like always)
Thanks to The A. Kramer team
Dean
17 years ago
Thanks for sharing this Andrew! This tutorial was awesome!
I hope there will be a lot more tutorials in intergrating AE with 3D software after this..thanks again!
Aaron Marine
17 years ago
wow max makes that kind of work so easy...try that stuff in maya and it will piss you off for days
Saleh
17 years ago
Thanks for your great products and tutrials.

Saleh from Saudi Arabia.
Jim Andrews
17 years ago
What I would lie to ask is why when I discuss 3D applications
Mr Andrew Kramer decides it is not appropriate for his blog???

Everyone here seems to be going on, and on and on about a freaking name change!

Well thats it I'm done blowing hot air, thanks for reading this
17 years ago
This most certainly CAN be done in Cinema 4D. I sent a little write up over to Andrew yesterday on how to do it.

At anyrate, you can accomplish the effect by using Sweep NURBS, Circle and Free form splines.
javier
17 years ago
Excellent plug-in mint and complete the only thing that I have noticed is the absence of a file within the package but is otherwise perfect greetings from panama
Jason
17 years ago
I usually catch a few elements from DSFX hear and there. I think I heard the reverse bell on the Making the Band 4 commercial the other day.
knakrz
17 years ago
@Brynye West [quote]is it just me or does every movie trailer have some sort of element from video copilot?[/quote]

Nope, it's just you!

VCP show's many many cool answers to things that the rest of the motion graphics world has been doing for yonks!

In the "real" world I have not seen any element of VCP stuff, [other than "influences" at best] AK just show's us all how "they" do it... Most pro's keep this a secret.
17 years ago
Hey guys ,
twitch is amazing so i tried some footage in my bathroom using twitch .
http://www.youtube.com/clancy30 first clip called HELLGATE-LONDON -BATHROOM.ENJOY THE FEAR AND THANKS TO ANDREW KRAMER FOR AN AMAZING PRODUCT.
Michel
17 years ago
to dan allen, the movie dates from 1981 i really doubt Andrew was working as a sound recording position, also if you look at him in picture on the blog, i really doubt him being more than 30!!

By the way nice tuts!! really like the grunge look of those vines with the composition colors, it really outstand! will try this in lightwave!! will they ever make 3ds max for mac.. damn it!!
dan allen
17 years ago
andrew kramer is this you???

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0469452/
Djkob3on
17 years ago
hey andrew. you mentioned you have a new advanced trainning dvd coming out. i'm looking forward for it's release in near future. when you think you gonna have it ready.
cos we videocopilot fans are eager to learn more and more from you guys. please let us know. thanks in advance.
Guillermo Diaz
17 years ago
In my country, this one totally influenced by Andrew Kramer, in almost all the promotions VideoCopilot.net's products are observed, you prop the things learned of the tutoriales.

Thank you Andrew, serious an honor to be able to give him the hand.

Thanks!
Patricio Manriquez
17 years ago
wow Great tutorial , Txks for share your knolwledges.

Patricio . From Santiago ,Chile.
ejunyor
17 years ago
Great Tutorial Andrew - I had been anxiously awaiting some more of your 3DS Max stuff good video tutorials like that are hard to find.

Man I wish I could get to New York next week! I'm sure you'll blog us soome interesting tidbits...
Al
17 years ago
Hey Drew..
I was wondering if you could touch on the basics of kinetic typography and getting started in after effects and what tools you will need etc...
I am very much nterested in trying my hand in it but havnt the slightest idea how to begin...

here is an example of what im talking bout
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsucK43_DoM&feature=related
17 years ago
is it just me or does every movie trailer have some sort of element from video copilot?

haha especially when they show the title of the movie.


just shows how much andrew kramer and the team is an influence on the video production world.

that shows you've made it big when every production studio uses your product.


congrats bro.
steve
17 years ago
Anyone know how to make this in C4D?

thanks
17 years ago
if anyone wants to know how to make this effect in Maya, I can make a tutorial
Jim Andrews
17 years ago
nah it's ok. but thanks anyway..
JTMR Films
17 years ago
fantastic tutorial. Heres my version of the 3D vines tutorial. I've changed alot like; The textures, lighting I've added a side walk and a ladder aswell as animated the water texture. let me know what you think.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=JLW4Z838D7E
Pixelito Design
17 years ago
pftrack cost 3.000 Dollar???? holy fecking cow!
Matt
17 years ago
my video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6K8DkhZD_w thks Andrew Kramer! you are the best!
17 years ago
@UmairVFX

As Andrew mentioned in the blog:

http://www.videocopilot.net/blog/?s=rpf

there is a product called MAX2AE by Boomer labs.
Here is a helpful page with tutorial and examples....

http://www.boomerlabs.com/gallery_max2ae_1.php

The tutorial explains the concept of importing 3D camera data and how it is read within the after effects workspace.
Alex T
17 years ago
Hey andrew! I have a problem. I can't enter your website from my home. Do you know what could be wrong?
UmairVFX
17 years ago
James I love it man..... amazing camera match... dude



dude can you please tell me how can i import max camera...???
actuallly i completed my first 3d max projects and animation as well and i want to put some text into my max animation on the right place where my objects are but actually dude when i import my RPF camera into after effects its takes its own right place but when i convert my 2d text layer into 3d its move some where else i know its move its origin but dont know how to fix it...???
please help me a please please do a mini tutorials of your projects its really amazing on .... waiting for you rply ...



Please Read the above text its important for me...
Here is my work: http://www.youtube.com/user/umairvfx

Regards,
Umair (VFX)
Msw
17 years ago
Don't think it can be done in Cinema 4D studio 10. You need path deformer, and its not included in Studio 10. You can buy this plugin by this Italian guy called Renato. But the plug he sells is only for C4d 8 and 9. Does anyone know how to do this pathdeformer effect when there is no pathdeformer in C4d?
17 years ago
@illd

PFTrack can be found at :

http://www.thepixelfarm.co.uk

I am not a selesman for them...honest!
But after trying syntheyes and Boujou I personally found it easier to understand and use in 3Ds Max...(they have good tutorials and manuals for thier software)

next project for me will be a feature film to be shot on the RED camera..will be doing some effects tests soon for the action sequences ie: RPG attack on a car!

Thanks for Andrew Kramer and the team for being the best AE knowledge site ever!!
Moca MX
17 years ago
@ME :

1 minute

I have 4 gb ram
illd
17 years ago
Hmm 4 Hours... sounds like a great Workflow

But i never heard of PF Track4.0 . Im gonna google for it...

So James, whats your next Project?
17 years ago
@illd

Thanks...it took around 4 hours from filming to compositing in AE
It took me that long because I was still working out the tracking software
(PF Track4.0) for a couple of hours
Andre Prior
17 years ago
James, can you please create a tutorial on this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnBUeammVPc


this is some serious AWESOME TRACKING my friend!!!!
illd
17 years ago
@ James Price: Respect! It looks perfekt!

That really mixes the best of both worlds. How long did it take?
Well, I figured it was about time I shared what I've been trying to do with all the stuff I've learned from Andrew Kramer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAkY7CKnsLk

To be honest, I had 3ds Max and never touched it until Andrew showed me how
to use it... now I will add that to my list of gotta do's!

Thanks Andrew
17 years ago
Hee Hee...this is the best website in the world!

I must say that this tutorial is awsome..given what with your explination of the RPF format to get cameras from max into AE are truly adding a further dimensions to both applications. I have been starting to tinker on some match-moving shots using PF track and MAX and am going to start taking it further by playing with 2d elements in AE, using the tracked camera data...my initial test can be found here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnBUeammVPc

Awsome guys!
Bye Tom
17 years ago
I??´m almost done with my version that I made in c4d, the techniques that I had to use are way different, but it??´s not that hard anyways! Maybe I??´ll make a tutorial about it later.
Fortune Lauture
17 years ago
Hi A. Kramer
Thanks for the 3D Studio Max tutorial It's really cool.
ME
17 years ago
@Moca MX
Nice work dude, how long did it take you to render that?
17 years ago
love it, I'm still trying to figure out how you created to broken ice. In c4d i know how to explode things, but i'm not sure on how you make big pieces break apart from a bigger piece.
17 years ago
To animate the water, keyframe the noise Phase property. from 0-5 or something like that.
Moca MX
17 years ago
Hi everybody, andrew FANTASTIC TUTORIAL!!!!!!!
I did some Room in 3ds max like your in Twitch promo but i added water.

See picture
http://aycu36.webshots.com/image/49315/2001980682008097590_rs.jpg
Beda
17 years ago
In the twitch trailer I think you can see the water moving a bit. How can I do this?
Thanks for those great free tutorials, Andrew, your the number one.
17 years ago
I'm pretty sure there's no way besides an emulator to run 3D Studio Max on a mac right? If anyone knows another way let me know,

jamesdcawley@hotmail.com
17 years ago
I won't be doing any Cinema 4D but if someone wants to I would gladly post a link...
17 years ago
@ Warti.

Hi Warti, i'm a beginner with C4D, anyway you gave me the right suggestion and... it works!
Thanks a lot and thanks to Andrew (of course!)

Ciao

Stefano
Hampus Lager
17 years ago
Wonderful! And big thanks for Twitch, best plug-in I got
Morten Enoksen
17 years ago
@ Warti.

K thanks man. I wondered if that was the way yo do t, but was not to sure, so thanks
Bye Tom
17 years ago
MrHell0, email VC then!

Nice tutorial! Too bad I??´m using C4d, but I??´ll translate that, shouldn??´t be too hard!
Jim Andrews
17 years ago
LOL ANDREW!~
See what you started by doing these 3DS MAX tutorials.....
I hope this teaches you a leason

Just Kidding, I agree with them, DO MORE 3DS MAX!!!

Thanks
Warti
17 years ago
@Morten

the Vines are easy to do in Cinema4d! Nearly the same steps like in 3DMax.
Create some Cirle Splines and convert them. Then select all and group them together to one object.

Do a Sweep Nurbs object and put ur circle Spline in it, Last step do a spline for your way in the Sweep nurbs... and its finish

Mfg Warti
Nuno
17 years ago
Fantastic Andrew! Someone can tell me a site where i can learn 3DS with video tutorials?
Morten Enoksen
17 years ago
I havvent figured how to get the 3D veines into C4D YET! But I created a cool looking room and rendered it with Z depth:O SO MUCH COOL STUFF you can use the z depth for!!
17 years ago
EXCELENT!!!!!!!!
ucantstop
17 years ago
I'm looking forward for more tutorials using both AE and 3ds Max


Thank You
Andre Prior
17 years ago
Great one! Now please a tut of the garage from the promo and iam HAPPY!!!!!


>>

>>
Eddie
17 years ago
Your best yet dude Thanks....................
Janx
17 years ago
as you've said it's the best tutorial.. it really is the best!
guyy
17 years ago




guyy
17 years ago
guyy
17 years ago
Im going to buy TWITCH!!!!!!!!!!!
as soon as i have money

promise
MiC
17 years ago
Great. Any plans on incorporating any other 3d software in future tutorials?? MAYA MAYBE???
17 years ago
Cool technique! I used to do something really similar to create Roller Coasters in 3DS Max.
Nicolas
17 years ago
maybe you should 4 tell us the projekts you worked on...we all would buy them, because we love your work
Nicolas
17 years ago
Amazing !!!!!!!
thanks
17 years ago
Hey Boss , any updates on when the sam bullet time tutorial coming out and if its going to be in another DVD.
your brother in arms clancy30
thanks
isi123
17 years ago
Another great tutoiral Andrew, i think you should start doing 3ds Max tutorials as you made that effect look so much easier than thought. Great stuff mate, keep it up!
Morten Enoksen
17 years ago
I did personally enjoy this much better than your "super number 60" as you spoke of before showing us.

Really great tutorial, even though Im into Cinema4D!

Best regards!
Morten
17 years ago
I love you andrew !!!
JAVI
17 years ago
muchas gracias Andrew por compartir tus conocimientos eres el mejor....
Moonsault
17 years ago
is one of the things that I been waiting "the combination of 3d max and After Effects" thanks Andrew
17 years ago
Awsome!...It is so good to have a share of 3ds Max tutorials in with AE. they compliment each other so well and are a fairly common partnership in the industry.
I look forward to the bridge destruction/Reactor tutorial too!
Tim
17 years ago
Damn, I thought you were lofting a circle shape along a path. Of course, this is a much better way to do it since you don't have to worry about the vines intersecting. Now I wonder how you would do it if you wanted the vines to move forward at different speeds.

Also, it's nice to see the Vray render elements in there!... and BM_Breaker in the toolbar! I saw it at Scriptspot when looking for the script you used. So now I know what you used to break up your 3D logo.

Another Great tutorial! Thanks!

(Video Copilot.. There is no substitute)
17 years ago
Love the products, and the tutorial thanx andrew!!
Jim Andrews
17 years ago
Very nice of you Andrew to release this tutorial so fast
Since you did I can post this link to a very cool plug-in you may
want to have a look at if your going to continue your 3D work.

RayFire Tool
http://www.mirvadim.com/
Ur friend
17 years ago
O< M< G< this is amazing !!!!!
17 years ago
That was an awesome tutorial! I know I should maybe write this in the comments for the tutorial itself, but who cares
Even though many have said this before: You're way to good for this world. I find it especially amazing how you notice and fix any problem no matter how small it is. And some of those ideas you have... Amazing!

Thanks for sharing this with us!
Infaas
17 years ago
HEY I JUST WATCHED THIS TRAILER, this is the most awesome tut yet from this site,,, thanx a lot Mr.Andrew Kramer.... Ur a great man... t c
Lambert
17 years ago
Very very helpful tutorial Andrew.

Thank you.... btw Twitch is rockin great!
17 years ago
Awesome Andrew!!! I've been hoping to see this tutorial!
zak
17 years ago
again 'im not surprised .simply because you'r THE LORD
THX andrew
17 years ago
This is great! Please more 3ds max/afx tutorials
greetings
charl
17 years ago
Andrew hi,
i pronounce you Igwe of AE...
Igwe (means king in an eastern part of Nigeria)...
tanx a bunch for this 3dmax vs ae tut...
i am maya fan but knowing 3dmax isn't an offence...so am getting interested.
am even thinking of making a Snake like effect with the vine tut idea.
please when is the matrix-like bullet effect coming... can't wait.
Igwe...
Charl
Bob
17 years ago
It's really cool, i hope you maken some more 3D - compositing tutorials
cross
17 years ago
wawawiwa this is just to good to be truth....when i watched the promo i wondered how u did the veins and the room. Thank you very very much for the hard work again ur to kind.
Fredrik Ragnarsson
17 years ago
Nice one Andrew!!!

Keep up the good work!!!

Love you!
UmairVFX
17 years ago
i am crazy now crazy crazy crazy:


Love you man.....


Guys please visit my works link:

www.youtube.com/user/umairvfx
Vango
17 years ago
Andrew, thank you!!!
knakrz
17 years ago
So you cracked under pressure AK? Ace! Love your work and commitment.

It's a real shame my boss isn't buying Twitch, as he's just commited to buying GenArts Sapphire which costs a fortune! Glad we own a few other VCP products though, and will be buying more in the future I'm sure (so he said)

Thanks again Mr.K.

Besh wishes to you and your gorgeous family... How is the little one?
Anson
17 years ago
YA!!...more 3D and AE!!
VIDEO COPILOT we salute you!
AStalavista
17 years ago
WAWWWWWWWWWWWW !!!! Thanks Andrew !! This tutorial is realy AWSOME like you said !!! Realy thank you , I 'm working with 3Dmax 8 and I think it's a good idea to use this programme on you tutorial , you can do so beautiful things with it !!!!!
Infaas
17 years ago
thanks Mr.Kramer
17 years ago
Hey Andrew, Lord and Master. Glad to be able to leave an eatly comment for this awesome awesome tutorial.
I have been clamoring for a while now to get more tuts that integrate 3D Max and AE.
I was waiting for the more advanced material on the upcoming tutorial DVD.
This will more than satisfy my GFX and VFX fix.
Thanks for all the good work and incredible creative insight.
Rob van der Spank
17 years ago
Andrew, I never expected you to give away your most biggest secrets!

It's realy unbelievable the way you share all your experience with us and the work you put into helping us around the globe! A big thanks to you and your team!

Rob
FUJIFILM
David
17 years ago
Great! You really learn much in this tutorial! Thanks again and again and again!
17 years ago
I do believe it isn't called 3D studio max. It's called 3DS Max. Just thought I'd let you know as I needed to change it on my resume recently to not look dated and I feared copyright problems.
OceanFlowingMotion
17 years ago
thats so much knowledge and cool stuff in one tutorial. Awesome stuff!
mohammad dashti
17 years ago
nice
pena
17 years ago
Looks cool!
CraZy DonKey
17 years ago
I'm going to call you TONY from now on.
Because you are GRRRRRRREAT!!!!!!
Sandy
17 years ago
Superb Andrew, Thnx

Best Regards
Sandy
17 years ago
AWESOME