Just got back from AENY
March 27th, 2009

I'm back at my hotel after an exciting After Effects meeting in New York. There was a great turnout of 300+ people primed for some After Effects tips. I'll share some more info about the meeting tomorrow for those who could not make it.

If you DID go to the meeting and would like to share some thoughts or even a photograph, I'm sure a lot of people would enjoy seeing what it was like. One of the best parts was getting to meet so many of you in person and I appreciate everyone that stopped by to say hi at the end.

I had a great time and goodnight from New York.

Andrew Kramer
POSTED:
16 years ago
130 Comments
Luther Hadley aka ...fractal Noise
16 years ago
@ david Rgb... lol why did you choose that name?...
Airman
16 years ago
Too bad I couldn't attend to this event. It must have been really awesome. So I concur with the others.I would really enjoy some more pictures or even videos of the meeting.
16 years ago
When is the new DvD coming ??? Please tell me!!
16 years ago
@ Luther Hadly:

Mine will be RGB...
Luther Hadley
16 years ago
Who wants to be down with the AK's ? I'm giveing out code names .. my name is fractal Noise... lol p.s can you get Aharon to fix the picture with the guys We can't even see our faces.. a little levels and color correction ..or something..
Luther
16 years ago
Hey Andrew.. i just notice that your gang sign in my cell phone picture are up side down. i also think i might start a secret gang We will call ourselves THE AK's ... lol We shoot at actors like movie directors .. Because That's How We Roll..lol it will turn out like fight club... except without the fighting.. You and Sam Travel from city to city... looking 4 the best like all the rest ...Because We are the AK's Down with the V.C.P .. secret password is skittles... lol
16 years ago
Not to double post but I wish I was there and its great to see some pics... More will come along (Right??? lol).

Hopefully, I'll be able to go to AENY sometime in the future.
-David
16 years ago
Thanks Sean! Even though I was there, I enjoyed the pics. I brought my copy of Serious Effects and Compositing because I always use his digital download feature if its available. Yeah I know....so long ago was it made........ Thanks for signing it Andrew!
16 years ago
Andrew, thanks again for the awesome seminar. It was a pleasure getting to meet you and getting you to sign my copy of Evolution, even if it was the darkest one I could have brought!

Here's a strip of some pictures I shot, for those who couldn't make it.

http://www.swmontgomery.com/images/AENY326.jpg
slize
16 years ago
hahahahha Luther
Megen Abato
16 years ago
Any chance we will ever get a well-explained color correction tutorial. One that would provide tips on how to fix shots which were differently lit, to actually look like they are lit the same?

Thank you, glad you had a good time. Wish I could be there.
Luther Hadley
16 years ago
I think Mr. Kramer like's golf too ... Beacause That's How we Roll....
Dale Ficken
16 years ago
Also.. I travel to NY from time to time. So I will definitley try and hit one of your meetings if the scheduling permits and you don't mind "out of towners"
Dale Ficken
16 years ago
HA HA... cool, thanks for all the info. I am in the midwest (St. Louis) and we have a couple really good steak places in the area... so that part is covered. Now I just need to find a local group similar to yours... or make one

Thanks again!
Dale
Vidvillain
16 years ago
Aharon!! Nice to see you here man, listen Scotland has the best steaks, we have Aberdeen Angus cows, or 'coo's' as we call them, hows about Andrew and Aharon rock over the ocean?? I used to be a chef and I can cook steaks perfect to taste. How do you take your Steak bro?
Lou
16 years ago
whens the next blog update coming ?
LifeType
16 years ago
im amazed no one filmed this . i would of given my left arm to go
16 years ago
By the way, I am in no way authorized to represent him, but if you want to temp Mr. Kramer out to your area for a presentation, at the very least, you'll need to have a good steak place around there. I mean goooooooood. There are other factors, I'm sure, but I can tell you, the man enjoys a good hearty NY-style steak.
16 years ago
Thanks Dale - Let me answer a few more before they come out:

1. AENY meets almost every month (although we are not meeting this April).

2. Usually the meetings are on the last thursday of the month, although november/december we use a dfferfent day because those are usually around major holidays.

3. The meetings are free.

4. You don't have to bring anything with you.

5. You don't have to let us know ahead of time that you're coming.

6. There is a free raffle at the end for prizes. We give you a ticket when you get there and you can win an AE-related prize. Some of the prizes are worth more than $1000 dollars.

7. Jim is the guy who wears the hat. Dennis (when he can make it) is the Nordic-looking tall dude with the soul patch. Aharon is the guy with "the hair." Trust me - You'll know when you see us.

8. Finally, the meetings go from 6:45PM to 9:00PM (and sometimes a little over).

Hope that helps.
VFX-Anomaly
16 years ago
@ Dale Ficken:

AENY:
Adobe After Effects New York (AENY) is an association for professionals and enthusiasts using Adobe After Effects and related software to create imagery for video, film, and other media. Formed in January 2007, AENYâ??????s goals are to foster a community of After Effects users who wish to discuss industry experiences, share ideas, get advice, and keep up with the latest AE news and technology.

The group is co-run by Jim Geduldick, Dennis Radeke and Aharon Rabinowitz.

http://www.aeny.org/home.html

---------------
Any questions ?
Dale Ficken
16 years ago
Just out of curiosity, what takes you to NY vs. other places? Assumming the pop density? Not sure... but was curious if you had plans to hit other locations as well? Maybe you do this cause you have other things to do in NY, I have no clue. That is why I am asking Would be inetersted in seeing an AK tour Heck I would even help with trying to gathering funding...
16 years ago
Well now I've learned my lesson...take a billion pictures next time...sorry guys I should have
Bit Philisophical
16 years ago
@ Eric TheRedd

Jeeez o, Andrew also does stand-up... the guy is supreme!!!
EricTheRedd
16 years ago
I posted another small video clip of the event:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_MPHpgJsJw
16 years ago
I can't wait to see some pictures Andrew!

Looking forward to the next blog update..HOPE ITS SOON

Everyone appreciates what you do, so please keep doing it!
Luther Hadley
16 years ago
Hey guys 'Here is a pic of us Im the guy in the second row with the blue hat and blue shirt.this was taken from Aharon cell phone I'm trying to Make clear copy I only had my cell phone as well. Andrew ... next time maybe you should bring a taser gun ..lol Because "That's How We Roll ". Oh Now i Get it! That was Grand theft auto IV "Brucie..

http://allbetsareoff.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/aeny_crowd1.jpg
16 years ago
Can't wait for AELA or AEAZ
Sandy
16 years ago
Awesome, will wait for ur new tut with some gr8 tips AENY.
Asri
16 years ago
i really want know what u present in AENY..
one more..stop motion piece video..i really want see it..
uploADpLeaseeee
C dub
16 years ago
Were the curtains at the convention made with fractal noise?
16 years ago
Loved the meeting woo hooo loved it cant wait for the next one lol wanna take a lot of pics and interview the man himself lol Aron and Andrew are the gods of After Effects. Like lil' Jon says YEEEAAAAAH! WHAAAAAAT! OOOOOKKKKK! lol
SPB
16 years ago
My favorite part of the presentation was when something was taking longer than expected and you distracted the nerd crowd with paint shop drawings of semi trucks.
I also recommend rattling a set of keys to call attention away from animating whoopses.
16 years ago
Silly Speedbreaker, I think we all know Andrew IS Spiderman.
Can't you see the resemblance?
http://www.lolpix.com/_pics/Funny_Pictures_268/Funny_Pictures_2689.jpg
(Just kidding Andrew, lol)
Sheats
16 years ago
Last night was very cool. In addition to learning some great stuff from Andrew (and winning a copy of Pro Scores), I also got some good networking done as well. I highly recommend that anyone interested in pursuing VFX should plan to at least come to one of the meetings. I'm very glad I made the trek from Connecticut.

BTW, I'd like to offer Andrew a personal thanks. I've been an audio production junky and voice over artist for ten years. About 2 years ago, I started getting into video production. I got After Effects as part of the CS bundle, which I bought primarily for Photoshop and Premiere. I owned it for probably a year without even knowing what it was used for. Over the last year, with guidance from the VideoCopilot tutorials, I've found a tremendous creative outlet in an area that I had no idea I would even be good at. I just landed a gig as a graphic designer for a local news station, in addition to doing a lot of freelance graphics work. I can't thank the VC team enough for helping to give me this opportunity.
Bo
16 years ago
That would be awesome to be in that big of a crowd of of vfx lovin' people.
Speedbreaker
16 years ago
Andrew wasn't going to CATCH spiderman! Spidermans usually don't fit in the hand baggage very well. So he was only going to find out who he is!
Diego G.
16 years ago
I hope it was usefull for you AK.
Oh, and, Did you catch Spider man?
Hadi
16 years ago
Well I would love to have gone to AENY but I live in Australia. Couldn't make it because I am going to university. Is there anything like that in Australia?
We will meet someday Andrew.
dex
16 years ago
wish such an event took place in germany. happy for all of you in the states though
thomas_017
16 years ago
Wish I was able to go. Was in New York 3 weeks ago, on a college trip, but now back in the UK. Looking forward to seeing all the photos and videos from the day.
Luther Hadley
16 years ago
Hey this Luther and i just wanted to say hello to everyone and tell you that Andrew sat right in front of me.omg dude it was like sitting behind Michael Jackson with his hair on fire.lol but i really really had a great time and i even won $100.00 worth of free footage from pond 5.com and to top it off Andrew threw up gang sign in my cell phone pic. because " Thats how we Roll baby" ... right Andrew... Next time we will roll one up ... lol just kidding how about just play some golf insted when was the last time you played Andrew ? .. but as they were setting up i saw Andrew just sitting their praying to god ... all kind of question just pop in my head.. he ask me if i was going to jump over the table and just go crazy because i was so excited to see him .. lol anyway it was fun hope to see you their next time Andrew .. you inspiration to me .. thanks. ps. what about the skittles tutorial ... lol
Brian W.
16 years ago
I almost made it but everything just didn't go right so hopefully I'll make it to the next one.
Speedbreaker
16 years ago
I wanted to go, too. But it's pretty hard these days to travel from europe to the us. You have to register and wait for approval. For everybody who wants to go next time, a flight from germany to ny and back is only 270â???¬ and together with the current exchange rate you could have a nice shopping trip. Anyway great to hear everybody had a cool meeting. Can't wait for some pictures and videos.
16 years ago
Man i so would have loved to gone to that.. Maybe next time
16 years ago
It was great to hear your thoughts on not only AE tips but general ideas about the industry as a whole- very inspiring. I'm looking forward to your work on the Action Essentials mini-movie...I can't wait to see the dude in the BMW get lit up.

Best,
Mike
BESTIA94
16 years ago
Yeah! Pics!!!
Aftab
16 years ago
It was amazing to see you Andrew, my ticket no. was 955-908, but 907 got the pro-score prize DVD, Lucky boy!!

You are very funny in live audience too, i enjoyed all of your jokes and some cool Color correction and fire ball tutorial tips and tricks. I have clicked one photograph though. check it here : http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3449/3390648146_787b47c85a_o.jpg

this one is clicked by my small cell phone.
Cheers
V3
16 years ago
Upload some pics? vids? lol. Glad you had some fun.
jim
16 years ago
Hey everyone thanks for the comments about the meeting myself and Aharon run the meetings for the community for the purpose of inspiring you to get out and do your own work and take it to the next level. Andrew always rocks when he comes out to AENY and Yes I agree the MS paint was my favorite part of the preso as well.

The plugin Andrew mentioned is called Lensecare by http://www.frischluft.com/
I like Andrew use all his plug ins and that arent that expensive at all.

Thanks again to all who braved the raining weather and Andrew for making it another great meeting. Stay tuned to the AENY.org website and sign up for the newsletter to get more info on upcoming meetings.

Thanks,
Jim

AENY.ORG
Andrew
16 years ago
Ah, I wish I could have gone. I had to go to Red Lobster with my in-laws. :[

Is there one every year? I'll definitely go next time around.
16 years ago
That is still pretty cool. I vote you put that tutorial up.
Morten
16 years ago
#Noah - It's a Frischluft plugin - can't remember the name though...
16 years ago
It wasn't anything related to dragons or fire but an energy of sorts flying through NY. I'll see what comes of it.
16 years ago
Hmmm i would kike to see that dragon ball z stuff in a tutorial xD

It sucks that im 15000 miles away from aeny
DanLangella
16 years ago
Andrew - are these events ever officially recorded by someone? It would be great if they were. Sort of like The Foundry did with their Nuke Masterclasses in London. They recorded them and posted them for free on their website. Just a thought. Cheers.

D
Kael
16 years ago
You know, to ME, a drive to NY from Oklahoma didn't sound too bad, but my boss didn't agree.

Any chance you lucky people who got to go will be posting more videos or maybe detailing the events in the forum?
16 years ago
does anyone have a link to the program he mentioned : Out Of Focus Blur???? Any links? I couldn't remember the company that made them?
16 years ago
great job AK....I learned a lot, especially how to you MS Paint! Lol. Great turnout besides the crappy weather!
16 years ago
as usual...im one thousand miles away from NY....so...er..green arrow??smallville??really??
suicidefury
16 years ago
sadly i'm from germany and still going to shool, so i really had no chance... well and the flight would have been too expensive xD
ftragg
16 years ago
I got back last night at about 11:30, and subsequently got about 6 hours of sleep...but man, was it worth it. Andrew, you were hilarious and informative. Thanks so much. And please upload your paint drawings to the website like you said you would (I suppose you were joking, but they were hilarious...)
Morten
16 years ago
Excellent meeting yesterday and as expected filled with some great tips. Great to see Mr. Kramer in action - you should make this visit two times a year or more

Want to give a shout out to the guys putting the AE NY event together, I think it's great someone takes the initiative to plan and establish these evenings. Will definitely be there next time.
Point Blank
16 years ago
*sigh* To bad I live in Canada, or you could have found me there...
Thanks for coming out to NY last night, your tips was
very insightful as usual keep up the good work and
cant wait for the new product
16 years ago
Lol, Did you see Spider Man?!
3CardMonte
16 years ago
Wish I could have gone. Get an event going in Boston sometime. You can go on tour!
16 years ago
stop motion piece shown at the beginning of the event.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZr3xFO5Jgw
classpee
16 years ago
I was so coming but I had to take a friend to JFK airport and never made it back on time...too bad. I hope to catch the next one...It'ld have been cool to meet you for the first time and to be part of all the excitement...pic please or is there a video link to some of what happened?
eddy p
16 years ago
I was at the meeting, really informative and very funny.
Fish
16 years ago
For those of you too far away to attend....AK is just as funny in person (if not more) as he is in his tutorials!
Be on the look out for his completed HD action essentials promo. He showed us some shots (and video) of the RED camera on location with Sam dodging bullets - LOL Oh and that guy who rolled up in his 5 series BMW looking out the window was too funny !!!
Kramer was on a roll, rambling about one technique to another. I really appreciate what you bring to the AE community and how willing you are to share the knowledge. Getting to take a pic with you was my highlight(although I lost my camera, but doubled back and found it in the street...whew)! Kramer, the Rockstar of AE! Until your next eastcoast visit - keep doing what you do, you're the best!

Fish*
Tom
16 years ago
Great night...thanks again Andrew! You should make it out to NY more often! Judging by the comments you can probably do a world tour!
GastónL
16 years ago
Andrew at AENY..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KL47Viz_FaA
16 years ago
You did a fireball tutorial? Are you gonna post it?
Maybe next year I can go...
jorge plaza
16 years ago
eres un maestro kramer
saludos desde chile!!
jvf
16 years ago
as a new AE artist, but an experienced still image compositor, what i took from it was to really think about how the thing you are compositing affects the environment it is comped into. The use of stills of dust etc. to create lens artifacts was great.

thanks!
Vince
16 years ago
But Andrew, the real question is did you find out who the masked man was that is in your picture from last year?
16 years ago
hey i was first to comment and now its gone did you delete it andrew?!?!
Prodat TV
16 years ago
I want to be there, but no problem i'm waiting for the pics and the blog sposts.
Mr Kramer your tutorials are very interesting, compared with others who are really bored.
I was in the week, giving me a tour of other sites are useful and also make a great effort but they are very dull and heavy, I think that is something worth commenting on so you do not lose their freshness and good humor

Thank You
VinnyMac
16 years ago
As usual, your attention to deatails for realism amaze me. Someone once told me you get out of this world what you put in. And, man, you put in. You're even writing autographs now. Awesome.
Scott F
16 years ago
I came down from Connecticut and have to say it was totally worth it. Please post the video/tutorial you did from Times Square, that was sick! Great event, thanks to AENY for hosting it.
16 years ago
Hey folks, the AENY Vimeo page might be a good place to bookmark for a video of the presentation. Right now they've got a great one on scripting from Lloyd Alvarez.

http://www.vimeo.com/user1238238
16 years ago
I had EVERY intention of going and I'm kinda pissed I couldn't but I was swamped with work that night...I hope to make it next year. Glad to hear it went well.
NateNYC
16 years ago
Thanks again Andrew. Your humor and inspiration go hand in hand. Thanks for making all our lives that much easier.
Rob
16 years ago
Yeah!! IBC would be great for you, I have some spare hotel rooms available from our FUJIFILM party!!!



Grtz
Rob
16 years ago
Enjoy meeting us? How about AK on tour

I bet the tour bus would look sweet

Sam could be your road manager... Or at least your driver!
16 years ago
Thanks for your autograph! It was an honor meeting you!!!!!
Lingver
16 years ago
Hope to see some photos taken from the AENY Meeting
God Bless You Guys!
More Power to VideoCopilot.net
16 years ago
last time you went to NY, you took a picture and it turned up to be one of the coolest tuts: The Energy.
What can we expect this time?
Tim
16 years ago
Andrew,

I was in New York last night but all I saw was this flaming energy ball exploding through Times Square. I wish we had a video but it seemed the one guy who did have a camera got distracted by this billboard of this hot girl and his lens was pretty dam dusty. Great job, Crammer!! I liked your take on realism and color correction. You and Aharon are like AE celebrities.
David W.
16 years ago
Wish I could have gone. I live in NY and when I checked the site at 10 p.m. this blog wasn't here. Any clue why?
oras
16 years ago
hi am from iraq so sad cannt make it in this time to newyork any way some pics may chell me up ^_^ i hop u all have fun there and hop i can make it there when next meet will come
Bassalisk
16 years ago
Pictures PLEASE ! ! ! !

Video cuts from the meeting would also be good ...

and yea Welcome Back
16 years ago
You were awesome man. Full house despite the rain. Still laughing about the "distracted" camera man.

I brought my son (11) who is currently working his way through your basic training and is fascinated with making Lego stop motion movies. The Paint Program portion of your presentation sparked his imagination. We talked about how you can use a simple tool like that to pre viz an effect you might be considering or to story board.

Tip highlights for me. Using Brainstorm with Color Channels. Using inverted grunge backgrounds to create camera lens anomalies. The concept of planned imperfections.

So thanks again for all of your generous efforts. Have a great time in the city.
Chris
16 years ago
Hey, whoa! Andrew, you got cookies? Well, do you have enough for everyone?
BODYTEMPLE
16 years ago
thanks a lot Andrew for stopping by, this i was there when yo came by the last time and this time i even was able to ask you a question or two...in the bath room and about twitch...which was never answered ...lol
by the way when that woman and her son gave you cookies...how was they did you eat them...

also
that stuff you did with PAINT was crazy LOL

OH YEAH DUDE!!!!
I LOVE THAT TUTORIAL YOU GAVE, THAT EFFECT WAS SOME REAL DRAGON BALL Z STUFF IN WHICH I WON A $500 BET WITH A FRIEND OF MINE, I TOLD HIM THAT YOU SOME HOW YOU GOING TO DO A DRAGON BALL Z EFFECT, AND HE SAID NO YOU WASN'T CAUSE ITS TO SIMPLE FOR YOU... AND LAST NIGHT....LOLOLOL
YOU SURE DID WITH THE FIRE BALL DOWN THE CITY...LOL

THANKS ANDREW
16 years ago
some pics would be great!
16 years ago
I was there! I'm telling my associates that you're the reason I'm so advanced with AE ( which is odd to them because I'm actually a composer! ). My girlfriend is going to school in the area, working on her MD/PhD. Anyway, I was impressed! More than enough info to share with these film school losers. I can't believe how little film schools teach about post production.
crossy
16 years ago
veryy nice of you mr.kramer it would be great yes if u can share the tips with us. Keep up the great work u doo

greets
Dez
16 years ago
If Andrew is coming to IBC 2009, I'll be there for sure!
Simon
16 years ago
Wish I've could've been there, I live in Sweden though so it was a little bit expensive.

Keep up the good Work!
16 years ago
pas des photos des image sur after effects New York ??
Bader Ahmed
16 years ago
Welcome Back !

Can you summarize the contents of the Presentation activity or those tips and tricks.

glad to hear some !

thanks
Massy
16 years ago
welcome beck, some pics please !!!!!!!!!!!!
16 years ago
Thank you Andrew, your teachings gave me a job when i needen one most. id like to write you a proper thank you letter but i got no adress to send it to. but thanks.
16 years ago
That would be awesome if they did, i'd love to see a video of the meeting!
Mudi
16 years ago
hey did anyone make video ?
Pablo
16 years ago
Sounds fun, upload some pics or videos for us please!
flo
16 years ago
Hi !

New York is a little too far from my home (i live in France). I just wanted to says that i was crazy abouts all those tips you share, it's very usefull, and it helps me everyday. So Thanx a lot Mr Andrew, you're the best

@+
flo
________________
16 years ago
Are you or are you not the actor that plays green arrow in SMALLVILLE??? and pretty sure is you!!!

Nice you came back!
16 years ago
A small bit of footage during the Q&A. It was a good turn out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KL47Viz_FaA

sorry it's shaky.
16 years ago
Yeah, you should definately come to the IBC 2009 Andrew!
Tobias
16 years ago
@WaterRocketMan

IF he does, i sure am going to IBC!
Ante
16 years ago
Is AENY every year?
James price
16 years ago
Did you see spidey this time?
EveretOptions
16 years ago
It was a good meeting. I was suprised, yet impressed that your presentation examples were acquired the day before the presentation. It was awesome getting my picture with THE MAN, himself!
16 years ago
That must have rocked!

Andrew, are you willing to come to IBC 2009 in Amsterdam too?
16 years ago
Dude that meeting was awesome loved it, loved it kind a sad I didn't win anything. How bout that NYC billboard for ya lol camera man couldn't uh seem to keep the (cough) cam away from that image huh lol Loved the tutorial man keep it up.
Guy
16 years ago
Bring on AEAUS ...maybe
GPK
16 years ago
Sounds great!
Vick1138
16 years ago
Why can't this stuff be held in Chicago, so I can attend and check out the latest scoops and tips?
16 years ago
i thought the meet was very helpful, didnâ??????t think i will find a post by Andrew that fast here. Andrew, this was the first time i see you in person and you were as funny as ever.

the only thing i am sad about is that the Royalty Free desk i won is not working.

oh, and is the guy that asked you about your wife and AE. is he your friend? he was talking to you in a foreign language at the beginning of the meeting.
16 years ago
If only I coulda been there... Ah-well, glad to hear it went well!
-David
JoeM569
16 years ago
I had a great time. Andrew had a lot of very interesting tips on color correction, and on little things that make the product look better. I especially enjoyed the diagrams that Andrew drew, they helped out a lot
frankEnjoy
16 years ago
i just do the Creater in Maya,it is so fun
frankEnjoy
16 years ago
i want to go,meet Andrew is my dream
Clayton Light
16 years ago
Night-Night AK
leo
16 years ago
gr8
16 years ago
I would definatly be interested in lookin at some photos!
Sounds cool, to bad im in New Zealand!...
frankEnjoy
16 years ago
yeah! Some pics please!!!!
16 years ago
Sounds fun, upload some pics for us