Underwater Explosions
August 2nd, 2010

Alright like most of you, I spent a lot of this weekend thinking about underwater explosions and more specifically... underwater IMPLOSIONS!

See, when an explosion or charge is set off underwater the force of the explosion diminishes and the pressure of the surround water collapses in. Take a minute to visualize this... feel free to include sound effects as needed. So naturally I started experimenting with ways to create the effect using clips in our Action Essentials 2 kit and I think the results are pretty convincing.

For the tutorial I wanted to incorporate it into a cool scene but my bathtub was full of my kids toys so I had to build my own underwater silent destroyer!

The first thing I did was buy a 3D model from an online marketplace, then I brought it into 3DS max for lighting and animation. In After Effects I added the atmosphere and built the exciting implosion!! Stay tuned.

See Screenshots

Andrew Kramer
POSTED:
15 years ago
144 Comments
13 years ago
I agree with Christy. http://www.cgtrader.com/Buy-3D-models.html here is a brilliant 3d models.
13 years ago
That's cool! I've found some great submarine 3D models here - http://www.cgtrader.com/index.php?printable=0&gameready=0&cl=cg_search&find=submarine.
15 years ago
Extraordinaire! I am quite impressed!!!
15 years ago
good good very good
Yuz
15 years ago
this gonna be interesting!
Rob
15 years ago
can't wait for this one. this one's gonna be very nice xd
15 years ago
Can't.....wait.....any.....longer.....must....have.....tutorial........-eye twitches-
15 years ago
Hey,

That's fantastic! Someone else who spends their weekends thinking about underwater explosions too!

Dean
John Mark
15 years ago
i want this tutorial!!
suresh
15 years ago
woooow it's very nice work.....
Shrif Azmy
15 years ago
waiting waiting waiting
such waiting is toooooooooooooooooooooo much
15 years ago
g r e a t ! ! ! !
15 years ago
hi sir i think you must try this website for more effective result for underwater :http://max.cgcookie.com/2009/10/02/underwater-scene-exploration/


and for blast i thing you most see
infinity-design.com(3dmax blast tutorials)

good day sir
15 years ago
Hi all!! THANKS ANDREW! You're always SO INSPIRING!
I have translated the article you linked into Spanish, in case anyone wants to have a look, you have it here:
http://www.atomosybits.com/2010/08/13/impresiones-sobre-explosiones-e-implosiones/

Thanks for sharing your skill with us, Andrew!
Daniel Amedoda
15 years ago
Looking good as always, will you add caustics to the final animation?
15 years ago
I can't waiting for it......
alhosien
15 years ago
looks nice thank's andrew
aidor
15 years ago
excellent, i'm working on a project with a few underwater shots. i'm still an amateur AE user so seeing how you do those light streaks coming down will be very useful.

thanks dude, you rock!
15 years ago
looks great. as always
Boaz Asaasira
15 years ago
Me love it,cool! man
15 years ago
Hi Andrew, You're my vfx rollmodel and your tut are pretty nice and never seen before here. I am a 3d artist and I can work well with texturing and lighting too. If you like then I can help you in this tut....

Have a nice day....
yoyo
15 years ago
good job andrew. you always do great things. congratulations
15 years ago
good job! Andrew it legeng! and very much jest
TmHigh
15 years ago
And the weird think was that only a day before you posted this we was talking with a friend about implosions how they look like they are breathing and getting larger than they go like BOOOOM! Just was thinking of taking some dry ice and throwing it on the pool a pretty big one EXPLOSIONS IMPLOSIONS ARE JUST BEAUTIFUL.
As long your not close to them
TmHigh
15 years ago
Yo Andrew when are you going to bring us this tutorial we are all waiting its been 10 days and i come here each day and see if the tut is up anyway just please don't take another ten days cant wait.
Keep Up The Good Work As You Always Do.
15 years ago
good tip, now i know what to do in those granade situations!
paul holt
15 years ago
yeah well I though this was a bit of a waste of time...but considering how much I learn here we can forgive you
Jaw1002
15 years ago
Already made a mock up of my own, not as good but its a first for me..

check it out, comment rate sub

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2fWxE2BVW8
Baharoon
15 years ago
great Andrew,
always we expect only good things from you, you are my a Hero of effects
I have question, why you don't integrate Maya with you lessons ?
curiosity
15 years ago
I was just wondering, AK, whether the propellers of the sub is gonna spin in the final cut. And would it be AE or 3DS MAX you will be using to achieve the effect if you would make them spin.
Spikeman
15 years ago
Thanks for the new tutorial. I have looked your stuff up and it has helped me in my filming. You are the best. Thanks for allll of your help
Eric
15 years ago
also a good visual reference for underwater ex"im"plosions is the movie U-571... its got some great underwater shots!!!
jp
15 years ago
looks great. . i can't to see this tutorial. . xD
15 years ago
Hi Andrew love your stuff keep them coming. How about a tutorial on bullets going through water kind of like what happened in the bridge scene in The Italian Job.
Need to work that one out for a scene I'm trying to pull off in my film.
Maybe dump Sam into a river with a wet suit get him to swim around a little and start shooting at him.
I pay bucks to see that.
Sam's cool He needs to get an agent.
KC
15 years ago
Actually I was just thinking about this the other day myself, as I watched a scene from The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. In the WWII chapter, when the captain rams their boat into the submarine that is firing on them, there is an INCREDIBLE underwater explosion. It was so fascinating to me that every time I see that scene, I have to rewind and go through that vfx shot frame by frame. It's probably the best simulation of an underwater explosion/implosion I've seen on film.
manuel
15 years ago
ow mr andrew I have a other question I found a movie on matte painting on youtube and the question is how can u do a matte painting.. like this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tUVZJ4qqpY&feature=related.. can u watch this movie clip on matte painting and explain me how they do the first movie clip that the camera moving trow the
mountains.. because I don't know if it is cgi or is it just a picture.. hope u can help me explain this thanks alot andrew..
manuel
15 years ago
Hai andrew I have a question do u have a 3d scanner ?.. or do u model that sub by yourself .. ? its really great.. ow andrew can u explain how to build a tornado in fluid effects in max 3d or maya ?, or ghost effects because in the movie paranomal activity the effects where very cheap, but great can u maybe do something with sam like a ghost story or something ... or effects like the jumper ?.. anyway u'r the best effects artist ever mr kramer ..
CD
15 years ago
Can't wait for the tutorial AK ... you ROCK !!!
rasoul
15 years ago
HI TANK YOU FOR NEW TUTORIAL IS VERY NICE
15 years ago
I think i have it figured out- use time remapping to make a Charge in the Action Essentials 2 kit about 25% longer. Then, turn pixel motion on in frame blending and when it plays, it looks like a really cool bubbly, underwater explosion.
alexander wiaplah
15 years ago
thanks man you are the best . thanks for the knowledge you giving us I want to get the action essential 2 but don't know how am in LIBERIA
15 years ago
HEY I AM OMAR AND I STARTED AFTER EFFCT IN 2010
AND WHEN I SAW UR TUTORIALS I AM NOW PROFISINAL
THAX ANDRO
Alexandr
15 years ago
nice... Andrew greatest teacher
15 years ago
Awesome... Great Job once again. And hurry with the tutorial
Peter Kreitner
15 years ago
GReat ! give it a move! XD
15 years ago
Down Periscope
15 years ago
Yeah, I was testing with two years ago, but but I made shit, for sure now you will find the right way !!!!

You are da man Andrew !!!

Thanks for all the stuff you publish.
RenoG
15 years ago
Awesome! really looking forward to this one!
NEWGUY
15 years ago
I JUST WANNA SAY THANK YOU ANDREW SO MUCH AND UR CREW
15 years ago
Are those bullet shells? Wow, you really *did* find use for action essentials lol
15 years ago
I posted the new tutorial of making 3D videos. in Aetutplus.
Aykut Bozkurt
15 years ago
Andrew,i think you can use some tecniques from the ''animating a still'' tutorial of your own.Like the clouds moves in the air,you can divide some part of the image,by using and animating it for some quite impressive explosion(or implosion) into the deep of abyss.Of course the detail part belongs to you as usual,but maybe some bubbles can come from particular plugin,you know what i mean truly,i am pretty sure you got it right.Then combining some tecniques can come in handy if you haven't figured it out ''these'' yet about this tutorial.But if the aim is to use more creatative and ''not-yet used'' tecniques in this tutorial,i am not a visual effect supervisor like you,then i have to wait and see,hope you will be successful in this tutorial,it is nothing that you can't challenge by your own,but tnx for sharing and (maybe) asking for our ideas.
Bertoile
15 years ago
Andrew eres el mejor, es España, decimos que eres "EL PUTO AMO"

Andrew you are the best, in Spain say you are the #%&!ing master.

Gracias por tus tutoriales.

Thank you for your tutorials.
15 years ago
Ey kramer why you buy the models?¿?¿ . i can sell you some models for a symbolic price you know to help you as you help us dew ..
Patrick
15 years ago
I've actually spend my weekend thinking about explosions in outer space, but I guess underwater is pretty cool too.
GT
15 years ago
Hi Andrew.

This will be exciting! Can't wait to see what you get up to.

I have to say, sometimes I wonder if poor Andrew doesn't get frustrated by some people, he must be a very patient man.

Top work man, I hope that some of us inspire you to keep doing this!

Gerhard Thirion
Pretoria, South Africa
faddy
15 years ago
assuming there is a project file, will the submarine model be included?, is the license approve giving it free to others for learning purpose so the the model will be included or we prepare our self for box modeling and texturing?

you are the man Andrew... and yes i finish night duty , went home and checked your blog
15 years ago
cool can't wait for the tutorial
Xaznor
15 years ago
cant wait for the tutorial
15 years ago
Andrew you are the best.
Ethan
15 years ago
Haha. Love the screen shot.
15 years ago
I don't speak English but I understand perfectly
thanks men ¡¡
15 years ago
Hey adrew make a tutorial for harry potter duel like in harry potter and the deathly hallows trailer ending.
It would be cool.


Greeting from Latvia.
filipe3x
15 years ago
Kramer, just an idea: you can add some particles to the water simulating the Plankton.
Blashaque
15 years ago
We all live in yellow submarine
15 years ago
[url]http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/8569953.stm[url]

X-Slo-Motion shockwave, definitely worth a look.
15 years ago
I Found the relating article on "how a swimming pool works" most englightening.
15 years ago
is video copilot will make more tutorials including 3D integration from others softwares? it can be nice.
15 years ago
best submarine movie at the end you see the implosion kinda scary.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmbWMBrSplY
15 years ago
Wouououuuou Very Cool, God Bless A.
15 years ago
guys for those of you looking for 3d models go to
http://www.turbosquid.com they have many stuff for free max and c4d.
DGM
15 years ago
I just find it astounding that there are some of you who actually whine like spoilt brats when a new tutorial is announced. They are free, they are wonderful, and a privilege, not a right.

So just say thank you. Please.
Allen Zayden
15 years ago
@Sukhdeep Singh watch the basic tutorials on this site, they will help you understand the basics of After Effects.
Allen Zayden
15 years ago
This looks awesome!
Kaloma
15 years ago
Andrew!!!! I'd like to thank you because you share your knowledge to all your "fans"! We have a lot of fun working from your tutorials. Well, can you tell me something about videomapping projection on buildings, dimensions or something that i can do from After Effects?
Dimensions and pixels are something i worry about when i project them...
Thank's!
MrScorpion
15 years ago
can't wait...........
Alex
15 years ago
@Tarrizz

If Andrew Kramer didn't make effects tutorials then there wouldn't be much of a Video Copilot.

If people aren't creative enough to make up their own ideas or be inspired by one of Andrew's tutorials without copying it, then that's their problem.
ALEX
15 years ago
Andrew----This is going to be DOPE! Already know it...shaking in my boots.....
Daniel
15 years ago
This is gonna be AWESOME!
Alex from Jamaica
15 years ago
and also to add since i started view this website i never realize that after effect could do these things i have used 3d max and sketchup but using after effects along with these software has help out....
Diego Perini
15 years ago
Very nice idea. I wonder how you're gonna manage to create refractions arround bubbles which are not just small spheres since an underwater explosion causes huge air vacuums.
Alex
15 years ago
I think you should continue sharing your ideas and tutorials this help inspire others and also improve on their ideas that they might have....
I think this is one of the best site i have seeing..Great job Andrew....
zin_onos
15 years ago
Ahh Crap. I thought you were gonna show us how to make that 3d model, but then I read that you had bought it!
Todd
15 years ago
Ahhh yaaa. Imploding sub. 3max & AE combo tut!!!!

And ya, find a way to get Sam in there.

Thanks Andrew, in case nobody has told you lately; you're the man.
Sukhdeep Singh (Punjab,India)
15 years ago
i want learn affter effect. i am Indian (Punjabi) i have basic knowledge of 3d max, photoshop cs3. i want be creative
sir pls tell me i really like ur tutorials u r my ideal in affter effect. i try to copy u but i have not basically full knowledge... thanx sir
Tarrizz
15 years ago
SERIOUSLY?????? can't make any movies at all anymore without copying you!!! You shouldn't make tutorials for these cool effects, soon we will run out of them, and then every 10 year old on youtube will be doing the effects which were excellent and original just a few years back -.-
Teigen
15 years ago
this looks awesome
Eric
15 years ago
And, Phil, there's nothing wrong with Blender. It does awesome work. I use it myself... it's just super complicated.
Eric
15 years ago
Where'd you get the 3D model? Just curious.
15 years ago
What's wrong with Blender? Blender is FREE and for some of us, the only way to go!

Phil L.
John
15 years ago
Pls, also cinema 4d for the macusers
SoB
15 years ago
I think you should add the "crimson tide" theme ^^
Some submarine drive-bys and letting it arise from the stormy sea - how epic
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBTIoL5vaOM
15 years ago
This looks cool.
Andrew, do you buy your models from TurboSquid?
If so, there is a FREE Terminator model that you can download and use anywhere you want. It's very detailed, renders very fast in Mental Ray (there's also a VRay version, but it takes forever to render...and there's almost no difference between Mental Ray and VRay). It's perfectly rigged (all the pumps, nozzles and hydraulics are animated) and ready to animate!
Here's my render:
http://www.ipix.lt/images/29840375.png
ShadedCrayfish
15 years ago
Sink Sup Pro for the win!
Olivier-Mauritius
15 years ago
Really nice one...Is there going to be a tutorial for that??
Laurie
15 years ago
Will Sam some how be part of this? We love Sam!
oras
15 years ago
Andrew

there is alot of bubbles maybe

mmm heavy sounds

alot of mess
There is a project called future warrior. With the protection of this "future" soldier you have a 80 percent chance to survive! Welcome to the future. With armor-piercing hand grenades, there will be problems.
A hand grenade explosion you can survive on land, if you lay flat on the floor. Major injury or fatal injuries are not excluded but it is possible. It depends on the handgranatentyp.

Joe
Jacob
15 years ago
Hey Andrew,

What site did you visit to buy this model?
redrum
15 years ago
@Ramel , that's pretty basic stuff...
15 years ago
remember the distorted sun light hitting the sub
mb editor
15 years ago
very very very nice ..... !
Timo Helgert
15 years ago
YOU NEED SOME BUBBLES ANDREW...

It looks too good for an underwater scene
syaf
15 years ago
is that barrels surrounding the submarine?? or it are bullets shells?
caives
15 years ago
This is so cool, Andrew. I can't wait for the tutorial. Video Copilot ROCKS! http://www.videocopilot.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/sub_process.jpg
mendra74
15 years ago
Ahhh... underwater explosions are cool, just like Nuclear underwater explosions. ;D
nasar
15 years ago
you are the best (Andrew Kramer)
15 years ago
http://videos.howstuffworks.com/science/10-ways-the-world-will-end-videos-playlist.htm

*link fixed this shows all 10 clips the other started midway
Jerome
15 years ago
cool!!! cant w8 4 that,,!
15 years ago
Tutorial please!

VIDEOCOPILOT FTW!
15 years ago
this post led me on to the article and the article let me on to discovery.com's video site wich let me on to this very interesting video totally offtopic

http://videos.howstuffworks.com/science/10-ways-the-world-will-end-videos-playlist.htm#video-30693
Mandeep
15 years ago
Wow!! Now that shows how a man loves his job. You spent your time 'over the weekend' thinking about how underwater implosions work..
Simply Wow!!
Dave Coster
15 years ago
Niiiice man! I Can't wait!!!!!!!!!
X101
15 years ago
Mr. unique as always... fingers crossed!
Scyleung
15 years ago
Looking forward to it, looking forward!
15 years ago
Hi Andrew !

One: What about you new Product?(Series Two)
Two: How are your little girl, Katie Lynn Kramer? (Please put some of her photo on Blog)
Three: age, height and weight is how much?
Four: Can you make a new BlogShow about your Family, your workstation and your live.(I like know you better)
Five: I live in Iran and in the not too distant future I see you.
Six: I want to Send a Package to you.(What is your Mailing Address and postal Code?)

Please give me answers: edriscg@gmail.com

Best Wishes
I love you More then everyone.
15 years ago
Awesome !!!

I love you
I am Edris Mohammadi from Iran, Kurdistan, Sanandaj.
CEKTOP
15 years ago
Good job Andrew! You are the best!
Salomon
15 years ago
Cool! Pls make a 3dsmax tutorial with this..
15 years ago
Looking forward to it Andrew...intrigued and bracing myself!
15 years ago
found a realy good free ww2 submarine for those who want to play around till the tutorial comes out.
www.turbosquid.com its free one too.
Kang
15 years ago
cant wait for this
15 years ago
if you are on that sub then you have to check this out.
http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii18/clancy30/enDSCN21800-00-00-00.jpg
shans
15 years ago
You`ve been inspared by 3d max sample file?
Jonah G
15 years ago
Excellent work
Andrew
15 years ago
@Ramel why dont you try it yourself? Trust me I think it is more fun to try and figure stuff out then have someone else tell you how its done.
Fredrik M
15 years ago
With so much rain that we have gotten in Sweden the past days this is just perfect. Something to dive into in other words

Thx looking farward to it
15 years ago
This is a really interesting idea, looking forward to seeing the results!
15 years ago
Your the man Andrew! lol, Can't wait to see what else you come up with
NEWGUY
15 years ago
Andrew wots ur new and upcomin product, wots next optical flares is gr8 i think its tha best 2 date
faddy
15 years ago
well its nice to come after work through all night to see something new coming in vc.

there is a scene sample in max DVD about submarine explosion as it hit a mine ... interesting to watch.


i hope the engine fans keep on rotating as you animate them with some sort of marine life thrown around.
i like to see how you handle the bubles of air as they emerge to surface interacting to each other.

will you consider pf, thinking particles for derbies?


your creativity is only limited by your imagination and google search

have nice day. to you and your wife... also the kids
15 years ago
Cool!! Can't wait for this tutorial!!
Erdiaz
15 years ago
Ok Andrew, go for it, meanwhile: when can we have nice "underwater bullets?" I mean the kind of "tracing bubbles" underwate bullets".

thanks in advance.

PD Also from Colombia
Ahmed
15 years ago
Nice!!!! waiting for the tutorial ! haaha you are the best!
Nikolas
15 years ago
I hope you could show it for Cinema 4D.
Please!
Nikolas
15 years ago
Awesome... Andrew go for it.
Colombia is waiting.
Andrew
15 years ago
I am gonna see if I can figure this out before the tutorial. That is an Interesting thought. Well my wife has been asking for a new bath tub hmmmm. I wonder! :p
Ben Wotton
15 years ago
Oh that's cool. I look forward to what you come up with
McKay
15 years ago
Can't wait for this tutorial!
Ramel
15 years ago
Well this is something diferent, i wasnt thinking about underwater explosions instead i was thinking of like a superhero special tutorial where u put together like 5 tutorial clips, ten mins each and quickly explain how to do like a superhero power, like, flying, running fast, get super strong and green, turn urself into a mini tornado and change clothes...(The Mask) some crazy new but most importantly original stuff. buttt i guess this is pretty cool too lol thanks andrew.
Grant S
15 years ago
Oddly enough I was thinking about underwater explosions today while I was swimming. This is so exciting to see! Thanks Andrew!
FelipeFX
15 years ago
EXCELENT!!! VERY NICE ANDREW!!
THE NUMBER ONE... VIDEOCOPILOT