Element 3D & Live Action Footage
July 30th, 2012

Here is another fun example using Element 3D with live action footage and 3D Camera tracking. I'll be posting a 3D tracking tutorial soon but for the explosion, I used some Action Essentials 2 along with some colored lights to create the fire illumination.

The truck model was imported in to Element and one of the tires had a separate material so that it could be animated separately from the rest of the vehicle. All animation, lighting and rendering done inside After Effects with Element 3D!

Watch in HD

Element 3D Available in the Video Copilot Store!

Andrew Kramer
POSTED:
13 years ago
69 Comments
kim
13 years ago
Hi Andrew ! it's a long time that i learn AE with all your tutorials !
you are like hm...you know a kind of master for me !

But one question remain in my mind.
Can you please tell me how the hell i can find THAT truck models !

i bought all your pack, and all your products on your site BUT,
i never found that kind of models...can you please help me on this ?

Thanks !

Andrew Kramer is the best !
mushtaq kasser
12 years ago
i cant found the truck elemnt 3d in the complete studio.. bundle....have u found it
Matin
13 years ago
i want some car model pack please!!! release the future pack and the metropolitan pack i can't wait i'm tired of waiting i need the models please andrew... dude i'm begging you!!!!
danilo
13 years ago
Hey Andrew, I was just wondering which particular lens was used in this shot? I am about to buy a new lens because I want to start a new webseries. For close-ups I bought the 85mm 1.8 as I like the DOF of it. But for wider shots I'd need a lens that creates a look similar to the one you have in that pictures. Could you help me out?
13 years ago
Finally, something better than zaxwerks )

Awesome work Andrew!!
Editor
13 years ago
I can't imagine how this 3D Element plugin works
13 years ago
And it keeps on getting better! Thanks for this great Tutorial. I have a question about 3D model compatibility. Are you planning on incorporating Google SketchUp model integration into Elements? I love Sketchup and love the fact that there are a million free Vector Models available on line. Would be cool to incorporate them into AE via Elements if possible.


Cheers!
13 years ago
Im a one man video prod shop, and this seems like a great solution for a small guy like me to add some big budget type power to my small town projects and commercials. At most I'm looking to do things like fly fruit across a scene or maybe drop a fire engine on a car and crush it.

Seeing as I have little 3d experience, is elements a good solution for a novice like me looking to get up,to speed with encorporating 3d elements into my video projects on a small scale? Thank you!
Hi .. here is another example I have done with ELEMENT 3D.
Hope you will like it. I would appreciate reading your comments.

http://youtu.be/9tzXY6eTUuk

Cheers !
Richard oakes
13 years ago
hey andrew did you manage to find anything out about that gittery space ship render?
Jerett Kelly
13 years ago
Is element 3D capable of using video or nested comps as a texture/material? I am in charge of creating a training videos for tablet based software that my employer is developing.

Example - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=katHeEMOdtY&feature=g-upl

I currently have a 3d-ish solution that I have created by using six flat photos to create a crude 3D version of the tablet. Since i have done it all using only after effects, i have the ability to use a precomp for to control the image on the screen. It looks pretty good for what it is.

I would LOVE to create an actual 3D version of the tablet to use with element, but it will be essential to keep the ability to use either a nested comp/precomp or rendered video, in order to keep production time to a minimum.
13 years ago
Yes, you can use a Custom Layer as texture and then apply this texture to a video surface. Bam!
Jerett Kelly
13 years ago
Well consider me sold then! You guys rock!
Lamar
13 years ago
Simple question here.

Can element rotate individual text letters along a ring shape?
I'm thinking of he Universal Pictures logo.

I've tried shapes, multi object, pre-rotating along paths in the text layer and I just can't seem to make it happen.

Any takers?
JOEY
13 years ago
I can't get why people are so angry about shadows because we all use particular every day and it's no problem we have learn to deal with the fact that it doesn't deliver shadows. Our job is to make things look nice or real so let's do it let's tweak things and do our work and stop waiting after a piece of software to do the complete job for you
Joseph
13 years ago
I think the wheel is looking fake ... cuz it like new after explosion ...
Claudiu
13 years ago
Quick question,
Does anyone know how I can link an element to a camera (or null).
It's probably a simple expression but I'm a noob at expressions.
The element has a Position XY and a separate attribute for Z where as the camera has a position XYZ parameter.
Thank you in advance to anyone who can help.
Claudiu
13 years ago
Never mind, figured it out
TheBadger
13 years ago
Hey Andrew,

You wrote in another post that you would be making some vehicle models available.
Im guessing a couple of helicopters and a war jet at least. Maybe an armored truck too?

May I request:

1) A UAV, military grade.

2) Some more complex missiles. Like in the weapons pack but maybe some syfi too.

3) A10 thunderbolt!!!http://www.fas.org/man//dod-101/sys/ac/a-10-19990422-f-7910d-517.jpg
Dang I love these ugly sons of a warthog! PLease make one for your new pack!!!!

Also,
When will these new packs be available, how much will they cost (99 is good, you'll sell a million)
Pre Fractured individual parts would be nice. And are the models in the packs easily imported to other applications?

Cheers to you.
Cedric
13 years ago
AHahah Hey Andrew, May I request:
- 1 peperoni Pizza
- 1 big Sprite
- 1 Big Mac
- 2 chicken nuggets boxes

Thank you

13 years ago
Hugo Strange,
still didnt fix the blury issue though. gonna wait till the update to see if thats the issue or not.
doc_81
13 years ago
I would love to know where AK get's these amazing 3d models from? Will there be other packs or individual models we can purchase from VC?
Diego
13 years ago
Andrew... I´m pretty sure someone already told you this. But you are the Prometheus of VFX, bringing fire to us mere mortals!
I bought the Studio Bundle, and I got my money back in the first gig I used for.
13 years ago
Hugo Strange, thank you for your philosophy, and my bad that i did not look at evey blog and comment to find a solution for the issues i am having. thank you sir.
Hugo Strange
13 years ago
you are very welcomed sir .

By the way I didn't have too look at every blog/comments ... the Answer was the blog post before this one where you posted your comment,with big letters "Improved Anti-Aliasing in Element 3D"

P.S: just for testing , I typed {element 3d anti aliasing} inside Google search box ...and that link I posted was the first item that came up !

Searching Is a major part of the Internet, so I'm told ?
13 years ago
I heard you talk about camera tracking tutorials,the question is is it going to be camera tracking in CS6 OR CS5 cuz alot of us not have CS6 yet. just to be ready. and any idea why my element object from the packs i bought wont look sharp inside my comp like the ones you did. cuz so far that is the only reason why i havent created anything yet.still waiting on an answer that no one seems to help me with. love the truck though.
Hugo Strange
13 years ago
Hey ! Clancy30 let me give you one of my philosophy :
Any question you need to ask has already been asked! You just need to look closely and find the answer !

http://www.videocopilot.net/blog/2012/07/improved-anti-aliasing-in-element-3d/
13 years ago
Andrew, the 3d explotion in this video, is it real or from action essentials pack?
Farshad
13 years ago
Explosion is from action essentials pack .
Ryan Farnes
13 years ago
This looks fantastic. I am intrigued at Element because I have dabbled in 3D with Blender, but it never took a hold. It always seemed far too complex for me to really get into since I was more video and graphics focused. Naturally, I've spent a lot of time in After Effects (when I'm not shooting or editing) and I could see myself utilizing Element for a lot of my ideas.

Here is my question, will there be some more thorough samples to really show it off? I love samples like this armored truck blowing up, but it freezes before the physical motion finishes. Or the picture of the F-18 jet fighter on the Element product page. Totally looks awesome, but I have no idea how real it looks in an actual video.

If I see that kind of stuff, I'll be much closer to actually wanting to pull the trigger on it. Thanks for developing it and I look forward to using it should I go that route...
13 years ago
The reason I am making all of these sample videos is to show people that the plug-in is capable of doing all sorts of things from particles to single object animations. There are tons of things you can do right now using the plug-in. But it is also not a replacement for traditional 3D apps.

Element doesn't do everything and it's not meant to. Things like physics are more ideal inside a program where you can position deflectors and control the interactions for each object. If you really wanted to use some physics, you can combine Element with physics data from C4D if you want. http://vimeo.com/45948269

As for Jets and flying vehicles, there is really no limitation you just animate them flying around...

Element is FAST and does a lot of amazing things right now... I've only began to scratch the surface and I've seen things created by others that have blown my mind.

There are a few people say things like, "oh it doesn't to this, or it can't cast shadows so I can't use it." That's OK! Use it when you can save some time, or make a shot better. There are even clever ways to fake shadows and still benefit from the amazing speed advantages that make Element so unique.

I would say, look at everything you CAN do with the plug-in and remember, A lot of this was not possible last month... Then if there is something you must do in a 3D program, rock and roll!

I still use 3D max and C4D, I think that knowing how to use a 3D program makes Element even more powerful.
Ryan Farnes
13 years ago
Sounds good Andrew. I'm impressed with Element. I like how it brings 3D to After Effects in an accessible way.
Dwaine
13 years ago
Wow, that is pretty freakin awesome...I love Element 3-D I am currently using it on my trailers. Can't wait to show y'all my work!
Travis Wade
13 years ago
Now if we had anchor point control we could animate the truck driving up (wheels spinning) then exploding.. (hint, hint) All kidding aside.. this is a fantastic plugin..
Travis Wade
13 years ago
I understand that there is work arounds.. but.. you will have to use masks and animate the masks along with each element layer, which in turn you will have to pre-compose each layer..etc.. Not only is this time consuming, it would be easier for me just to animate in my regular 3d program.. Not sure if you understand what I am really talking about..
13 years ago
Element was never designed to be able to rig a vehicle but there are some tricks. In fact you can actually rig a vehicle much easier than this, I'll try to make a quick tutorial soon.
Travis Wade
13 years ago
I agree Element is a great plugin there is no disputing that.. And I understand it wasn't meant to rig objects, I am merely just stating if we had control over individual group anchor points it would make this plugin even more powerful.. But it seems like thats not going to be an option, So I'll lay my comments to rest on the subject. I am by no means unhappy with this plugin at all.. Its changed the way I do everything. Cheers
Mahdi
13 years ago
That was really cool !
Could we make a bit after this scene with element 3D ?
I mean could it simulate/animate the dropping of the wheel or maybe the car ?
Den
13 years ago
Great work Andrew!

Can't wait when update come out with better edges rendering

http://youtu.be/-c-1L3ejrJg?hd=1
Segun
13 years ago
Andrew,you are an inspiration.cant imagine a world without videocopilot,it would norm & void!
13 years ago
my first test, any suggestion to make it better?
http://www.renderking.it/2012/07/30/element-3d-test/
13 years ago
bought/installed now just looking for the time to play with this awesomeness. damn clients.
Shawn
13 years ago
Hey, Moldy, I can say 2 things to make you happier:
first, I do believe. Second, send your clients my way, and you can play with element3D - it's a win-win. You get to play with element, and I get to raise the cash for the full studio bundle. Woo hoo!
Daniel
13 years ago
Can not wait looks awesome !
13 years ago
you keep destroying that poor parking!
13 years ago
Holy shiiiiiii-

LOL man I love Video Copilot!!!
thunder APP
13 years ago
When will more tutorials follow? Most is currently just show-offs but I missing 0 - 100 tutorial like in the old times
Ali farahani
13 years ago
When used normal bump and specular map in element then render . is effective the light layer on normal bum and specular map?
James Hathaway
13 years ago
Some of us have missed out on a lot of tutorials because we don't have particular, now there is Element 3D. Should we, the people who don't have any plugins for our AE, expect anything that we can actually use in the coming months, or should we just chill for a while and things will get back to normal?

I know you're excited about the new product, and it looks awesome. It's just an honest question about what the next stack of tutorials are going to be like.
13 years ago
Yo James!
We will be adding all sorts of new tutorials that cover all aspects of Visual Effects. Of course some of the upcoming Element tutorials are not only about Element but compositing with live Action Footage. For example 3D camera tracking and managing 3D scene data and blending elements with your background plate. Whether you use Element or a dedicated 3D program these tips will come in handy.

Element represents a bridge to doing things that were not possible or require 3,000 software to even do simple things in 3D. It is clear that the Visual Effects and motion graphics industry is excited about 3D and we want to teach people using a variety of programs like C4D, 3D max and of course Element.
Kaloo
13 years ago
Hi James, you made me start writing my first comment on this site since 2005, when first tutorial was published. I work as a professional motion graphic designer since that 2005, also.
Just a simple question: How can you ask someone that is sharing free resources, assets and knowledge (the field of expertise is irrelevant) when is going to share some other free resources, assets and knowledge that are more suitable for your budget?
lu
13 years ago
no i think he has right. many of studends havent got the money to buy particular or element. and his question is absolutly legitimately! shame on you melat3mg !!!
Jeremy Abbott
13 years ago
Except in almost every tutorial that uses Particular, he points out that the same effect can be mostly achieved using CC Particle World. And in the ones it can't, he says so.

As far as Element is concerned, I was a student a year ago myself, I know full well what living off of student loans and maxed out credit cards and boxes of KD is like. But at $150, with determination you should be able to budget yourself for a few weeks and afford it. I don't have Element myself yet but I can't wait until I do and to revisit all these videos.

Plus there have been countless times where it's been weeks if not months between tutorials. Mid-Air Emergency was March 21st and The Jungle was June 1st, almost 3 months later.

No offence intended but I think that's just an all around an undeserved complaint.
Timber_Wolf_2
13 years ago
Mr. Kramer, I have a request: if you post a video, could you make it available on VideoCopilot's site as well instead of on Vimeo or YouTube exclusively? For many of us users, these other sites are blocked on our workplace internet, where we access your site much of the time.

Just a humble request/suggestion from a raving loyal fan who would love to see everything you post!
Darren
13 years ago
agreed, we have Vimeo and Youtube blocked at work also.
Farshad
13 years ago
Timber_Wolf_2 and Darren , where are you live ? (which country ?)
Farshad
13 years ago
Where are you living ? (which country ?)
redinou
13 years ago
they said at their workplace.... some company block youtube, vimeo, facebook etc to keep their employees focus...
Farshad
13 years ago
Oh OK redinou , i understand now
Darren
13 years ago
Andrew, are you doing any work on the new series called Revolution coming in the Autumn ( sorry, the Fall....)
James
13 years ago
If Element was around when they made the matrix, John Gaeta would've been working at burger king...
Hamza
13 years ago
Andrew you r the best..i really liked your tutorial specially the element its trmendus , fantabulus.....
13 years ago
Looks really great! I'm looking forward to the tutorial... This plugin is just going to get better and better and more better!
Willmer Wonsang
13 years ago
This 3D route is so inovative. With some pun intended... This is taking it into another demention. Thank you so much for everything you are doing and thank you for taking my money to allow this to happen on my PC.

My son and I are actively working some projects together to learn more. This is our bonding time. I really think of it as my time with him and Andrew and maybe Sam.

Thanks again
13 years ago
Very cool, I am quite impressed
13 years ago
very nice Andrew *___^
Goutham R
13 years ago
element does tracking too??
13 years ago
I don't believe so. I think he's probably using the camera tracker in AE, Mocha or he might use the new 3D one in CS6... it's very nice...
R-CANE
13 years ago
Boujou tracker is also good. He used that in the meteorite tutorial
Eric
13 years ago
The CS6 Tracker, I've found works fantastic, and extremely easy. What's great is Element sees the camera, the moment you place it in and the CS6 tracker is the easiest ever. No messing with nulls really. Place a camera and null, copy null position to your 3D object, adjust size and position and bam. Done. (no null parenting either)
Eric
13 years ago
Here was a quick test I did using Element (futuristic grenade). I didn't get around to messing with the shadow yet but notice how tightly it is locked in place. Took a few seconds to do. http://youtu.be/mC2152QmCoI

Eric
Kirk Productions
lakekover
13 years ago
Ya, the CS6 3D Camera Tracker is very easy, and it works awesomely well. I love it...
13 years ago
ye nice the shadows looks realistic

element 3d is the best is the future end
more

you are super creative end super god for real
13 years ago
very cool the presence of the shadow ta realistic
3d element is the number one of the adobe ae plugins
Daryl - Papua New Guinea
13 years ago
Can't wait to see the tutorial. Awesome as usual Mr. Kramer.
Ehsan
13 years ago
Pretty cool, lol the light of fluorescent got a different
Great job guys, so when the tutorial comes out?
MONDO
13 years ago
Great work as usual!

Please can we have a tutorial that covers realistic lighting..?

In this example I ended up cheating by using a levels adjustment. What's the best way to match the originals 'volumetric'(?) lighting effect..?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWQdNhE_7uE
Dart
13 years ago
How about the shadows? Does Element3D had a recent update with shadows features?
13 years ago
The shadows are faked using a few simple techniques that will be shown in the tutorial. Real Shadows is major feature that is planned for V2!
klaus brandenburg
13 years ago
Hey Andrew,

If you talk about shadows you could do some promo for Kevin Schires "Shadow Caster" script. He's done a tremendous job for the community and really deserves some appreciation. Now also works with Particular and Form.Download the script here: http://www.schiresk.com/afx/scripts/Shadow Caster.jsx
13 years ago
This version 2, we have to buy or be a free upgrade?
Shawn
13 years ago
Version 1 hasn't been out a month yet, and people are wondering about the price tag for version 2. Wow.
xandercorp
13 years ago
And when's V2 planned for?
13 years ago
WHoah!!! Andrew!!! Your Great!!!!!!
13 years ago
Can't wait for the tutorial!
Omer
13 years ago
CUD YOU MAKE AN TUT, THIS IS ****** NICE!
Paul Gale
13 years ago
Blimey, do you never sleep?

Thanks once more for another great tutorial.

...or maybe you do what a friend used to do - queue up all his emails to send in the middle of the night so it looked like he was working around the clock to impress his boss!
13 years ago
WOW! Can I also do this with my neighbor's car?
13 years ago
haha,is amazing
Rishi
13 years ago
Really awesome.... keep it up....
Imran Khan
13 years ago
Good Work! But Why are you using the Same Background?
13 years ago
Awesome! How much polygons is the truck? Because I am having problems loading a 3D model into Elements.
13 years ago
Phew lucky I didn't make a tutorial your's will be 1000x better than mine :p
Andrew
13 years ago
Looks great! You should release a vehicle pack
VINCE
13 years ago
Action Essentials?...the only thing we wait is how to do this, anyway.....GREAT JOB ANDREW!
also...plugin element aint like 3d software to simulate physx, so how did the truck will going to hit the floor?
13 years ago
With plug Camera Tracker
Did you shake it?
Or its elements have the same capability?
Farshad
13 years ago
Wooow very cool , can't Waite for tutorial . Andrew when tutorial comes ?
mehrdad
13 years ago
hi .. its very good
thank you
13 years ago
That is awesome , really insane ! I loved it , can't wait to see the tutorial, Andrew Kramer you're genius
13 years ago
Oh, what makes this element
Farhan
13 years ago
Everything Video Copilot makes becomes History!
13 years ago
Thats awsome
we hope to see the tutorial or some tips on it
13 years ago
Very Cool!!! It's VFX compositing possibilities like this when time is of the essence that has me so excited. It's been great so far!
13 years ago
Looks great! Really nice compositing!