Metropolitan City Templates!
January 28th, 2013

The 10 Free city After Effects templates included with our new model pack METROPOLITANare now available on the product download page along with a tutorial for customizing them and optimizing render quality. Just log-in above to your account if you already purchased the pack!

(Sorry for the delay!)

The templates are setup in AE CS5 and will work with CS5.5 and CS6.

Tutorial forOptimizingElement 3D Renders: (Good tips for all Element 3D Users)

Customizing & Optimizing Renders

Andrew Kramer
POSTED:
12 years ago
94 Comments
Dre
9 years ago
Can someone tell me how to turn off the lights
9 years ago
I will visit your blog regularly for some latest post. I will visit your blog regularly for Some latest post.
http://betonnen-keukentablet.be
Desmond
11 years ago
i cant find were to sign up. i want to download the template
Brian
11 years ago
Andrew have you been to NYC? Water tower greebles for NYC skylines or it didn't happen!
Jack Helliquin
12 years ago
where can I download the Templates where is the link.
Morgan
12 years ago
Will these work with PPCC?
azmer74
12 years ago
here's my some test. pretty awesome andrew. Thank you Sir!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E77fyIx0u7U
azmer74
12 years ago
bad english. lol (here's some of my tests..)
12 years ago
Hi friends, you made good points on http://www.your60seconds.com/" rel="nofollow">Animated Intro Maker. Your blog is very good. Thanks
12 years ago
Thank you for everything. I'm looking forward to see more tut from you!
Daron
12 years ago
Hey Andrew...Any word on the Metropolitan templates being ready for CS4?
Luis Hernández
12 years ago
Sin palabras... EXCELENTE Andrew Kramer otro éxito para ti y tu equipo, simplemente Wao! Excelente producto... Excelente hahaha... Saludos desde Panamá a todo el equipo de Video Copilot excelente trabajo.
heiar
12 years ago
Hei
can we use it in both Mac and PC.. or we have to buy it seperately
?
12 years ago
Just bought element 3d and the city pack! This is going to be used heavily in an upcoming animation.
Soheil_2034
12 years ago
oh andrew its so nice
Ingo Smitt
12 years ago
Hello Andrew,

how did you make that "scan-effect" on the second picture (above) ?

Ingo
ED
12 years ago
You master everything you do. I will not place you at the level of a god. But you are the brightest shining angel that this world has been waiting for. Your knowledge and willingness to share makes your zen whole. Thank you Andrew for all that you have shared (The detailed breakdowns, the humor and the commitment to helping others). You have all my respect.
The Real Deal
12 years ago
Another great product. U are the man Andrew and I bet u have plenty of groupies lol
12 years ago
Hey Andrew,

Off topic, but can you make a a tutorial on how you made the vines growing on the pillars like in the Revolution post? Maybe a long one showing some tips through the project files?

AJ
12 years ago
SHORT: ELEMENT 3D as a plug-in is the best ever created. For any non-3D program savy person, this is the best thing ever invented! It's revolutionized everything for us amateur, intermediate or professional film makers! Thank you VIDEOCOPILOT!!
12 years ago
Nice!!!! Check out my video!!! ELEMENT 3D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjZHp2aXAIs
12 years ago
Hey Andrew. Love the updates! We just got the metro pack at work. Very excited to use it and make some fun stuff! Thanks for putting out such a wonderful plugin and I can't wait to see how it matures! In the meantime, check out this quick video I created using Element 3D and a model I built from scratch.

http://vimeo.com/59200465

I love the procedurals, but I must admit I was surprised wood was not included. Thanks again Andrew for the awesome AE plugins!
Darren
12 years ago
Is it possible to create a custom shaped plane to populate the buildings on?
For example, I would like to create a city that is in the shape of the letter Q.

Can this be done?
Derecho
12 years ago
Try here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_p_fUfKYTM
at 23:30.
Andrew Kramer
12 years ago
Hey guys, I am in Zimbabwe learning Swahili. The Swazi love teh AE.
12 years ago
Woow really awesome Andrew, keep doing it
Antonio Sequeira
12 years ago
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cerZNxMMKlA&hd=1
Serega
12 years ago
For earlier apologize for my English.
I'm from Russia
I really liked your trailer, especially muuzyka.
Please tell me where to get this stuff?
Oh yeah, Andrew Thank you so much!
?????? ?? ??????
Mike
12 years ago
I don't see the point ! This has nothing to do with 3D elements or the metropolitan pack !!

Furthermore, anybody with basic skills can put up some random scenes picked here and there !
Antonio Sequeira
12 years ago
Check out the trailer I made for Star Wars, Episode VII. Give me some feedback, please.
Eugene
12 years ago
Hi! Andrew I have a question. Is it posible to combine Mocha with Element 3D and with After effects?
12 years ago
A Element 3D Typography test. Check it out. http://on.fb.me/VDtteS
12 years ago
I need some help with the following:

Does anybody know if it's possible to create an 'expanding city'?
Meaning a multitude of buildings animated to grow at the outskirts of the city.

(depthmap won't do i guess, because it has to add one building at the time.)
Particle count would do, but then again, different groups containing different sizes of buildings, complicates the positioning)

I need to be able to control a building one at a time. (animated scale, 1 keyframe to set opacity to 100% etc

Does anybody know an elegant way to do this?

Many thanks in advance!

Thom
12 years ago
Oh yeah, one more essential obstacle:

Adjusting 'scale shape' or 'particle count' randomize the whole buidling lay-out.
While the buildings that have been placed (one at the time) should stay in the same position.

HELP!
Juan Andres
12 years ago
Mr.Kramer you should do a Vegas and Japan pack or expansion to come with Metropolitan including awsome casinos and japanesse buildings that would be cool.
Curtis Dart
12 years ago
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3CSoiLne7U
Curtis Dart
12 years ago
Sorry posted on wrong page. But what the heck / Its Element so watch and enjoy.
Idan Ronen
12 years ago
I do,
That's why I want this music for my occasions.
Idan
12 years ago
Hi Andrew, guys...

I SUPER-NEED THE MUSIC PLAYED IN THE METROPOLITAN DEMO-REEL (CLEAN OF THE THUNDER AND PLANE ENGINE SOUND EFFECTS)

ANY HELP WILL BE APPRICIATED.
THNX
12 years ago
Comparing the 3D buildings at night to pictures of NYC at night and it seems that there are no where near enough window lights on. Is there a way to control the lights on the night buildings?
Darren
12 years ago
I did this by editing the image maps in Photoshop. I cloned the lit windows and made many more where they were needed.
nazmi
12 years ago
errrm,i guess i figured out a bug,i used to have my own objects folder which contains each pieces of a complete 3d interior scene which i made in 3ds max myself.but when i tried to open the same project with all the same settings,somehow the scene looks like its squished and some of the textures that i applied to the scene elements look kindda different(like specular and bump settings are kindda different than the way they used to be)am i the first one noticing that?and is there a way to fix it?
Zedul
12 years ago
Check this out using particular and Metropolitan Pack
http://youtu.be/nuU3aGXWRyg
allister
12 years ago
Andrew... I dabble in AE on my mac and have learned so much from your site - just watched your demo for the Metropolitan pack and was blow away - it looks so simple to use even for a novice like me! Lovely stuff - Tell me - how would you then create a fly through for an film intro?
sloganlogo
12 years ago
hi allister,
It's all done with the camera and keyframes....
but a tip would be when you plan the shot and move camera turn off the render full in Element 3D make it Draft. Do the shots you like then turn full render back on.
Jared
12 years ago
Hey purchased and downloaded the pack but every time i go to instal it says that i dont have the proper permissions even though i run it as admin
12 years ago
Hey Andrew and team.
Thanks for the templates. It's nice to be able to pick apart somebody else's files. Now I can render my stuff on 'Full' rather than 'Preview'. Just a matter of working out what's different. For me it was all in the multi and sub-sampling settings.

I haven't commented before in the six months I've been checking out the tutorials and other stuff so I'll take this opportunity to again say thanks for everything. My animation tutor pointed me towards videocopilot for inspiration and he wasn't wrong.

For somebody who has spent a quarter of a century in two dimensional graphic design and been working with Photoshop since v 2.0, animation is a new and at times intimidating field. But thanks to aforementioned tutor and videocopilot and some other sites, it's been made a damned sight easier.

Looking forward to your next 'exciting' tutorial.
shorey
12 years ago
Hi Andrew brother
When will be new tutorial? I'm waiting??
Yair RAM
12 years ago
climb the 3d element v1.5 license ASAP please
12 years ago
Hey copilots, Any help would be greatly appreciated,http://www.indiegogo.com/TheCallTV/x/2267751
Zue
12 years ago
wow,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Good Stuff
Alain Maiki
12 years ago
Here's my testing of my 1st animated company intro:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QKV7vPIhVk

Enjoy it!
Alain Maiki
12 years ago
Thanks Andrew... you are helping the indie community too much... I very much appreciated...just finished my first debut feature film, and Metro pack came in perfect timing to make my company animated intro...

thanks again!!!

Alain Maiki
12 years ago
Can Element take advantage of SLI setups?
John Jones
12 years ago
Hi Andrew,

I am trying to track live action footage onto a roof top in the 09. Metropolitan template.

Putting the item back in Z space does not help with movement and the live action is still floating.

Is it even possible with the dynamics of the city movement to have this completely matched?

Thanks
Slogan
12 years ago
Check out A VCP tut on camera tracking and nulls, you need to normalize your scene by adjusting the nulls. See the Tutorial 132 Alien Surface
12 years ago
Finally got round to trying this out. Again,amazing work from Mr Kramer and Co. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYNbH0rEmew
steve
12 years ago
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU
Tyler
12 years ago
Andrew, these are AMAZING! Your tutorial was also incredibly helpful. Very grateful for your dedication to what you do.

Wow, mindblowingly cool.
12 years ago
Stop it Andrew Kramer!! Stop this insanity of giving us so much! Man I really don't know of any other sites on this earth that give back as much as Video CoPilot does to its members! Not only do you guys put out some of the industries BEST products out there but you continually listen and improve and add on. Its amazing and I love being a part of it and learning and growing with your constant support. I cant believe the deal I got when I purchased the Metro pack, but then not even a few days later and you're already giving us 10 FREE templates?! UNBELIEVABLE! If I seem overzealous its because I am. Thank you so much VCP, you guys are truly the best of the best!

Cheers
12 years ago
Excellent work. As always.
In the sample images pack, number 7, Dark Night, is that an extra comp on the penthouse windows? Really nice detail in there.
Matin
12 years ago
Hello, I wanted to know when does the future pack come out?
about like 5months? 2 months? 8 MONTHS???
I really need a pack like that and i know it would be very useful for people.
and about the metropolitan can you make more real buildings you made like the empire state? like from new york or chicago or LA or famous cities...
i'm looking forward to have more real buildings. and i hope andrew puts them on blog for free download.
and i need the helicopter model the most right now! it's so important!!!
Paul
12 years ago
For those of you using the adobe CS4 version and needing to update, have you looked at the incredible solution Adobe has with their Adobe Creative Cloud option. I pay about $30 a month for all adobe products updates included. This solution was the only way I could have gotten all the products and update. No more shelling out $4000 for the Master collection, and no more having to shell out $750 for an update every year. Adobe Creative Cloud has everything I need, and doing the math including future updates it would take 3-4 years before I ever even got close to the purchase prices. Main thing is these are the full programs and the are always up to date with newer versions at most of all you get like EVERYTHING! I suggest that for you guys need to update after effects. Did you know that Photoshop has extended 3d capabilities now as well? Do it man, you can afford it now.
bandicoot
12 years ago
This is so frustrating! I bought the Metropolitan pack several days ago. I can't download the pack or the V 1.5 update. Before anyone takes this as a complaint against VC, it is NOT one. The reason I can't download either of them is because my computer is in the shop. I'm so used to getting the new stuff from VC and trying it that I'm going through withdrawals. ARRRRGGGHHHH! I already feel like I'm getting behind!. (Sorry, I just had to whine a moment).
12 years ago
Thanks.
Being able to see the best ways of setting up the lights is going to make a huge difference - for me that's been the trickiest part.
But straight away from your tutorial I can see that I was guilty of Ambient Occlusion Abuse, even though you kind of advised against it in the earlier tutorial.
Schwane
12 years ago
Ah they are up. Thank you Andrew and the team. You are awesome
12 years ago
Is there any word on that vehicles pack? You have hinted at it from time to time. The helicopters and cars would really help out on some projects I am working on. Or is it possible that you could make some of those models you use from you demo pack available to us? I'd be happy to pay for them, I just can't find good quality, Element ready vehicles anywhere. Thanks for everything you do for us!
12 years ago
You can buy Vehicle 3D models (.obj) on web. Be sure to read its content and it should be included with the texture pack as minimum 2k resolution. Do a little RND brother :] Or contact us
12 years ago
I have done a ton of research, but all the models I find are either way too expensive, crash element, or look like garbage...or all three.
James
12 years ago
Ever since I saw that helicopter model Andrew was using in his demos, I knew the VCP vehicle pack would blow the others away..I'll wait...turbosquid ain't getting my money...
12 years ago
ditto
12 years ago
Agree !! They comeup with weird material settings and messup things. IF u want some model for elemet 3D then you can contact us :]
12 years ago
Just bought the metro pack to compliment element. loving it so far. not sure where to put this as it has nothing to do with your products,

but I miss the old intro music to your videos. It was so synonymous with VCP.

that is all. Keep up the good work.
12 years ago
We still use the old music on normal VC tutorials. The specific product tutorials have their own "theme" music if you will. Thanks!
Jovica
12 years ago
Can you give us the intro music?
Travis Ragsdale
12 years ago
I'm sure you guys are already planning this, but you should make a "Future Metropolitan" pack. With futuristic cityscapes.
Jstep
12 years ago
Any tutorials on how to set this up in 3ds max or other 3d programs
12 years ago
Everything in this pack is ultimately awesome just that if this pack included some unconstructed buildings like the ones with cranes and all would make the city come more alive
shorey
12 years ago
Hey Andrew

How to make incredible hulk body in AE, 3ds max, cinema 4d I'm intresting boy. Please create this tutorial please please
peyman
12 years ago
Thanks
Andrew Kramer
12 years ago
Thank you for This. ^^
Weezer
12 years ago
Just loaded these up and I have to say I think they're absolutely gorgeous. It's given me loads of ideas of things to try (mostly to do with explosions!). Software is only as good as its documentation and support, and this will really help people get more from their purchase. It's a great showcase for Element and Metropolitan - thank you to Andrew and his crew.

So... how about a crowd-sourced sci-fi city pack? Give us some specs and we could all try and offer up a building, which you guys could tweak and improve, if necessary.
Curtis Dart
12 years ago
Great Idea Weezer! The power of the group as opposed to the power of one.
hadipour
12 years ago
working with this kind of models needs upgrade system.what computer picses suitabl for this?
Thuvaragan
12 years ago
I'm using Intel i3 integrated graphics Processor,
Not working Element 3d,
why?
The Last Professional
12 years ago
Because it isn't supported as Andrew wrote some comments before. Integrated graphics processor sucks by the way. Get a true graphics card from nvidia and you'll have fun.
12 years ago
Andrew said that's answer Above in someone;s comment. Try to find it. " Not officially? Intel cards are not quite up to par and they can?t officially support intel at this time.
12 years ago
Not officially? Intel cards are not quite up to par and they can?t officially support intel at this time.
shorey
12 years ago
Hi Andrew

I want sign in here how to do sign in???/ I want download this pack!
12 years ago
Just purchange one Pack which one you want then you will be sign in automatically i guess. Then you will have an VC account
pratheksrk
12 years ago
hey Andrew can we bring in some smoke from chimney's in the city to make it more realistic
12 years ago
Then you have to probably make a video of the E3D then Do mask of chimneys then composite i guess. (As AE procedure)
12 years ago
Then composite it with 2d footage or You can use Trapcode plugin its 3d ( you knwo upcourse ) with E3D comp .
James
12 years ago
First test render using only 5 Buildings..(You could get pretty close to some of them if it weren't for those goofy looking pigeons!)
http://vimeo.com/58420158
Ken Baker Jr.
12 years ago
That looks awesome James!! I'm buying it today! That's the one thing I've been looking for in all the examples, HOW CLOSE CAN YOU GET TO THE BUILDINGS. Thanks for sharing.
Curtis Dart
12 years ago
Humm Now after watching Andrews tut/ I'm worried that if I buy the product,It might not work with my graphics card. and then Id be stuck with something I cant use. any thoughts Andrew? I will say Element with 1 or 2 models works on my machine.
Curtis Dart
12 years ago
Ok I did do this one with 12 models. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g05S3DagUSk
Bob K
12 years ago
I am on the DOWNLOADS page after having logged into my account.
All the products I have purchased are there, including "Metropolitan".
But I see no link to the templates.
Bob K
12 years ago
Got it .... my bad ....
Brizuella A.
12 years ago
Just wondering, I've noticed that your recent products aren't available for delivery on DVD. Is their any possible way that they could be available?? I know it's a lot to ask for but, you're looking at a larger audience the more different formats you have available...
bijo
12 years ago
how to create videocopilot account ...??
12 years ago
Accounts are created when customers purchase from our online store.
Jovica
12 years ago
O.o :O
Alain
12 years ago
Again, thanks for the good work Andrew (and your team) ! No need to apologize for the delay, but don't do it again or I'll send Sam Loya after you !
James
12 years ago
These look awesome...I'm re-creating "matrix" at 1080p, basically just copying all your settings into a bigger comp. Element doesn't upscale its resolution when using the scale comp script...
12 years ago
Just resize all of the element layers to the comp size of 1080p... should work fine.
James
12 years ago
Worked like a charm...Thanks!
Mark
11 years ago
Resizing nor scaling worked for me. I tried Fit to Comp and the resizing script. I'm not sure why.
MUHAIMIN
12 years ago
andrew which after effect is better to use i mean cs4 or cs5?
Venkatesh
12 years ago
Great Work Andrew. Some guys copy it.

-Venkatx5
Icemak
12 years ago
Awesome.. Thanks Andrew... this really helps! (Was going to beg for a few more tutorials, but this does the trick too).
Jason
12 years ago
Thank you for the quick replies, but there is no separate download link on the download page for '10 free city AE templates'. Do I need to re-download the entire install again? Should there be a separate link and it's just not showing up?
12 years ago
Hi Jason,
The bottom item when you are in the download section for the product Metropolitan is labeled "City Templates for After Effects", that's the one you want.
12 years ago
Ah, thought I looked in downloads, missed it, thanks!
Jason
12 years ago
I'm logged and and on https://www.videocopilot.net/products/3d/metropolitan/. Where on that page is the link?
Jason
12 years ago
What's the direct link to the "10 Free city After Effects templates" AE file? If I bought the pack last week, do I already have it somewhere?
12 years ago
Just log-in to account at the top and go to metropolitan.
Elfedelazik
12 years ago
Still can't believe how GREAT is this pack, element update and now the templates !!
Fantastic !!
Thank you
Moha
12 years ago
Andrew That's Awesome ! *_* .. But I don't have money for buy it :/ HELP pleaz !!
Jovica
12 years ago
So sad like me!
12 years ago
Aww so sad . But hope later you guys can purchage the best model pack for E3D
oli
12 years ago
i was really excited that we may get at least one city model to put into element for us to mess around with
oli
12 years ago
i dont get it... is this a free download to give us some ideas of metropolitan pack or what?
12 years ago
These are templates created with our new Metropolitan pack to give people ideas of what is possible with the product. https://www.videocopilot.net/products/3d/metropolitan/
mehdi
12 years ago
hi ,this element 3d works with macbook pro intel graphics card?
12 years ago
Not officially... Intel cards are not quite up to par and we can't officially support them at this time.
12 years ago
hey! Element 3d here http://drbl.in/gAQA, thanks Andrew!
12 years ago
thanks for posting this, not yet downloaded the set, though I do have a New York set replacement matte coming up so will be using it, thanks
12 years ago
Ah man, so close to the first post!

Where are the templates? Are they part of the zip download?

8 minutes left till I can play with cities!
12 years ago
love how people compete for top comment
Aidan
12 years ago
Hehe I got top comment on the Metropolitan release post. I don't know why it's so satisfying, I guess I just like being a part of history XD
12 years ago
Totally Agree Cause its our fav site. They are lcky who commented so fast post :p
Martin Hatfield
12 years ago
Ummm, what about us poor schmucks who are still using CS4?
Terry
12 years ago
Well, Update.
12 years ago
Well CS4 came out in 2008, so it is a tough thing... we are trying to figure out what the cut-off should be. I will see if one of my guys can try to convert the project for CS4 but might be a few days. We'll do our best!
Martin Hatfield
12 years ago
I would update if I could, but a full update of my Adobe software is NOT in my personal budget. Buying Metropolitan is. I would just like to have the templates to work in CS4 just like Element does.
Andrew
12 years ago
Subscribe to the creative cloud. No excuse for it not being in your budget. For less than the cost of a cell phone plan, you can have all the latest adobe products. Trust me, the global disk cache feature alone is worth upgrading to.
Tyler
12 years ago
I agree with Andrew. I'm a poor college student and I can afford the $30 a month for the subscription. If you CAN afford Metropolitan maybe you should wait and get cs6 first. All about Priorities my friend.
12 years ago
Exactly what everybody else is saying, the Creative Cloud IS an affordable solution. You can get thousands of dollars of software that can make you however much money that you care to make based on your effort for $600 a year ($50 a month). It's a steal at that price.

Andrew, thank you for Element and everything you've included with it. I own it all and it's amazing. Also, thank you for your support team for helping me even when I'm a complete moron.
12 years ago
well..not bad idea
Martin Hatfield
12 years ago
Any updates on the CS4 version of these templates Andrew? I already have Element in my computer and it works great in CS4, does that mean the model set and the templates should work with it as well?
12 years ago
Awesome Andrew!
12 years ago
Incredible work !
ayibo
12 years ago
soo cool for vfx thx man!!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08jXl4xmv1I
tural memmedzadeh
12 years ago
hi andrew please check out this awesome video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08jXl4xmv1I
12 years ago
this is incredible uncommercial with element 3d 1.5 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-0HFz2tiHU
ray rodriguez
12 years ago
When are the cs4 templates coming and can i use metropolitan city with CS4?