Pixel Screen Experiment!
September 16th, 2014

Here is a fun experiment I created to simulate cool LCD Pixel effects using built-in plug-ins only! It uses the Camera Lens Blur effect along with a depth map to create realistic DOF.

Watch Breakdown on Youtube

Download Project File (CS6)

Sound FX Created with MotionPulse!

Andrew Kramer
POSTED:
5 years ago
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PLUG-INS
98 Comments

3 years ago
thank you very much
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OX
3 years ago
Hey i tried downloading it but it keeps saying ''Failed download'' is there a way to re-upload it?
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3 years ago
Thank You very much!!!!!!!!!!!! =)))))))))))
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Red
3 years ago
It is look great!
But, I can't download Ae Project file (;--;)
It's just start downloading and nothing happens :(
I'm begginer witch AE and I'm curious how it works, could anyones give me AE CS6 Project file or video tutorial link? :)
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    Red
    3 years ago
    Edit: After 5 days it work again, I have just opened the project file. Thx, regaards :)
3 years ago
Thank you! I've never thought about using CC Ball action for this purpose. Thank you. =)
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3 years ago
i likeyou work Andrew Kramer thanks for the great skills am NsubugaFrank from UGANDA new Editor
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Ian
4 years ago
Can I use this Pixel Screen experiment as an intro/outro for my youtube channel?
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5 years ago
When I applied CC Ball Action onto an adjustment layer and put it above the pre-comp that holds everything(text, bg etc.) and turn this layer into 3D I saw DOF is working as usual with CC Ball Action as well. So do not need to use Camera Lens Blur FX. Hope someones finds this useful.
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5 years ago
Can anyone help me figure out what I'm missing in looking at how this awesome project works?

There's a solid layer as the last layer in each the precomps that seems to be just a colored solid -- but turning it off blurs everything.

For instance, in the Video Copilot precomp (VC) turning off layer 10 blurs everything. Subsequently turning off the adjustment layer (which has a fast blur on it) brings everything back.

I'm just trying to figure out the voodoo that's connecting the adjustment layer to layer 10 -- what's that dark blue solid layer adding that sharpens everything up again?

Eternal gratitude to anyone who can clear it up for me. I'm enchanted with this project. Thanks!
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James
5 years ago
Hello Mr. Andrew. May I know what your favorite tutorial was out of everything you've made? :)
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Tim Coles
5 years ago
I also have CS5, and was wandering as I build a similar effect based off of this example what is in the CC layer that I see on the project video? Cannot explore this project as it seems many cannot due to it being in CS6. I plan to upgrade first of the year, but was wandering if I could get an answer to the CC layer from someone .. Thanks in advance..
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Isaiah Feldt
5 years ago
Simple yet stunningly beautiful. Maybe release a quick tutorial? I went through the project file and figured most things out but there are still some things I can't wrap my head around. Please consider doing a tutorial! :)
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Utkarsh sharma
5 years ago
Hi,andrew
I have used another method to get the pixel screen.
I have used grid to get that pixelated screen i have just lower down the size bix really small and the set border to thin and the alpha matte with per comp of screen
And another thing i dose is i have added an additional layer of grey pixel to the composition and blend it something like add and then what i saw is it look more realistic as in real the pixel showing black color are look grey in camera and you could just try that may be my boring Advice would work great



By the way i just saw your keynote as an kid it has inspired me alot and the results you can see.
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Steve
5 years ago
Just wondering, are we now abandoning anything below CS6?
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    5 years ago
    We still support CS5 with our products but I typically work in CS6 so that I can share projects.
    5 years ago
    I sit on the fence with Andrews reply. I also have CS5 and would like to see the project file. Not to copy of course but just to inspect as this was a pretty brief tutorial. Then again nothing worse than clicking someone's video and they have blatantly changed the text on one of Andrews files and claimed it was their creation. Then again MAYBE its just time for his work flow. alas we cant all afford CS6. Then again I've played with it a year ago and seriously preferred CS5
5 years ago
Hello! I could have sworn I've visited this site before but after browsing through some of
the articles I realized it's new to me. Anyways, I'm definitely
delighted I came across it and I'll be bookmarking it and checking
back regularly!
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TheDwightFry
5 years ago
Great Work!
But I would be very grateful if someone would post the file for CS5. I have problems with the optic of the pixel effect. Or is the CC BALL Action effect is working slightly different in CS6?
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Nils
5 years ago
Oh noo.. don't tell me you also did the intro of the movie "Who am I?" :D
Kramer. Kramer everywhere!
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5 years ago
Hey i love all of your Work, i am a novice to after effect, so a stupid question is it posible to make it transparient ?
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bobo
5 years ago
holly cc balls! holly cc balls! holly cc balls!
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Andrew Z
5 years ago
Thanks again,by the way,any chinese here??
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5 years ago
Another brilliant idea for a project Andrew and thanks for all of your work, but for thous of use the only have a pre-AE6cc, very hard to follow or recreate. Could you please, please include project files for us tech poor souls.
All the Best.DarMok.
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ali
5 years ago
Great, thanks
Always the best
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Dabin
5 years ago
Kool
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Van
5 years ago
This is focking awesome!!! My Guru Andrew ;)
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5 years ago
Thank you! Now I can make some money with this project at videohive. lol
http://videohive.net/item/pixel-logo-display-/8949805
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thunderossa
5 years ago
Awesome. Thanks Andrew! Hey wait a second. You used Levels on one of the layers. Did you say some guy you knew met a horrific end because he chose Levels over Curves? lol
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Justin
5 years ago
Hey Andrew, please make a tutorial on how to composite multiple background sky images together when making a Jetstrike video. I'm trying to make a video where the camera orbits 360 degrees around the aircraft, but at about 90 degrees the sky image ends! PLEASE HELP
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Dev
5 years ago
Very nice.. always enjoyed your tutorials... :)
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rigi
5 years ago
Awesome! !
Is there a tutorial for this..?
Say yes
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Huy
5 years ago
I'm trying to re-create this on my After Effect CS4
Really fun thought :D
Thanks a lot for the idea Andrew :*
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Heather
5 years ago
That's a Chinese girl! Very Cute!
Just wanna say Thank You Mr.Kramer! I'm your fans, And in China, there's are lot of people watch your videos for learn VFX. And when we talk about you, people will say Wow! That's AK!! I know this gay!!!
I will absolutely support your website.
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Emilio
5 years ago
Please can you make Tutorial? or convert project in 1920x1080?
thanks!!!
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XQC’s
5 years ago
!Awesome Project!
But a Cs 5.5 file would be nice...pls add one Andrew, for the poor guys like me ;)
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    5 years ago
    I agree, at least go back to CS4. I'm currently running 5. although I guess with a bit of effort, once you watched this video, it shouldnt be too hard to work out how it was done. Whats the fun in not working it out ourselves :0)
Kyra
5 years ago
Awesome work Mr. Kramer !

If we are talking about such pixel things, can anybody help me how can I do an effect which is at the bottom of the picture?

http://38.media.tumblr.com/017ce8a8f8d714e315855ec81dd9570e/tumblr_n4n7awVals1rpowflo1_400.jpg

I know the glitch effect which is on the face, now I am interested in the effect on the shirt!
Does anyone know how to do it in After Effects?
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    5 years ago
    even if a bit late :) precomp the layer, effects/stylize/CC repetile - set tiling on slide, expand down.
    you can also do it with keylight, but you're gonna have to look that up for yourself if you fancy trying :)
5 years ago
My tutors say now nuke is mostly used software in vfx industry but your tutorials are surprising me and confusing me.. In which composting software will i hv to b master according to industry demands?????
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Kai
5 years ago
Quick tip, Andrew:
Instead of a precomped Ramp Effect. Use a Solid with gradient fill (no need to pre-comp). It updates in realtime while you edit the gradient and you have more control over the falloff. Also works with compound blur. It's a lifesaver when trying to composite into a scene with DOF.
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    Denzil
    5 years ago
    Hey, does the project file that you downloaded have working sound on it or is it silent as well?
Wesley Bower
5 years ago
Awesome project and idea once again! I'm downloading the project now. One thing, you could just precompose all of the text with the "ball" effect on it and then make that precomp a 3d layer. Then DOF would work. Make it a 4K comp so you can zoom in close without losing detail.
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Denzil
5 years ago
Hello, can someone tell me how to get audio on this? I don't hear any sound?
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    5 years ago
    the player has a volume button on it. maybe last time you wathced a video on youtube.....you turned it off.
    Denzil
    5 years ago
    Sorry for not being specific. Not youtube, I mean the project file. When I render it there's no audio at all.
    5 years ago
    No audio ;( A quick way to check is to open the main comp and in the timeline, look under the audio speaker and see if anything is checked. If not, likely no audio, if it is checked and you still don't have audio, open up the waveform on said checked audio to see if there is anything there. Like I said though, no sound in this project. He built the audio with motion pulse which I would recommend! Had never done sound design in my life, but motion pulse made me sound pro!
    Denzil
    5 years ago
    Thanks for the confirmation. I've bought the motionpulse pack, no idea how to get the sounds he has on the project at the right points in time though. After Effects beginner here.
5 years ago
I also Used This Effect and now its on FB at https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1499043193669971

It's Really An Awesome Effect bro....

Can u plese Name The Files of Motion Pulse which u used...Becoz I have Motion Pulse but i am not able to Find That Sound....
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moody
5 years ago
Hi Andrew, very inspirational work. I'd like to find out from you, do you experiment with effects randomly (cc ball action) to create new concepts or are these effects programmed by adobe to be natively used in such concepts. It fascinates me how you are able to use an effect to create a totally new idea all together. Also, would it be possible to for example create this same concept with another effect altogether. Your reply will be very appreciated. Cheers.
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5 years ago
Fabulous as always. I'm curious to know what inspired this project in the first place? What ya' got going on that we should be excited about?

Christian Michael
(Latest Demo reel here https://vimeo.com/104794820)
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mokhtar
5 years ago
you are always unanticipated
coooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooool
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Ivan
5 years ago
Andrew when you stop to do better and Kate, although from stop
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Liam
5 years ago
Thanks for sharing these project files.

Its super helpful to be able to nose through and reverse engineer your workflow and learn from it. Thanks man. Pure gold.

Question: In the main comps your DOF Mask layers are set to Multiply and have an Inverse & Curves effects added and turned on.

As far as I can tell these don't effect the overall end result as the layer is just a map and turned off (I messed with all the settings in the layer and changed its Transfer mode but saw no change) I'm interested to know if its doing something I cant work out or just ignore it and these aren't the droids I'm looking for.

Cheers dude, I'm a geek for details. Keep up the good work Sir :)
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vipin
5 years ago
as i always say you are the real effect of After Effect.... a real aftereffect superhero
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kawa-vfx
5 years ago
You Are My Teacher U I learn everything about graphic with you
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kawa-vfx
5 years ago
Thank You very much Mr Andrew
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Hafiz Mohtar
5 years ago
My new Music Video with Element 3D + Metropolitan :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dbGvcRaeSw
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    Chris
    5 years ago
    WoW nice work
    JFMasse
    5 years ago
    Wow this is nice! 120 hours of work ?
    Liam
    5 years ago
    Dude thats a great video. How long did it take you to do?

    Well done mate good work :)
Lance
5 years ago
Yes!! Thank you, Andrew! Really been wanting this as silly as it may seem. Truly appreciate you and your team.

Customer service is best I've ever had!
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5 years ago
It's things like these that let us know that you really are focused on delivering the highest quality content to your customers and audience. Other sites could have easily charged $50 for a project file of this quality, but you give it away for free. I will always be a videocopilot customer for this reason.
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5 years ago
Stunning
Mind blowing
Thank you
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5 years ago
A cool way to make the DOF procedural is to "link" the ramp points to the camera with the toComp expression, by adding 2 nulls in the master comp and then linking each ramp point to its corresponding null. Then set up the nulls on the same plane and there you go
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    JP
    5 years ago
    Really good idea. Thanks!
ShahabG
5 years ago
I am really waiting for something big to come on VC like the helicopter pack ak mentioned when they released jet strike pack.
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5 years ago
Hello videocopilt i have one request please Try to Give animals model pack with fully rigged.i will spend so much Time to rigging.
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    tamil valuver
    5 years ago
    bosss unggeh engelish surpber!!!!!!
5 years ago
Hi AK sir Great job.using depth field create great look thanks for project File.
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samuelord
5 years ago
Actually i'm waiting for the new Tutorials ,but this looks like a tiny one ,so anyway thank you so much AK
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TopsiidEr
5 years ago
Nice tuts AK, ur always the best
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Peter
5 years ago
A little while back we did a video for our video 2 class and the commercial had a outro that looked similar to this but used more of the grid tutorial techniques and it was indeed called dead battery. i thought the similarities were funny
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5 years ago
After seeing the 3D Ball Dispersion tutorial a while back I made something like this myself, but it's so cool to see it done right haha. Do you ever plan to do some sort of video about the creative process, of how you think to mix certain effects together?
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Mario
5 years ago
Exploding phones are a dangerous tragedy :(

Great tutorial though :D You are awesome
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Kevin
5 years ago
Hey Andrew,

What screen capture software do you use?
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Fabian
5 years ago
Again, thanks a lot!
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oli
5 years ago
is there is a CS5 project file? :(
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5 years ago
I wish I knew about this before making this
www.youtube.com/watch?v=De3ybvIf3Ho
I tried..
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    5 years ago
    Lol that's pretty much me when I'm talking to someone
    Also it reminded me of Knife Party - Internet Friend's music video :D
    Matin
    5 years ago
    Damn I meant to reply that to Al Delcy (the comment below me) before I refreshed the page it looked like he replied to my comment. This is embarassing I wish there was a delete comment button
    5 years ago
    Haha! I read your comment ;) Those are some really nice effects dude.
MichaelP
5 years ago
Camera lens blur is to complex "filter effect" i think. For this simple DoF, the easiest way is just to use your ramp layer and motion blur on adjustment layer. Much simpler, but still looking good :) .
Hope you read the comments on your webpage,
see ya.
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5 years ago
Amazing work. Great job as always.

Not exactly the same thing, but I kinda did something similar 2 years back.
http://crazydelcytv.com/downloads/d/index.php?u=9

Even used by a filmmaker here:
http://crazydelcytv.com/downloads/d/index.php?u=9

This is more at the macro level, Awesome.
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    5 years ago
    *Even used by a filmmaker here: (wrong link above)
    http://vimeo.com/52062466
    Shawn Booth
    5 years ago
    Al Delcy - Big thanks for the freebies on your site! Great stuff!!
5 years ago
Very nice! Achieving effects without 3rd parties always deserves more respect.
Great use of the ramp as a depth also!

I recently had to make paper without any plugins. Feel free to take a look and download the CC .aep
https://www.facebook.com/groups/22713306769/10152217172111770/
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Josh Bailey
5 years ago
Can't believe this just popped up on my feed while I was taking a break from a VFX sequence I was stuck on. I think this is exactly what I need for my film! Thank you Mr. Kramer!
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5 years ago
You don't hand out fishes but you teach us how to fish so we can catch our own! Everything's so much apreciated!
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costas
5 years ago
Thanks for this. Nice tip about the depth of field.
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5 years ago
Awesome use of CC Ball Action. Great job!
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roger
5 years ago
thanks andrew kramer....when are going to start back posting on the blog an the tuts i know your are busy but just asking :) #Guyana
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Michiel
5 years ago
Thanks Mr. Kramer! Really appreciate it!
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Bilal
5 years ago
After submitting this comment three times i hope i am the first one :P
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5 years ago
Mind blowing simplicity !!!
This software keep surprising me every single day.
Bravo ;-)
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