In this in-depth tutorial we will build several particle systems linked to a single control layer for precision animation with the standard Particle World system. We will also use the Pixel Polly filter to give our title a shattering blast.
I've also linked CC Particle World to a 3D Null object using this code:
Now when you need to find this expression, just search the blog for it!
A lot of things are happening this week and you don't want to miss any of them. Obviously this is a huge teaser but I can tell you that we will finally be releasing our free compositing tool QuickMatte. This plug-in is for After Effects and should work with AE 7 and above. The functions may be a little complicated to explain so I want to include a tutorial to show you all of the handy features. This and more!
Getting a few things together for the meeting tonight at DMA LA. The plan is to talk about working with 3D renders in AE. Hope you guys can come out!
UPDATE: Had a blast at the meeting, I'll be posting some info about the presentation soon!
In the old days, artists would paint on a life-sized canvas or even a sheet of glass to incorporate new elements in a shot. Many special effects were not done in post production, but rather in-camera. Today digital matte painting and compositing allow a more detailed and controlled environment for developing unique worlds. Wiki-Pedia on Matte Painting.
Matte Paintings are an essential part of film-making and allow the audience to travel to a mysterious planet, or go back in time to an early period of human life. You often see matte paintings in disaster movies where clever artists have brought destruction to a popular city or other famous landmark.
Once a digital painting has been completed, compositors can add life to these still paintings such as chimney smoke, moving water, atmospheres and even birds flying in the sky. More advanced mixtures of matte paintings utilize 3d animation such as cars driving or even space ships from the future!
Check out this incredible reel by Hatch! Must Watch. This one too!
Camera movement is also possible with a process called 3d camera mapping. By projecting your scene on to custom-built 3D geometry, you can later add a realistic camera move. View Example.
The world of matte painting is vast and I encourage you to do some research on your own into this amazing side of Hollywood. You may not personally be a matte painting artist but if you understand the process, it just might help you become a better compositor. Maybe.
Resources:
MattePainting.org
Google Search
After Effects lights can be moved around in 3D space but a lens flare effect can only move in 2D space on the X and Y axis. So how can you add a 2d lens flare to a 3D moving light?
The secret is using a simple expression on the "Flare Center" of the lens effect.
1. Alt Click on Flare Center stop watch to add expression
2. Type this in the expression box:
thisComp.layer("Light 1").toComp([0,0,0]);
NOTE: Just change "Light 1" to the name of your light.
This tip can be found in the bump map tutorial around 6:15 for those who would like to see it in action. View Tutorial
Dan Ebberts has an ever useful "3D Lens Flare" case study on his website that includes distance falloff. Check that out.
Here is an anamorphic lens flare project too.
ALL DESIGN TOOLS
