Gkaster just posted a very inspirational spot using Cinema 4D, After Effects and our own Optical Flares Plug-in. Great work with close attention to the little details... who knows, maybe we can convince him to give us a little breakdown of some of the creative work.

What's up! Anyone notice how sad particles look when they are played against slow piano music? Well here is a test I did using CC Particle World linked to a 3D NULL! I used several copies featuring different settings to serve as the smoke particles and the light debris. I think CC Particle World has great potential to create amazing particles but it may take a little more work when compared to Particular.

Another cool tip: Once I completed the particle animation, I put the comp in a new comp and slowed it down 200% so the particle movement is slower and also more depressing in a happy good way!

Now close your eyes... and imagine what it would like with some Optical Flares!

Download Project File (CS3)

Watch Sample Video

One visual technique that I find so fascinating is Camera Projection. It allows you to project imagery on 3D surfaces and then fly a camera around in 3D. It has it's limits but the capabilities are amazing.

Here is one example of using images with basic geometry.

Watch Playground Titles

Cool Examples and 3D max Tutorial

AE Camera Mapping on Video Copilot

Nick Campbell on Cinema 4D

Random You tube Video in Blender

Marcus in 3D max on Youtube

Written tutorial by Janine Pauke

Digi Effect Camera Mapper Tutorial in AE

Maya Tutorial too

Do you know of any cool examples? Post them below!

In this tutorial we'll use Particular and a single smoke picture to create pretty realistic smoke trails in After Effects. As a bonus I will also be using Optical Flares to add the bright lights.

Watch Tutorial

Check out our New Plug-in: Optical Flares!

One year before I was born HBO made a very ambitious intro that was said to be the most expensive and innovative concepts at the time (for the medium).

I love the idea of incorporating techniques from the real world inside of After Effects for even more unique results. In fact the whole idea of mattes for compositing come from the early days of film-making...

Watch the final intro above then be sure to check out the making of video below, especially the part towards around 5:30 that talks about the burst of light...

Watch the Behind the Scenes

I've also created a project file using that similar technique that mixes 2 images into a subtle animation.Download the Project