So I've been working on this exciting new project that I'll be talking about more later but I wanted to share some work I did on this recently. The idea for the menu was to make the table come under a dark spell once a button is pushed. This included adding wind and blowing the pages of the book open.

There were some interesting challenges and I can't wait to show you all our behind the scenes work. Until then, check out this sample video and see if you can spot any Easter eggs...

Sample Video

Alright, so decided to record this quick tutorial on using multiple strokes to build high-impact graphics in After Effects. This relatively simple trick is a great way to make your titles pop and stand out. All of the strokes are dynamic so if you change the font or text, the graphics will update automatically. We also use the Vegas effect to add dotted lines and even Vegas lights. This is a lot of versatility in this technique so get creative!

Watch Tutorial

PS: Some might be wondering why I made this a tutorial and the Tron Title was just a short overview... well the answer is simple. Most of the techniques in the Tron project are specific to creating that one look, where as this technique is more generic and can be used in a variety of ways to create many unique graphics.

Holy Monday batman! I decided to release the Tron-Pilot Project file created in After Effects with a short video walk-through. I talk about creating the 3D text and building a few expressions. It doesn't demonstrate every little detail but it should be enough to help you through the project file. For the background blur, try using a photo of a city with the After Effects lens blur.

Watch Tutorial Overview

Watch Sample Video
Download Project CS4

I'm brewing up a new motion graphics tutorial that features a super-zoom from the inside of this galaxy ball left over from the movie Men in Black or somewhere. It's got some interesting tips for creating energy unlike anything we have done before, plus all effects done inside of After Effects. Stay tuned!

Sample Video

Wow, I just found this great article at FX Guide on the state of 2D-S3D conversions. The articles points out some interesting facts about the necessity of this process, even for movies shot in stereo because certain shots can't be done physically. It also points out how the tech has improved and the different tools and methods.

One thing is clear, there is no magic software for converting and rotoscoping is essential.

Check it out