Help, AE project using LUX, trapcode software.

[stoker_x1]

My first post on this forum is a request for help. I have found great posts that cover many subjects and have learned new tricks thanks to your efforts.

However, after reading 50 plus pages related to AE here, I still can't find an answer to my problem.

Trapcode has developed some nice plugins. LUX is my problem. I have read the developers tutorials and find that they are to general by nature. They make simple assumptions. I am a new user of AE and feel good about my level of use, but I think I need basic steps spelled out when learning to use a new plugin like LUX. No attention was given to the order of layer develpment. In fact, their own PDF seems to build layers in the wrong order. It caused bugs for me. Please take a look at the video at the URL below.

http://www.trapcode.com/movies/lux.mov

When setting up this mov, I find that the placemnet order is important as the separate layers affect each other in unexpected ways. The developer does not explain this concern and all the net reviews fail in this too. In this simple video, the maker spins the platform around a little more than 90degrees. I use AE70 and when I try to do this, I can't lock the layers so that they move together as in a parent. None of the tutorials I have read explain this relationship in LUX.

Could someone point me to a good tutorial for LUX or explain how to develop layers for this movie that will work together? Taking this one step further, once you have succeeded in creating this movie in layers, how will more special affects work in this project?

I could hard code these affects, but then why would I need to buy LUX?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[kai]

Lux simply is applied to an adjustment layer (topmost layer). Then, it affects whatever 3d lights you have in your scene (layers below). You create the lights and camera just as you normally would in a comp. All lux does is make the lights themselves visible (vs just where they shoot).

[stoker_x1]

I have read that in two different tutorials. I'm sure that makes sence to you, but what I can't grasp is the connection between the affect and rotation of the scene. If lux only affects layer below, then I must assume that adding additional affects above lux will not be affected. But how do I lock all eliments of scene for rotation? I have tried and failed as it seems buggy.

Is there a tutorial, step by step, I could follow?
Thanks again....

[Matt Grunau]

I have read that in two different tutorials. I'm sure that makes sence to you, but what I can't grasp is the connection between the affect and rotation of the scene. If lux only affects layer below, then I must assume that adding additional affects above lux will not be affected. But how do I lock all eliments of scene for rotation? I have tried and failed as it seems buggy.

Is there a tutorial, step by step, I could follow?
Thanks again....


You don't really need a step by step tutorial, kai pretty much made it as basic as it gets. The rotation of the scene would be more dependent on the use of a 3D camera, or/and by nesting/precomposing your work and treating that as a 3D layer. Lux only gives visual info on lights, and is independent of AE's 3D system. Think of it more as an effect for lights, and NOT as much as a scene element. And since it is used as an adjustment layer, there really would be no harm in having it remain at the top of your layers in the lights comp, and anything you wish to add, simply put under it.

If you want to rotate the entire composition, think of treating it like an individual 3D layer, and you will be on your way. Do this either by nesting, or by precomposing.

[stoker_x1]

I would like to think you for being helpful. I will start from scratch later today and see how your suggestions work. What you have said makes sense.

May the force be with me.

[kai]

Well put Rapier...