Help with lifeless text

[Pickthorne]

So I have this web promo in which the client is keen on motion-tracked text (which I find to be a bit hack at this point...ah well it was pitched nearly 2 years ago when that was hot), and I am struggling with how bland it looks.

I've tried different blend modes to sell the inclusion of the text in the scene, but this seems to affect legibility unless one fullscreens, and we all know the dismal rate for that.

I've tried light sweeps and edge glows, and it looks overdone.

I'm no power user of AE as you can see, but I get by with the basic stuff. I feel like a bit of a moocher asking for inspiration for free, but I hope to pay it forward in whatever way I can to this community in the future. Also I am at wit's end.

Cheers,
Craig

 

[James Carpenter]

Understand this thread is a little old, but having watched the YouTube link my first thought was to change up the font to a simpler uppercase font. Think Georgia/Helvetia and drop the width down a bit. Also, try getting the text to appear as if it is standing up separate of the action. Not sure i have described what I'm thinking here very well.

if this is too late, interested to see how the final cut came out.

good luck

 

[arco1]

I would try to integrate the text more into the scene. I would get rid of the wipes and, as suggested, have the text appear as if it is 3 dimensional lettering within the scene. Andrew Kramer's VideoCopilot website has tutorials on this technique, used effectively in several television shows. Another suggestion would be to have the lettering look as though it was weathered and painted onto the surfaces in each scene. You can probably use overlay mode as a start.


Jim
Colorburst Video


Ooops, just noticed the original post was from 2012.

 

[Noel Evans]

Agree with above comment - use of 3D text. Also look at light in the shot and match in AE.

 

[Pickthorne]

Thanks for your input everyone. Alas in the end time and inspiration ran out and the final text ended up much like the sample originally posted.

Agreed on the 3D extruding text, one of the main reasons I got AE CS6.

I found different blend modes affected legibility, especially on smaller mobile and tablet screens, which the client's youtube account showed to be like 50% of viewers.

if this is too late, interested to see how the final cut came out.

Sure here it is:

Cheers,
Craig