:: Let's Really Help Each Other ::

kai

kai

After FX Guru
Alrighty boys. Time to lift our skirts and show how we really do things. This can be a great opportunity to help each other learn new techniques and styles.

Here's the scoop: We post actual AE Project files and source files for tricks and techniques you feel might help the users here. I'll start.

This is a quick logo bumper I did for a project I'm working on. It's not really anything big, but hey, if it helps you guys learn something then hey, can't hurt right? :)

FINAL RENDER:
http://www.kylestauffer.com/dvx/ae/final.mov

SOURCE FILES:
http://www.kylestauffer.com/dvx/ae/logo.sitx (49MB)
 
Re: :: Let's Really Help Each Other ::

Hey this is great Kai,
I will try to post some simple things over the next few weeks...
 
Re: :: Let's Really Help Each Other ::

Thats a good idea. I'll try to post some stuff tonight when I get home from work.
 
Re: :: Let's Really Help Each Other ::

http://www.lukegibbs.com/videos/aftereffects/bg_texture.aep

This is the background texture stuff from this video.

http://www.boonexplosion.com/videos/8skills.htm

It requires the trapcode plugins shine, particular and 3Dstroke. The whole source file was a bit big to put online but this seems to be the stuff most people are interested. The other stuff in the video is just text and silhouettes drawn in illustrator. Then inserted in 3dspace so when the camera pulls back it reveals them.
 
Re: :: Let's Really Help Each Other ::

Thanks for that Kai, I remember a lecturer showed me how to use caustics a while ago but I had totally forgotten about it. I made this file trying to remember how to use it.

http://www.lukegibbs.com/videos/aftereffects/text.aep

It shows simply how to use the wave.mov file with a layer of text that has the caustics effect applied.

This is just the after effects file. So you will need to download Kai's files because it uses the file wave.mov, when you open the file up it will tell you that 1 file is missing. In the project window you will need to right click on wave.mov and select replace footage>wave.mov from Kai's logo folder.
 
Re: :: Let's Really Help Each Other ::

great idea Kai... Im not a AE guy but this is gonna help alot of people :)
 
Re: :: Let's Really Help Each Other ::

Yeah awesome Idea guys....Thanks soo much...I am always looking for tutorials to do and new things to learn and soak up in my lilttle head! You guys rock!!!

Johnny5
 
Re: :: Let's Really Help Each Other ::

Alright, I'll give this a whirl. First, my samples, then my question:

http://silverfishmedia.com/AAAB_x.swf (9MB)
http://silverfishmedia.com/teaser1_3.mov (5.8MB)

sorry about the sizes, but figured the details were important rather than small file sizes. The first is ridiculously extensive with an insane amount of content required. The second is easier and only 10 seconds. I would happy to take the time to upload the source files if anyone is interested and patient enough to download these files....

My Question...I've done it before, but how do you apply the lense flare wihtout the limitations of a given file's Alpha Channel. Real world Ex:

Applying a flare to a small logo that will eventually be brought into Final Cut with additional footage composited. If you try to apply the effect to say, a text graphic from photoshop, you can only see the effect within the text itself, while the rest of the alpha channel 'masks' the effect or simular. How would I apply this flare to a graphic and have the the flare appear accross the whole stage?? Keep in mind that this would be imported into Final Cut and placed on top of existing footage, so adding a new 'fill' layer wouldn't work because it would block layers underneath (god help me if I tried to Key out the black!)

-silverfish

PS, great Idea, we need more AE users!
 
Re: :: Let's Really Help Each Other ::

sliver,

Yes please upload would love to see how you did it. I'm learning so this app. Seem's like you can do alot..

rob
 
Re: :: Let's Really Help Each Other ::

[quote author=silverfish link=board=AE;num=1092404892;start=0#9 date=08/18/04 at 17:38:28]My Question...I've done it before, but how do you apply the lense flare wihtout the limitations of a given file's Alpha Channel.  Real world Ex:

Applying a flare to a small logo that will eventually be brought into Final Cut with additional footage composited.  If you try to apply the effect to say, a text graphic from photoshop, you can only see the effect within the text itself, while the rest of the alpha channel 'masks' the effect or simular.  How would I apply this flare to a graphic and have the the flare appear accross the whole stage??  Keep in mind that this would be imported into Final Cut and placed on top of existing footage, so adding a new 'fill' layer wouldn't work because it would block layers underneath (god help me if I tried to Key out the black!)

-silverfish[/quote]

Silverfish,
You could give playing with tranfser modes a try. EX: Create a new solid on top of your text layer (make it black and full size of the comp). Then apply your lens flare to that layer. Then, set the transfer mode to multiply or screen. Experiment with those. That will knock out all the black and leave just the flare on top. Hope that helps.
 
Re: :: Let's Really Help Each Other ::

Interesting stratedgy Kai, thanks for the post. I'll have to give it a shot. I've seen this technique used as transitions--especially when your editing a testimony where there's only 1 camera view, no cut-aways and they stutter really bad. Throw on this flare and you have a believable transition.

As for posting my project, it may take a little time to organize all that data for posting. Kai, any suggestions on outlines/tutorial structures/guidelines? I have created tutorials for Flash before on flashkit.com, but wonder if there's anything you'd like to see/not to see

-silverfish
 
Re: :: Let's Really Help Each Other ::

I think the simpler the better. Perhaps the a zipped folder available for download, that includes

1) the AE Source File

2) any assets needed

3) a word or text document outlining and explaining specific techniques or steps used in the AE file, as well as any plug-ins someone would need to have installed in order to reconstruct the project on their system with the files you've provided. Also, if you have the time, maybe discuss the context this particular shot/effect was used in a project. This will open the floor for design discussions, which is a very neglected area within most AE discussions. It's actually one of the most important issues affecting how a project comes out in the end. Most of the time we're all worried about which button to push to make it do this... but layout, color theory, typography, timing, etc are all key in how high quality a project is percieved as to the end viewer.

No hard rules really at this point, just an open forum for everyone to share and learn. Thanks for the post it's great stuff!
 
Re: :: Let's Really Help Each Other ::

"This will open the floor for design discussions, which is a very neglected area within most AE discussions." ----now that's a powerful statement.

Thanks for putting forth the acknowledgment of an industry that is lacking design. As tv and the web move towards the ultimate merger, we are seeing many professonials calling themselves multimedia/web 'designers'. Unfortunately, very few have ever taken a design course. This is fine for those such as myself heavily schooled in design when competing for jobs, but the lack of design in today's projects is lowering the quality of the industry and thus the prices/costs and can even lower the interest.

Of course, allow me to acknowledge that an artist does not make a multimedia designer, just as a programmer does not make a web designer. Training for these types of positions should entail cross disciplines from each area; artistic design, color theory, interface and functional design approaches, technical design and problem solving skills development. Multimedia's reletively new birth is naturally the reason it is so difficult to 'go to school' and receive proper training--too few out there 'in the know' can actually teach. This is slowly changing as you can see with college departments restructuring to accomidate digital growth.

I see this subject reaching more than only AE. Anything & everything multimedia should have a purpose or 'design'. But if this little posting is the only means of us addressing this issue, than more power to DVXuser.com !!

I welcome with open arms all discussions pertaining to design, purpose, and method of approach for any project.

-silverfish
 
Re: :: Let's Really Help Each Other ::

Project #1:

I have been asked to create a new website for a new client. The client owns several businesses but is interested in creating an informational site on just his new comapny, an escort service.

Problem: negative taboos associated with the porn industry; although this client does not 'promote' porn, his company's services do walk a fine line in regards to interpretation. As a business owner, I feel it is bad practice to turn away paying clients--not to mention a client in the most successful industry in the country. However, I also realize that my use of this project with regards to future marketing for our portfolio is limited. There appears to be an attitude that 'associating' with this maket could prevent us from gaining clients adverse to the adult entertainment industry.

Question: Just because a company is a corporation, does this mean it is corrupt? does it HAVE to be?

Just because a client running an escort-service needs a website, would I be creating/contributing to the porn industry? Does this mean that no matter what aesthetic approach I take to design the site will it inevitablly be associated with porn?

My personal feeling is that this is a unique opportunity to change these stereotypes. I, myself, worship 'the woman' and shy away from the adult industry (guess I'm lucky enough to not need it:)". So I believe I can create a respectfull and successfull design for this client without resorting to sex. We all know that sex sells. But the real success is how you approach it. Again, there's a line: Erotica - Porn. Think Victoria Secret vs Playboy. Victoria is ALL ABOUT the sex, but they never show it, and there stuff sells--even to good Christians! But then, playboy remains under the bed or hidden in a drawer when no one is looking....man, this is funny stuff....

How about Elegance? Romance rather than SEX; Intrigue rather than intercourse?

What do you think? Is this possible irrevelant of our skills? And if it IS possible, would it also be successful? How would YOU approach this design?

I look forward to everyone's thoughts:
-silverfish
 
Re: :: Let's Really Help Each Other ::

hey silverfish,


... you can put as much makeup on a pig as you like, but its still a pig. it doesnt matter whether you want to pretend its not. and if you are trying to sell the pig .. your trying to sell the pig, it doesnt matter how pretty you make it look when its sold... its still going to go off and be a pig with the buyer.


let your own convictions guide you, you are responsible for yourself.. it doesnt matter whether someone else says its ok.
wright and wrong is not relative. it is only ignored... so just make your bed and lie in it. at the end of the day you cant point a finger at anyone else and say.. "well they said it was good", or "they said it was bad" .. you are left with only yourself, and the choices you've made, and the fruit of the seed you've sowed.



P.S. hot and cold water can not flow from the same fountain..
 
Re: :: Let's Really Help Each Other ::

interesting. I appreciate your comments greatly. :D

Does this mean that you do not think society can change its perspective? Obviously this one website is not about revolutionize the world or anything, but does it still need be a pig? Using your analogy, can I not show that I'm not selling a pig but a show horse--or race horse if you prefer :P

As for making my own bed I have no worries. Thanks for pointing out that what really matters is my own resolve. That's more than enough for me to tackle a challenge such as this, but I'm wondering if I can change the perspective of the viewer(s) or should I say those who would never view this site but speak the loudest against it?

Look at the dna...it's a horse dang it!

Of course, this is probably the main question I need to ask the client huh? What are you selling? A pig? Or an Arabian Horse? By the way, I think $300 an hour is a bit expensive for a pig wouldn't you think? hehe

This does raise an interesting point...We can very easily get caught-up concentraing on ethereal philosophy rather than the desires and needs of the client. Naturally, this is the first step in establishing a design rather than trying to enforce my design on the client. I'm not in the business of selling pigs, but I think I can do a good job selling race horses--IF this is what he wants.

-silverfish
 
Re: :: Let's Really Help Each Other ::

.. :) i think you've completely misunderstood my comments.

in the analogy the pig does not represent the women at all. ..it represents the actuall business taking place.

..if there was any doubt in your mind.. escort services are fronts for prostitution in its various forms. plenty of people would like to play the naive card regarding that knowledge, but again ..just makeup on a pig.

women are beautiful, and priceless.. in todays day and age in this country they set their own value and worth .. you cant do it for them.

anyway.. nuff said. youll have to find your own way.
 
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