Special Effects in After Effects

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dominic.lopez

New member
I continue to see really cool videos on Youtube where people describe using After Effects to accomplish some pretty amazing special effects (i.e. gun shots, blood, 300 look, etc). I have watched a few of these tutorials but was wondering if anyone knew of a more comprehensive book on this stuff I could buy? Thanks.
 
Well, the Meyers are experts for sure, but I'm not sure a 2 1/2 year old book is best since that would be two versions of AE back. I also don't think a book is the best way to quickly get up to speed with software like that. I'm about to learn the program too and am going the online route. Lynda.com looks to be the best with about 13 hrs. of AE CS5 training already available.
 
BVX said:
Well, the Meyers are experts for sure, but I'm not sure a 2 1/2 year old book is best since that would be two versions of AE back. I also don't think a book is the best way to quickly get up to speed with software like that. I'm about to learn the program too and am going the online route. Lynda.com looks to be the best with about 13 hrs. of AE CS5 training already available.
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Lynda.com's tutorials are excellent tools for learning software. They are well-organized with clear learning objectives. And their instructors are often engaging, funny, and well-spoken.

The OP had requested a book. The new edition of the Meyers' book covers CS5.

It's probably wise to use both, in addition to all of the free tutorials available online.
 
I agree with Jordan. Lynda is excellent to hit the ground running. Also the Meyers' are an great resource to have in your library. It comes with a dvd with project files and what not. Plus its a nice quick reference when you just want to look up a quick effect without having to search through different tutorial. I still use my Meyers' books not matter how old. most still apply
 
While Creating Motion Graphics with After Effects is a great book and well worth getting, it's focus is on generic After Effects and using After Effects for Motion Graphics. Which isn't quite the same as using AE for visual effects. Mark Christiansen's Adobe After Effects CS4 Visual Effects and Compositing Studio Techniques http://www.amazon.com/Effects-Visual-Compositing-Studio-Techniques/dp/0321592018 (a CS5 version I believe is coming very soon) is maybe a better choice for someone interested in visual effects work.

Both books do have a problem in they don't exactly provide cookbook-type solutions to VFX problems. I picked up The Visual Effects Arsenal: VFX Solutions for the Independent Filmmaker http://www.amazon.com/Visual-Effects-Arsenal-Solutions-Independent/dp/0240811356 thinking it might help a bit in that area. But to be honest I was kind of disappointed. It does have the problem/project approach I was looking for, but the quality of the tutorials and examples is a bit weak. It talks basics fairly well but lacks the nuance and little details that make a shot shine.

If you are only buying one book on doing VFX in AE, I'd go with Christiansen's, it has a better focus. If you are planning on using AE to do motion graphics, the Meyer's book is really great. Getting both isn't a bad idea. If you are totally a novice the VE Arsenal might be useful to get your ideas running, but I don't recommend it otherwise.

I'm still looking for my own personal high end AE visual effects bible.
 
nice find msorrels. Do you know if a CS5 version of this book is coming out soon?

:edit: yes he did = )
 
It's not a book, but if you haven't looked at the videocopilot.net tutorials, you are missing out. They cover some of the effects you are looking to do, and I have yet to find any tutorials that were any better than theirs.
 
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