FilmmakerIQ.com » Digital Effects

3d Transforming Text in After Effects

John P. Hess — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:43:22 +0000

In this tutorial, VinhSon Nguyen will be taking a look at how to build this 3D transforming text animation using Mettle’s ShapeShifter AE plug-in. He’ll also be enhancing some of the elements using 3rd party plug-ins such as Trapcode Shine (CC Light Burst alternative), Frischluft’s Out of Focus (Lens Blur alternative), and RE:Vision RSMB (CC Force Motion Blur alternative).

Create an Compass Gimbal in After Effects

John P. Hess — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:21:51 +0000

This tutorial by ShortFormVidoes demonstrates how to create a Compass Gimbal that you would find in an aircraft using After Effect’s built in effects.

Tracking and Rotoscoping in Mocha Pro

John P. Hess — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:33:39 +0000

Vimeo user Peter Bohush demonstrates how he uses the Pro version of Mocha to track and rotoscope an actor for a special effects shot in his film, Broken Spirits.

Create Fireworks in After Effects without Plugins

John P. Hess — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:07:47 +0000

Using only stock effects in After Effects, Vimeo user Flomotion shows you how to create a fireworks effect with a fractal noise and a dash of CC Flo Motion.

What is Motion Design?

John P. Hess — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:37:03 +0000

This video from Motion Design Plus takes a look at the growth of Motion Design throughout the century with the ultimate aim of creating the first exhibition center dedicated solely to Motion Design in Paris, France.

33 Jaw-Dropping VFX Breakdowns from Television

John P. Hess — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 22:00:29 +0000

What was once considered a cheap and disposable medium, television special effects were historically relegated to whatever was left over in the movie studio’s prop department.

Must... Not... Break the Suspension of Disbelief

But now, Television Programs have grown to become major cultural events in our society. And with the availability of technological magic, visual effects for the original “boob-tube” can now match almost anything being seen on the silver screen.

Here are 33 visual effects breakdowns made under tight budgets and deadlines of Television.

24 Boardwalk Empire

Bones

The Cape

Crossing Jordan

CSI: NY

Defying Gravity

Dr. Who

Episodes

ER

Game of Thornes

Heroes

House

John Adams

Knight Rider

Lost

Nightmares and Dreamscapes

Pan Am

Sky Channel ID

Spartacus

Swords and Sandals

Teen Wolf

Terra Nova

Ugly Betty

The Walking Dead

Wishbone

Maybe not as flashy as the others, but this show played from 1995-98… which is like ancient times right?

7 Tips for HD Color Correction and DSLR Color Correction

John P. Hess — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:44:31 +0000

Vashi Nedomansky a few professional tips on how to color correct footage for evenness and then how to color grade to add visual punch and style.

Via Shane Hurlbut’s Hurlblog

TIP #1 – SHOOT WITH A FLAT OR LOG PROFILE

Shane has learned over his extensive research and testing of every profile available that choosing a flat profile will allow you to capture as much information as possible into the camera. When I shoot on the 5Dmkii, I like to use Technicolor Cinestyle or Canon Neutral with minimal sharpness and contrast. I’m also about to test the Similaar Flaat profiles that just became available in 4 different flavors. The camera companies often have stock profiles that look contrasty and rich in camera but when analyzed on a monitor, you will have crushed blacks and blown-out highlights. That is information that is gone forever and you cannot get it back. We, as filmmakers with the tools in our hands, cannot accept stock anything! Just as auto anything on the camera is a recipe for disaster, stock profiles are for rank amateurs. Tweak away!

— Hurlblog | Read the Full Article

Making Dubstep Eyebrows

John P. Hess — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:20:31 +0000

Don’t have this amazing funny talent to make your eyebrows dance?

Worry not. The folks at VFXbro and Final Cut Kings show you how a little bit of After Effects Trickery can have your eyebrows Dubstepping in no time. (Getting 22 million YouTube hits not included in the tutorial).

The Effect:

The Tutorial:

Making a 3d Logo with Cinema 4d and After Effects

John P. Hess — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:10:14 +0000

Nick Campbell demonstrates how to create a 3d logo inside Cinema 4d and composite it with real life footage in After Effects.

The Final Result:

Full Vimeo Write-up

Creating the Impossible Mirror Shot from CONTACT

Dennis — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 10:20:55 +0000

In this DVD audio commentary for the movie Contact, Robert Zemeckis discusses how they created the impossible mirror effects shot.