Day One

Keyframing Techniques

• Keyframe interpolation
• Understand spatial vs. temporal
• Graph editor use to control keyframes
• Creating “Overshoot” easily

Time Remapping

• “Blocking areas” with keyframes
• Time remap within the graph editor
• Frame blending
• Time remap effects
• Using expressions to control time flow

Expressions in Detail

• Most common expression problems
• Creating simulations with simple maths
• Linking properties in a more complex manner
• Getting better control of the values
• Using Variables
• Dimensions – How many values?
• The “Linear” expression
• “Global” or “Local” controls
• Creating complex expression setups
• Distance checks and averages
• Making out own Depth based effects
• Creating speed based effects
• Using expressions with 3D layers
• Solving 2D and 3D layer problems
• The “toComp” expression – an essential too

Advanced Effect Usage

• Procedural textures
• Better use of simulation effects
• Fixing effect problems using expressions
• Logo disintegrations
• Custom particle effects
• Footage analysis – what to look for
• Using effects to detect errors and compression
• Simulating Camera “Aberrations” from real cameras
• Chromatic aberration and Specular bloom

3D Layers – Advanced Techniques

• Creating a flexible camera set up
• Better placement of layers in 3D space
• Complex movement with the Orbit Null
• 3D space problems – frames of reference
• Creating an environment
• Resolution issues
• 3D or “Camera aware” effects
• Particle systems in 3D
• Advanced Layer placement – auto orientation to camera

Questions and answers

Day Two

Render “Order”

• Understanding how After Effects processes effects and layers
• Solving the most common composition problems
• Practical examples of render order problems and solutions

Image Stabilisation

• Understanding the Warp stabiliser effect
• Checking for perspective distortion

3D Camera Tracking – 3D with Real Footage

• Understanding the track data
• Compositing layers into a real shot
• Depth and scale issues
• Effect usage in the 3D scene
• Correct depth resolution with “toComp”
• Creating a new background plate
• Using the camera track for compositing
• Using the track to help with Rotoscope areas
• Exporting the camera for Cinema 4D integration

Creating a Procedural Custom Logo Animation Using Expressions

• Creating the logo in illustrator
• Import and setup
• Creating the expressions to “drive” the animation with no keyframes
• Random motion and rotation
• Refining the animation
• Building custom controls
• Effects and overlays
• Precomposing and then unfolding the 3D

Cinema4D Integration

• Creating assets in Cinema 4D and usage
• “2.5D” vs “Real” 3D – understanding the difference
• Compositing 3D elements into a camera track shot

Best practice in After Effects

Questions and answers