Adobe After Effects CS5: Introduction

Course Description:

This Adobe authorised two day course is designed to allow those new to post production techniques to get the most from this immensely powerful software. Whether you are a motion graphics designer, a web designer, rich media artist or broadcast video editor, Adobe After Effects allows you to create stunning motion graphics and visual effects.

The emphasis throughout this introduction is on practical exercises. These exercises will cover incorporating video with Photoshop and Illustrator graphics, video layering techniques, working with key frames, using filters for special effects and rendering your final project. You will also look at different rendering techniques and ways to optimise the finished production for broadcast, HD or the web.

This course includes the following modules:

Starting a project

• After Effects CS5 performance enhancements
• The Composition window
• Using the Project window
• Working with layers over time
• Animating layers independently
• Designing backgrounds from scratch
• Using Bezier motion paths
• Applying effects to filters

Importing footage

• Importing layers from Photoshop
• Using Alpha channels
• Looping video footage
• Drafting a project
• Interpreting footage

Working with layers

• Different layer masking techniques
• Creating animated Bezier mattes
• Trimming and moving layers
• Changing playback speed and direction
• Working with Shape layers
• Using Brainstorm to experiment and refine designs

Working with text

• Customising text presets
• Animating text
• Antialiased text
• Using text layers

Working with key frames

• Animating graphic elements
• The Auto Keyframe button
• Precisely controlling animations
• Synchronising actions

Parent/child relationships

• Working with the z-axis
• Trimming layers

Introduction to using mattes

• Using colour keys
• Making layers react interactively
• Using the Roto Brush tool to create animated mattes
• Making a quick selection
• Using paths in After Effects
• Using adjustment layers
• Using the Keylight keyer

Compiling your project

• Optimising project settings
• Rendering the composition

Filters and transitions

• An in-depth look at After Effects filters including:
• - Levels
• - Creating drop shadows
• - Perspective filters
• Using texturise
• Setting mattes
• Bevelling the Alpha channel
• Bevelling edges of rectangular objects
• The Unified Camera tool
• Using the Comp window
• Creating text effects
• Animating text
• Colour correction in After Effects

More about key frames

• Further principles of key framing
• Copying and pasting key frames
• Key frame assistants
• Time reverse key framing
• Simultaneously editing multiple key frames

Finalising your project

• Using the pen tool to edit the value graph
• Issues involved in interpolation methods
• Precise control over velocity
• Controlling speed of change
• Nesting complex compositions
• Mixing interpolation methods

Linear and Bezier interpolation

• Previewing in wire frame
• Using light wireframes
• Using audio effects
• Importing a project from Adobe Premiere

Final rendering

• Creating custom rendering templates
• Setting field rendering order
• Creating PDF video files

Saving your work for film, video, mobile devices and the web

• Using Device Central
• CS Live online services