Day One

Keyframing Techniques
• In depth with keyframe interpolation
• Better understanding of spatial vs. temporal
• More advanced graph editor use to control keyframes
• Creating “Overshoot” easily

Time Remapping – Getting Better Control
• “Blocking areas” with keyframes
• Time remap within the graph editor – a better view
• Frame blending – examining options
• 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 set ups
• 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 tool

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's 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