After Effects CS4: Introduction

DAY ONE

Starting a project

• The Composition windows
• Using the Project window
• Working with layers over time
• Animating layers independently
• Designing backgrounds from scratch
• Using Bezier motion paths
• Applying effects to layers

Importing footage

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

Working with layers

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

Working with text

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

Working with key frames

• Animating graphic elements
• Precisely controlling animations
• Synchronising actions

Introduction to using mattes

• Using colour keys
• Making layers react interactively
• Working with multiple effects
• Using paths in After Effects
• Using adjustment layers
• Using the Keylight keyer

DAY TWO

Compiling your project

• Optimising project settings
• Rendering the composition

Using Effects

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
• An in-depth look at transitions
• Using the Comp window
• Creating text effects
• Animating text

More about key frames

• Further principles of key framing
• Copying and pasting key frames
• Key frame assistants
• Time reversing key frames
• 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 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, multimedia, mobile devices and the web

• Using Device Central