Course Name

Adobe After Effects CS3: Essentials

Contact Hours: 10

Course Description

Ranging from casual hobbyists to the most seasoned professionals, our users quickly learn new software applications and broaden their knowledge of programs currently used. Narrated in an entertaining format by industry experts and leading authors, our video-based software training titles are critical tools for anyone wanting to learn tips, techniques, and best practices from the most respected names in the business. Discover the world of animation with After Effects CS3 Essentials. Hosted by professional animator Ko Maruyama, these training videos focus on new features and essential tools including Shape Layers, the Puppet Tool and Brainstorm. You’ll also learn how to use many of the new effects found in After Effects CS3 as well as how to import Photoshop Layer Styles. Learn the tricks you need to get on your way to producing high-end animations. The student will have access to this course for 1 year. This self-directed course can be completed within 90 days or sooner depending on time and learning capabilities of the student.

Outcome

By completing this course you will: Learn how to create and animate graphics with new Shape Layers. Find out how you can bring your animation to life with the new Puppet Tool. Conjure up some suggested variants in your animations with the new Brainstorm user interface. Discover how to master some of the new Effects in After Effects CS3. Experience a streamlined workflow as you learn how to import your existing Photoshop layers.

Assessment

Project files are included with this course to aid in your learning. There are no exams or tests.

Outline

Disc 1 Lesson 1: OVERVIEW OF AFTER EFFECTS CS3 (42 min) Setting Preferences Importing Illustrator® Files Introducing the Shape Layer Reusing Compositions Animating with the Puppet Tool Creating a Ramp Effect Understanding Masks & Modes Basic Keyframing Animating a Title Setting Up a Render Lesson 2: NAVIGATING THE WORKSPACE (46 min) Manipulating Panels & Creating a New Workspace Examining the Project Pane Information & Thumbnails in the Project Pane Shortcuts to Find, Delete & Create a New Folder Introducing Compositions & Timelines Exploring the Composition Window Examining the Icons & Columns in the Timeline Navigating the Timeline & Adding Markers Working with Layers in the Timeline Lesson 3: IMPORTING & COLLECTING FOOTAGE (33 min) Prepping an Image in Photoshop® or Illustrator Importing Footage & Image Sequences Importing as a Composition Importing Layer Styles Using the Edit Original Command Saving as a Photoshop Document Lesson 4: KEYFRAMING PARAMETERS (33 min) Understanding Layer Parameters Creating Simple Keyframes Differentiating Anchor & Position Selecting & Modifying Keyframes Managing Temporal Speed Using Hold Keyframes Lesson 5: PARENTING, NESTING & INTRO TO EXPRESSIONS (33 min) Linking Children to Parents Creating a Precomposition Keyframing Time Parenting & More Parenting Bringing It All Together Final Comments & Credits Disc 2 Lesson 1: EFFECTS & ADJUSTMENTS (39 min) Locating & Applying Effects Using the Checkerboard Effect Using the Distort & Transition Effects Applying Effects to a Bitmap Image & a Shape Layer Layering Priority Saving an Animation Preset Applying Multiple Instances of the Same Effect Using a Layer to Define the Effect on Another Layer Using Adjustment Layers Lesson 2: MASKS, MATTES & MODES (43 min) Applying Masks with the Vector Tool Editing & Animating Mask Properties Using Auto-trace to Generate Masks Using Transparency & Masks to Reveal Images Understanding Path Relationships Using Shape Layers Using a Track Matte Preserving Transparency Using a Composition as a Layer Lesson 3: USING THE TYPE TOOL (46 min) Setting Up the Character & Paragraph Palettes Adding Text Modifying Character Formatting Fill & Stroke Options Exploring the Paragraph Options Creating Text from Photoshop® Layers Introducing Animation Perimeters Using Text Animators Range Selector Basics Converting Text to Outlines Replacing Fonts & Another Type Treatment Example Lesson 4: EXPORTING & OUTPUTTING (21 min) Exporting as an SWF File Exporting to Clip Notes Making a Movie Controlling Render Settings Lesson 5: NEW TOOLS & FEATURES (33 min) Introducing Shape Layers Working with Shape Fills Animating Shape Layers Exploring Photoshop Integration Using the Puppet Tool Introducing 3D Type Brainstorming with Effects Lesson 6: SETTING PREFERENCES (11 min) Setting General Preferences View, Display, Import & Output Preferences Appearance, Memory & Saving Preferences Exploring New Preference Options Lesson 7: TIPS, TRICKS & BEGINNER QUESTIONS (16 min) Tips for Importing & Interpreting Footage Managing Source Material Making a New Composition Working with Ram Using the Collect Files Feature Final Comments & Credits