Adobe After Effects CC is the industry leader in video compositing software, offering an exciting and versatile array of applications for the creation of professional moving image work. On this course you will learn a range of visual effects and animation techniques, working between Photoshop and After Effects to create videos which explore text based motion graphics, character animation, green-screen compositing, 3D landscapes, motion tracking and lots more in-between. Alongside technical exercises the tutor will screen and discuss relevant artists, designers and filmmakers, providing both the technical skills and inspiration to create your own professional motion graphics work, filmic special effects or experimental artists video. Computer experience is required.

Week 1
This week we will create a short video that combines text, still image and video layers. Through this exercise you will learn how to:

Navigate the workspace on After Effects
Set up a project and select a video format
Introduce video to the timeline and split layers
Change the position and scale of layers
Introduce basic text
Use selections in Photoshop to create a still image composition
Import this composition into After Effects to create a composite video.

Week 2
This week we will look at basic animation techniques. Through a series of exercises, you will learn how to:

Use Photoshop to great multi-layered elements for animation
Import these Photoshop elements into After Effects
Work with key-frames and interpolation
Add motion blur
Duplicate and pre-compose animated elements
Create a parallax effect to give the illusion of depth
Apply blending modes
Work with the puppet tool to create moving joints for an animated character

Week 3
This week we will look at converting 2D photographs into a 3D virtual space to provide depth and movement. Through a series of exercises, you will learn how to:

Convert a 2D image into a 3D space
Set up a multi-layered diorama in Photoshop
Import this into After Effects and position the layers within 3D space
Create an animated camera move through 3D space
Apply depth of field

Week 4
This week we will look at working with green-screen compositing to place a live action figure within an animated backdrop. Through a series of exercises, you will learn how to:

Work with the Keylight filter
Adjust colour balance and tone
Composite the figure against an animated background
Introduce shadows and highlights
Use the green-screen figure to create a silhouette

Week 5
This week we will look at applying masks to footage to create cutouts, as well as exploring different applications for effects. Through a series of exercises, you will learn how to:

Work with masks
Use the Roto-mask tool
Apply time re-mapping
Work with ‘Particle Playground’ and similar effects

Week 6
This week we will look at working with the paint panel to create animated drawings, as well as using motion tracking to attach a text element to a moving point within a video clip. Finally, we will cover how to output your final project, adding sound effects and applying a basic edit. Through a series of exercises, you will learn how to:

Create text based motion graphics (kinetic typography)
Apply motion tracking to live action footage
Render your project
Add sound to your video

Courses are subject to minimum enrolment. Please register early, within five days of the start date, to reduce the likelihood of course cancellation.

Please read our cancellation policy before booking.

Students, anyone over the age of 65, and those in receipt of any form of benefits can claim the concessionary price, offering a 10% discount on the full course price. Valid proof of eligibility must be produced on the first day of the course. Please use the code CONCESSION when prompted at checkout.

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Video Compositing with Adobe After Effects CC