Free Digital Video E-books

- Adobe offers some great primers on video technology. be sure to check these free e-books out.
- Adobe Digital Video Primer (PDF: 9.8M) Whether you want to understand the differences between analog and digital, how to choose and set up a system that's right for you, or how to prepare and edit your content for delivery in virtually any format, the Adobe Digital Video Primer is a resource you'll use often.
- Adobe HD Primer (PDF: 1.6M) This primer will help you understand what's involved in making the transition to authoring and distributing high-definition content and how to get the best results out of that transition.
- Adobe Digital Audio Primer (PDF: 84k) In this primer, we'll introduce the basics of sound so you can work more effectively with Adobe® Audition™ and the rest of your digital audio or video toolkit.
- Adobe DVD Primer (PDF: 6.3M) This in-depth primer will get you acquainted with DVD technology and teach you how to make your DVD content more dynamic. If you're already creating video productions, it will introduce you to state-of-the-art technologies you can use to repurpose your content for DVD distribution. If you're a beginner you'll find out how you can easily develop and author your own DVDs.
- Adobe Professional DVD Production with Adobe Encore DVD Primer (PDF: 2.2M) This primer provides background information on the DVD-Video format and explains what makes Adobe Encore® DVD such a powerful application for professional DVD creation.
- Adobe Streaming Media Primer (PDF: 1019k) The Adobe Streaming Media Primer offers a single comprehensive source for learning everything you ever wanted to know about streaming media — including pitfalls, costs, how-tos, and the basics.
- Adobe DV Primer for Creative Professionals (PDF: 392k) Thinking about adding video to your repertoire? If you're a graphic designer, web professional, photographer, or other creative professional and you want to start working with video, this Primer is the place to start. You'll learn how video can expand your creative reach, the basics of the technology, and what you'll need to get started.
After Effects Material Controls are Often Overlooked

In the rush to design, many motion graphic artists skip the advanced controls inside the Material Options category. These are essential as the refine how a 3D light interacts with your 3D layer. The properties that affect appearance the most are Diffuse, Specular, Shininess, and Metal.
The only changes made to the scene above were modifications to the Material Options. No other settings with lights were modified. The Material Options are powerful controls that are often overlooked. When you're first exploring Material Options, try lowering or raising their values one property at a time.
- To start, drop all of the values to 0% to remove the effect of the lights.
- Next slowly increase the Specular value. This will add a hotspot to your layer (it may get quite blown out). This value controls how reflective the layer is. The bigger the number the brighter the reflection.
- Raise the Shininess property which will cause the light to show specular highlights. The bigger the number the smaller the highlight.
- Use the Diffuse property to soften the results generated by the Specular and Shininess properties. This will soften the transition between lights and darks.
- Raising metal property will lower the color distinction between the darker areas and the highlight, but the highlight will still be brighter. It also affects how much the layer's color influences the color of the reflection.
From the new Adobe Press book – Motion Graphics with Adobe Creative Suite 5 Studio Techniques
Creating 3D in Illustrator with the Revolve Command
1. Select an object or line inside of Adobe Illustrator.

A line or a shape is all you need to create a 3D object. By default, the extrusion will rotate around the left edge so position the vector object accordingly.
2. Choose Effect > 3D > Revolve. Check the Preview box so you can see the effect update as you make changes.

With the Preview box checked, changes will update so you can experiment more easily. For complex objects, the screen may take a moment to redraw.
By default, Illustrator revolves objects around the left edge. You can change this to the right edge using the from pop-up.
3. If you object has a fill, you can use the cap command to make it appear solid or hollow.

4. Use the Angle property to set the number of degrees to revolve the path. While you can use any number between 0 and 360, I typically start with 360˚.
With the Preview box checked, changes will update so you can experiment more easily. For complex objects, the screen may take a moment to redraw. You can use the Offset slider to expand the path to create a ring-shaped object.

If you experiment with this effect, some pretty cool options are possible. Try using a dashed line and creating an irregular path. In this case a basket shape is possible and you can create abstract 3D objects for motion graphics work. Technique adapted from RC Concepcion.
From the new Adobe Press book – Motion Graphics with Adobe Creative Suite 5 Studio Techniques
After Effects Stacking Order Matters

Things can get tricky when you start to layer 2D and 3D layers in the same timeline. As a designer, you need to understand how After Effects interprets things so you can build your compositions correctly.
- When working in 2D, the highest layer in the Timeline is in front of all the other layers. The lowest layer is behind them.
- 3D layers are stacked based on their Z‑position value (assuming the camera is pointing at their fronts). This means that the object closest to the Active camera is in front of the other layers. This is true even if the layer is at the bottom of Timeline stacking order.
- Track and Alpha mattes must always be immediately on top of the layer they are matting. This is true for both 2D and 3D layers.
- Layer blend modes still follow the stacking order in the Timeline.
- 2D layers mixed with 3D layers are ordered by their spot in the Timeline stack.
- If two or more 3D layers have overlapping z‑position values, After Effects uses their Timeline stacking order to determine top position.
If you want to keep a logo bug or other element always on top of your 3D layers it's easy. Just place the element on the topmost layer in After Effects and don't enable the 3D switch. You can also do the same for a background layer that you want behind all your 3D layers. Just put a standard 2D layer at the very bottom of the timeline.
From the new Adobe Press book – Motion Graphics with Adobe Creative Suite 5 Studio Techniques
Master Photoshop Transparency

Want a free excerpt from the new edition of Photoshop for Video?
Learn about layer masks, alpha channels, and selections — http://www.peachpit.com/articles/article.aspx?p=1617518
Teaching at Motion Conference in Santa Fe

October 16, 2010 8:30 am at motion{u} :: santa fe
As a motion graphics designer, you'll use After Effects, Photoshop, or Illustrator to some degree in every project. But how do you decide which tool is best for the job and how can you use them together for the most efficient and effective workflow?
This workshop cuts to the chase and teaches advanced techniques for all three applications (no matter what your experience level is with each). You'll learn essential techniques including typography, repairing and retiming footage, stylizing footage, background design, and 3D objects.
Learn how to integrate After Effects, Photoshop, and Illustrator for an efficient and effective workflow. Topics include:
- Pixels and Vectors: Mastering Resolution
- Typography for the Screen
- Repairing, Stylizing and Retiming Footage
- Perfect Loops: Designing Backgrounds
- Creating and Importing 3D Objects
- Check Your Sources: Organizing Files for Animation
- Mastering Transparency: Perfect Masks and Alpha Channels
- DVD and BD Menu Design
- Motion Control 3D
- Virtual Sets with Panoramic Photos
Pre-register today – http://motion.motion.tv/schedule/sessions/motionusf-10-16-10/
I'll be at the IBC Conference

For all the European geeks... I'll be teaching at the IBC conference in Amsterdam September 11 & 12.
- Producing HDSLR Video Shoots - Essential Planning for Successful Productions
- Motion Control 3D: Adding Perspective and Movement to Photos
- Photoshop for Video Professionals
- Motion Graphics Workflow with Adobe Creative Suite
- Transcoding and Editing Strategies for HDSLR Post Production
Hope to see you there!
Active Cameras Switching in After Effects

You can trim the layer handles for the camera to control when a camera becomes active.
The gotcha is that only the Active Camera will render. Which one's active? The answer is it depends:
- If you have two overlapping cameras, the one on top of the layer stack takes precedence.
• If you want to edit between cameras, you can adjust the in and out points in the timeline. Then sequence the camera layers so you can cut between them.
From the new Adobe Press book – Motion Graphics with Adobe Creative Suite 5 Studio Techniques
PanosFX Actions

From postcards and filmstrips to paper and sketch effects. These actions are great, they produce powerful results and are flexible enough to create several looks. The website has more than 30 free actions and the powerful ones for sale are very affordable. Be sure to check out their many products to build up your Photoshop toolbox. If you did pick up the new book, be sure to look on the DVD for some additional free actions.
Lagoa Multiphysics 1.0 - Teaser Video
Very cool physical simulation for computer animation. It's amazing what's possible these days.
Video and Audio Codec Guides

Looking for a good comparison of audio and video codecs. We've found a great comparison of digital video, audio, and graphic formats. They've also got some great shortcut guides posted for Avid and Final Cut Studio applications. http://worldwide-studios.com/Worldwide_Studios/Resources.html
Free 3D Textures for Photoshop Extended

Want more free textures for Photoshop Extended? Be sure to check out the free ones posted by Adobe.
http://www.adobe.com/go/ps3dcontent
Render and Email in After Effects

- Open up your General Preferences and be sure that the Allow Scripts to Write Files and Access Network box is checked.
- Add your files to the Render Queue like normal.
- Choose File > Run Script > render_and_email.jsx, you will now be prompted for your email settings.
- Enter server smtp address: such as mail.mac.com, click OK
- Enter the reply to address: such as the email you want to use to send the message.
- If your server required log-in (most do), click YES and enter your ID and password. Click OK.
- Enter the recipients email address. Click OK
- An email with the subject AE Render complete will be sent when the queue is finished.
How cool is that?
If you have an iPhone... you can also checkout apps like LogMeIn and iTeleport to actually view (and control) your screen from your mobile device. I've actually set up rendered files and sent them via YouSendIt to clients remotely.
Into AE? Be sure to check out two new books – Photoshop for Video (Fourth Edition) and Motion Graphics with Adobe Creative Suite 5 Studio Techniques
Two Render Tips for AE

A Better Stop
Normally when you click Stop on an item in the render queue, it adds it to the bottom of the list and will pick up where it left off. That may be what you want, but often you intended to bust the render, tweak it, and re-render. To stop a render and re-queue it to begin at the beginning, hold down the Option (Alt) key when clicking Stop Render. This will avoid the pickup and add the item to be re-rendered from the start of the original output settings.
Need to Re-render?
For one reason or another, it always happens, the need to re-render. Perhaps a small tweak to a keyframe or a timing issue. Chances are while your animation may have needed refining, the render queue was perfect. Save yourself some time and Re-queue that animation.- Select a previously rendered animation.
- Press Command + Shift + D (Control + Shift + D) to duplicate the render item with the same settings and output name. This will rewrite over the previous file to the exact same destination.
- Save your work, then click Render when ready to output.
Into AE? Be sure to check out two new books – Photoshop for Video (Fourth Edition) and Motion Graphics with Adobe Creative Suite 5 Studio Techniques
Free Online Crash Course on Photoshop CS5
'
You can see it here too – http://tv.adobe.com/watch/adobe-at-nab-2010/adobe-photoshop-cs5-for-video/
Two New Photoshop Books


Both of my Photoshop books are fully updated (and released!)
Amazon has a combo deal.. get both books for $67
That's a ton of training, hundreds of hands-on files. 72 training videos and more.
See this page here – http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Adobe-Photoshop-CS5-Professionals/dp/0321714261/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_3
I'm Coming to Europe to Teach!

I'll be speaking at this year's IBC conference in Amsterdam in September. – http://www.ibc.org/page.cfm/link=299
"A 2-day training event in multiple tracks geared for production and post-production professionals in TV, video, film, motion graphics and new media. The conference features the latest advanced tips and techniques in producing, editing and delivering digital content.
Sessions are geared for intermediate to advanced TV, video, film and motion graphics attendees and are focused on digital video production techniques as well as post production using Apple, Avid and Adobe creative software tools.
Sessions are objective and are taught by FMC's world renowned team of Certified Instructors, power users and authors."
Here's the schedule – http://www.fmceurope.com/schedule.htm
Sign up here – http://www.ibc.org/page.cfm/Link=276/t=m/goSection=3
Hope to see some of you there.
Color Grading Footage In Adobe Photoshop Extended
Learn how to adjust the color and exposure of video clips using Adobe Photoshop Extended.
From the book From Still to Motion
Motion Control 3D Samples
Sample motion graphic created for The Johnson Group's documentary, Bedford: The Town They Left Behind. The film went into limited release in theatres across the country.
I am working up some new tutorials on the techniques... leave comments about what you want to see.
You can see it in HD here.
Here's a short free tutorial here.
Free Final Cut Pro/Motion/AE Plug-ins
I always like free stuff... especially good free stuff.
Here's the link – http://www.idustrialrevolution.com/idrplugins/freebiepack1/index.html
A great book on green screen

You can get a few samples of the book here for free, but be sure to check out the whole thing.
- See how to plan, set up, and execute your shots to reduce fixes in post
- Choose the right keying process for your project
- Master basic shooting setups and live broadcast keying
- Understand proper lighting and how to match subjects to the background
- Create a working storyboard and learn how to select and direct talent
- Composite your footage and fix problem shots
- Work creatively with virtual sets, motion tracking, and match moving
- Master techniques that apply to all compositing software and plug-ins
After Effects Plugins 64 Bit

Here's a definitive list on the state of After Effects plugins right from Adobe.
After Effects CS5 requires 64-bit plug-ins as well as a 64-bit operating system. As plug-in developers release 64-bit versions of their plug-ins, we will list them here. Most plug-in developers are working on 64-bit versions of their tools, and many have announced that their plug-ins will be available at or near the time that After Effects CS5 is available. Check this page often for updates.
Create a Client Screener Disc
Check out this video to learn more about creating a screener disc for your clients. You can also visit the website www.peachpit.com/videomac in order to download sample files.
Chroma Key is Everywhere
Here's two free resources to help you out
- Video Made on a Mac: Greenscreen Solutions
- Creative Chromakeying handout from Photoshop World
Creating Motion Templates
You can also visit the website www.peachpit.com/videomac in order to download sample files.
How to Film the Impossible
Here is part one
The other parts are after the jump
Read More...
Continuum Cartoon Look

Everywhere you turn, you’ll spot the “look”: video footage transformed to look like a cartoon. In a traditional workflow, the process involves rotoscoping. An artist literally traces animation frame by frame over the original source. The technique was invented by Max Fleischer around 1915, and has been used by animators on classic films such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarves and Cinderella, as well as modern movies such as Titan A.E. and Waking Life.
The process is very tedious, however, so many video pros and motion graphics artists have been on a quest for an easier solution. These days you’ll find several products on the market to transform your video footage to look like it’s a cartoon. Early options such as Studio Artist ($379; www.synthetik.com) and market leaders like ToonIt ($399; www.redgiantsoftware.com) have all seen heavy use.
While they’re not new to the plug-in market, Boris FX has released their own take on cartoon filters. The Boris Continuum Unit: Cartoon Look breaks out four filters from the larger plug-in package Continuum Complete. The set is only $199 (significantly less than competitors) and runs in several host applications including Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro, as well as Apple Final Cut Pro and Motion. The four filters for stylizing your footage include:
Read More...
Using Premiere Pro to Organize Video for After Effects

- Create a new Premiere Pro project and match its settings to your primary footage format.
2 Import a folder of QuickTime movies into a Premiere Pro project. You can even import a Final Cut Pro XML file to bring a sequence in without needed to do anymore media management. - Edit the clips as needed into sequences.
- After your clips are edited, just select them and press Command+C to copy them to your clipboard.
5 Switch to an open After Effects project and press Command+V to paste the clips using Dynamic Link. The clips (with handles) will move from Premiere Pro to After Effects.
For more tips like this, check out the book Video Made on a Mac.
Creating Lower-Third Graphics with Data Sets in Photoshop

By harnessing the power of data sets, you can dramatically speed up the production of repetitive graphics. In fact, by feeding in a text file, hundreds of lower-third graphics can be generated in a few clicks. The advantage of this method is that a producer or production assistant can gather all of the needed names and titles into a single text file (easily created with any word processor). This file can then be loaded to generate as many graphics as needed. While the process is a little tricky at first, it’s pretty easy to get the hang of.
Read the complete article over at Layer Magazine for free...
DPI vs. Resolution

The resolution of this photo has been reassigned from 300 ppi to 72 ppi. The Document Size (in inches) has changed for printed output. The pixel dimensions and file size remain unchanged at 1920 x 1080 pixels (for a 1080 HD video project).
When dealing with video graphics, resolution doesn't matter. The same HD video file can play back on a laptop, a television, or on a digital projector, and the total number of pixels won't change. To see this clearly, stand really close to a big-screen HD TV; the picture looks soft. Now find a smaller display with an HD signal; the picture looks clearer. This is because HD is HD; the bigger the screen the larger each pixel is displayed, but again resolution doesn't change.

Figure 9.2 The enlarged area shows the individual pixels that make up the butterfly image.
Setting Photoshop to Measure in Pixels
Out of the box, Photoshop is set up for a print workflow (biased isn't it?). This is easy to fix with a simple preference change. You can set rulers and other tools to measure using pixels by default (which will make designing for the video screen easy).
- Launch Adobe Photoshop.
- Press Command+K to call up your Photoshop preferences.
- Click the Units & Rulers preference tab.
- Click the Rulers menu and set it to pixels.
Great Profile of Stop Animator
Read More to see parts 2–6
Read More...
Sneak Peek at new Adobe Tech
for more information on hardware, check out these blogs: http://blogs.adobe.com/VideoRoad/2009/11/three_words_youll_be_hearing_a.html http://blogs.adobe.com/VideoRoad/2009/11/more_on_the_mercury_engine.html http://blogs.adobe.com/genesisproject/2009/11/technology_sneek_peek_adobe_me.html#more
Resize Video with After Effects

To make things easier... I have made a template project to save you several steps. You can download it here.
Download it here (it's my Birthday gift to you)
These templates are designed to convert an HD source to a variety of output formats.
- Select either the 1080 or 720 source folder.
2 Locate the correct target format and open the template.
3 Import a QuickTime movie of your HD source.
4 Highlight the layer called Replace Me.
5 Hold down the Option/Alt key and drag your replacement footage onto the solid layer to swap.
6 Change the comps duration to match your footage layer’s length by choosing Sequence > Settings.
7 Add to the Render Queue and render to taste.
Feel free to share this post and the link – tinyurl.com/aeresizer
Capturing Video for After Effects
You can capture video for an After Effects project using Premiere Pro. Learn how to quickly switch applications to pull in new footage from tape. To download sample files, visit www.peachpit.com/videomac.
Timecode Burn In with Compressor
Motion Control with After Effects - PixelPerfect Favorite
ProRes for PC
Creating Transparent Video with Adobe After Effects CS4

The alpha channel is the technology behind transparency in computer graphics. It first evolved in the late 1970s at the New York Institute of Technology and then continued to be refined at Lucasfilm and at Pixar. When you employ alpha channels embedded into footage layers, transparency data can travel seamlessly between After Effects and Flash.
You can create alpha channels in several ways. One common technique you can use for video footage is chroma key technology. By shooting elements against a blue or green screen, you can easily remove the background. This technology is hardly new, making its first appearance at RKO Radio Pictures in the 1930s. The popularity of chroma key technology has grown immensely, bringing the technology and tools within reach of most content creators.
KEEP READING AT PEACHPIT.com
Get the Book
The New Drobo is Awesome... Come Learn More

Join me for an educational seminar on Thursday, December 10, 2009 where we review how it (and the rest of the Drobo line) can benefit video editors, motion graphics artists, and videographers.
The event starts at 8:30 AM Pacific / 11:30 AM Eastern. Its a 30 minute seminar and you can ask any questions you want.
We've been putting it into play with our tapeless workflow and have been very pleased.
Sign up for your spot here – http://bit.ly/7vhDJr
Professional Keying with Motion
Looking for another way to key? Be sure to check out this video for a detailed demonstration of keying with Apple Motion. You can also visit the website www.peachpit.com/videomac in order to download sample files.
Working with Type in After Effects
Looking for a quick overview on how to control text animation in After Effects? This video will get you up and running quickly. You can also visit the website www.peachpit.com/videomac in order to download sample files.
Three Free After Effects CS4 Tutorials
MGFest 09 Comes to DC

The Motion Graphics 09 Fest is coming to DC. It runs November 18-22
Here's the full schedule
http://mgfest.com/09/WashingtonDC/
Here are the educational workshops
http://mgfest.com/09/WashingtonDC/workshops.php
Here are the social functions and screenings
http://mgfest.com/09/WashingtonDC/artevents.php
This is a great chance to network with pros from both DC and abroad. Hope you all check it out...
Blu is Back with Another Great Video
a collaborative animation by Blu and David Ellis
http://www.blublu.org
http://www.davidellis.org
New Versions of Adobe Software to be 64-Bit

"It’s common knowledge among post-production pros that 64-bit operating systems are the best choice for top-of-the-line performance, especially when producing HD or higher-resolution content. After 3 versions of simultaneous 64 bit and 32 bit support for After Effects and Premiere Pro, we wanted to let you know today that CS4 will be the last version of Adobe’s leading video applications to support 32 bit operating systems."
Simon Hayhurst – The Senior Director of Product Management for Dynamic Media
Check out the news here.
- http://provideocoalition.com/index.php/adobe/story/the_future_is_64_bit/
- http://blogs.adobe.com/keyframes/
Great After Effects Training and Resources

Looking for some After Effects training? One of my favorite resources is The Anvel run by Dean Velez. Besides a bunch of cool freebies and templates, Dean has a great subscription package of After Effects tutorials. Dean is a very experiences designer with a few Emmys under his belt.
He generously shares this knowledge with others. Dean's discs are great for ideas and I float them amongst the RHED Pixel staff so they can try out some new techniques.
A Great Animation Made in Real Life
This is a great animation from the group – Blu. It is an animation painted on public walls. The short film was made in Buenos Aires and in Baden.
Keying with After Effects
New Book is Off to the Printer
Video Made on a Mac: Production and Postproduction Using Apple Final Cut Studio and Adobe Creative Suite
Richard Harrington I have just returned my final comments for the new book Video Made on a Mac. We are now compressing the 5.5 hours of HD video lessons that come with this book. This book is SO awesome... (I am not objective, but its the best book I've ever written). If you work with Final Cut Studio and/or Adobe Creative Suite... You need this book. We have filled it to the brim with time saving workflow and practical advice.
Here’s the official blurb – You can order it here on Amazon (it’ll ship in a few weeks).
On a Mac, the sky's the limit for creating professional video. With all the tools available though, it can be a daunting task to decide which ones offer the best solutions for combined efficiency and high-level results. How can you effectively communicate your vision to clients and crew? How should you calibrate your camera for multi-camera and green screen shoots? Is it better to do your keying in After Effects, Motion, or Final Cut? How should you set up your edit suite for efficiency and accuracy? How do you manage large amounts of media and a multitude of formats for multiple software applications?
In Video Made on a Mac, you'll learn the answers and much more. Chock-full of practical advice and step-by-step instructions, each chapter provides insight on the critical components of production and postproduction that can make all the difference when you're up against a tight budget and schedule. The accompanying DVD supplies you with project files and high-definition footage so you can follow along with the examples, as well as 50 training videos. Whether you're an advanced Mac user or just beginning to incorporate Adobe Creative Suite into your Final Cut Studio workflow, you'll learn to apply best-practice techniques to all your video projects.
A Great Example of Stop Motion Animation
Olympus has released a re-imagined Pen Camera. The original was released 50 years ago, and cost about a a third less than conventional cameras. The camera was known for trying new technologies and innovative ideas throughout its history.The new camera allows for several lenses as well as HD video.
To celebrate the new launch, the company commissioned a very cool stop motion commercial.
- Shot 60.000 pictures
- Developed 9.600 prints
- Shot over 1.800 pictures again.
Oh… and no post production!
Use After Effects to Transcode your HD material to 50 Formats

I wanted to share a little work in progress file. I find After Effects tremendously useful for resizing video. In fact I use it often to pre-process footage before applying additional codecs.
What I’ve put together here is a Resizer project. It allows you to quickly convert an HD file (720 or 1080) to 50 different output formats. The file is quite simple to use, and covers output sizes ranging from SD, to Presentation Software, to Web, to iPhone.
This is a work in progress… but I’d love to get your feedback. To learn how to use it (and get the file) keep reading....
First off… download the resizer template from here (Resizer_Template.zip). It is an After Effects CS4 project. There are two files, both are identical. The .aep is a project file, the .aet is a template file that will create a copy automatically when you open it.
Read More...
The Future in Motion, A History of Tomorrow's Interfaces
Watch Future in Motion, A History of Tomorrow's Interfaces, Mason Dixon, MGFest | View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com
New Book for After Effects and Flash Users
The official blurb
Adobe Creative Suite 4 brings together two powerful animation tools, each of which has its own specialized features and workflow. Learning to integrate Adobe After Effects and Adobe Flash Professional gives you more options for your animations and effects and the power to integrate video and motion graphics into a richer user experience. In this book, authors Richard Harrington and Marcus Geduld lead both types of users, those who are more familiar with either Flash or with After Effects, on using the programs together for maximum efficiency and creativity.
After walking you through the core features of both programs, the authors then explore advanced uses for each application. Each chapter focuses on a particular function of the program, teaching you how to create content for Flash with After Effects, enhance your projects using 3D environments, create professional-looking video with Adobe Media Encoder, and add interactivity, accessibility, and searchability to your video. You’ll also get hands-on experience using the project files on the accompanying DVD.
Within these easy-to-follow, step-by-step lessons, you’ll learn to:
- Seamlessly exchange projects and assets between After Effects and Flash
- Shoot green screen material correctly, work with Keylight, and utilize embedded alpha channels
- Create dynamic text, vector-based animations, and “animated” video using the tools in Adobe Creative Suite 4
- Work with 3D cameras and lights and create 3D environments
- Convert Flash to broadcast and DVD standards with After Effects
- Use Adobe Media Encoder for professional results
- Create interactive controls and use cue points in your video
- Optimize video for accessibility and use Adobe® Soundbooth® for video transcription
- Use ActionScript in your projects for more innovative animations
Get your copy now.... it really has some fun projects and cool things in it.
Alpha Channels : Creative COW : Photoshop Tutorials
Motion Graphics Meets John Lennon
I was over at YouTube posting a new tutorial.... came across a great clip that mixes multiple animation styles… this is VERY cool. It’s nice to hear the man so off-the-cuff… yet wise.
“In 1969, a 14-year-old Beatle fanatic named Jerry Levitan, armed with a reel-to-reel tape deck, snuck into John Lennon’s hotel room in Toronto and convinced John to do an interview about peace. 38 years later, Jerry has produced a film about it. Using the original interview recording as the soundtrack, director Josh Raskin has woven a visual narrative which tenderly romances Lennon’s every word in a cascading flood of multipronged animation. Raskin marries the terrifyingly genius pen work of James Braithwaite with masterful digital illustration by Alex Kurina, resulting in a spell-binding vessel for Lennon’s boundless wit, and timeless message.”
Learn more about it here (and yes… I missed this one somehow).
Great Tutorial on Vanishing Point Exchange

“Without a doubt, the best new feature in After Effects CS3 is the Vanishing Point Exchange with Adobe Photoshop CS3 Extended. Creating very believable 3D movements from quite simple 2D digital photographs has to be seen to be believed, and the best thing is it’s a pretty easy process. However, there are a few caveats to keep an eye out for, so let’s take a trip into the world of two-dee three-dee!”
Check the whole thing out here.
More on the Puppet Tool – Hands on Files and Bonus Video

To get the hands on files click here.
To get a bonus video tutorial - click here.
(Thanks to the fine folks at the New York Post Conference for letting me post this).
’Toon Your Video in Adobe CS3 Production Premium

“Sure, clients want it…that “cartoon look.” But let’s face it; good animation is hard to come by. Unless you have a gaggle of animators locked in your closet, you’ll need to get creative. Sure, you could break out the pencil and paper (or maybe even try shadow puppets), but we’re here to offer you a different solution. By harnessing the power of Adobe CS3 Production Premium, you can convert video frames into vector art into film-resolution movie files. Curious? It’s all possible with the power of the Production Premium. Read on.”
Photoshop for Video Chapter 14 Posted

If you have your code ready, please visit http://booksite.focalpress.com/Harrington/ and start to download. You'll find a full-length chapter plus all of the source media needed for the exercises. It’s a big download, so be sure to have a fast Internet connection handy.
For problems or suggestions concerning the site, please contact: Technical Support.
Motion Graphics Resource Site

Interested in Motion Graphics? The check out the evolving MographWiki which has a nice collection of user contributed content and articles. Its a great place to browse for ideas and talent. There's a lot of useful things up here including:
Free Reading
But I did write a new book and thoroughly revise another.
For your reading enjoyment and personal education.

Photoshop for Video 3rd Edition (previously titled Photoshop for Nonlinear Editors)
• Major updates with tons of new content and more than 75 new pages of material
• Over 2.5 hours of training videos
• Expanded coverage of DVD and Motion Graphics
• In-depth look at HD graphics and workflow
• Full coverage of Photoshop CS3
Download the free chapter here.
You can order the book here.

Here's a free chapter from my new book How to Wow with PowerPoint. This is the intro to the book and focusses on best practices for designing graphics for the screen (so even if you aren't a PowerPoint fan, you'll find some wholesome goodness on here). I hope you all enjoy it, If you'd like to order the book click here.
Motion TIps (A Little Old – But Still Useful)

I present a slightly old (but still relevant) article on Apple Motion. Here are Ten things you should know about Apple Motion (thanks to DV.com).
For example:
DIRTY ALPHA
Not happy with the alpha channel you get when you cut a Motion project into a Final Cut Pro timeline? Well, your alpha may be off. Final Cut Pro sometimes misinterprets the alpha channel data, expecting you to have a straight alpha channel, when in fact you may have a premultiplied alpha.
1. Select the Imported Motion project file in your Browser.
2. Choose Modify > Alpha Type Black.
New Book on Final Cut Studio that I want to Read

Apple Pro Training Series: Motion Graphics and Effects in Final Cut Studio
“This practical book focuses on just the parts of Final Cut Studio that editors and designers need to create motion graphics in their daily work. Using footage from the BBC archives along with Motion, Final Cut Pro, and Live Type (all included in Final Cut Studio), you’ll build broadcast-quality titles, motion menus, show bumpers, and news opens. As with the other titles in the Apple Pro Training Series, each chapter in this Apple-authorized guide represents a complete lesson--with projects to complete and a review section to reinforce the lessons. Author and video editor/producers Mark Spencer and Jem Schofield begin by introducing the basics of creating an animated title sequence with Final Cut Pro. From there, you’ll learn everything from text animation, compositing, and keyframing to 3D set creation and camera animation. Step-by-step exercises and a DVD with project and media files will have you creating stunning motion graphics in no time.”
You can order it here
After Effects 7.0.1 is Released

• An issue has been fixed where After Effects' application window could not be revealed after being hidden.
• After Effects can now read IFF image files rendered out of mental ray for Maya.
• Shift-clicking to draw vertices with the Pen tool now constrains to 45 degree angles.
• Copy and paste of semitransparent text from Illustrator into After Effects has been fixed.
• Choosing Composition > Preview > Audio Preview (Work Area) will now play the whole work area.
• Users can now import Blackmagic Design 8-bit YUV AVI compressed files.
• An issue that caused incorrect pixel aspect ratio and dimensions when importing DVCProHD files captured in FCP5 has been fixed. (I begged for this one)
• Audio waveform no longer disappears when the window is resized.
A big thanks to After Effects Product Manager Steve Kilisky for letting me know.
New Freebies for Video Pros

• Background Textures from Digital Anarchy
• NTSC Test Image (For use with Photoshop's Video Actions)
• Power Window/Vignette to enhance Film Look
• Over The Shoulder Data Sets Template
I hope you enjoy. If you spot any problems, please let me know.
New Film/Video Group in NYC

While at NAB New York, I had the chance to catch up with some industry pros. I just found at that the New York Final Cut Pro User Group has evolved into a broader focus. The group is now called The Motion Pictures Collective.
"The Moving Pictures Collective fosters our professional filmmaking community to enhance their abilities and broaden their overall knowledge and skills to reach their career goals. With post-production as our core competency, we will share techniques, tools, and best practices in all competencies including editing, directing, writing, producing, and shooting. We will also promote member collaboration by sharing our work in a supportive environment and create opportunities for our members to flourish.”
If you live near New York City, be sure to check out one of their great events.
New Rotoscoping Solution Previewed - Motor from Imagineer Systems

At NAB New York, I had a chance to take a look at a new rotoscoping product that is truly unique and fast! Imageneer Systems showed off motor, which looks to speed up the tedious process of rotoscoping by 3 times. The tools is designed for both video and film work. It is a standalone product, but it can export matted clips or mask data to other programs. The product works using 2.5D planar tracking technology where the user defines basic objects or planes (like body parts). The system then supports variable edge width and the ability to refine edges with far fewer keyframes. The product is currently in beta testing (but release looks to be soon).
Video Preview out of Photoshop CS2

2. Make sure the hardwire is powered up and connected to a monitor, then launch Photoshop.
3. Work with your current document and design as needed.
4. Choose File > Export Video Preview...
5. Specify your Output Mode and Aspect Ratio and click OK.
Preview away
New DVD – Motion Control: Turning Photos into Moving Footage

Motion Control: Using Photoshop and After Effects To Tranform Still Images into Moving Footage
No longer locked to a stationary position on screen, your photos now possess distinct storytelling abilities. Join Richard Harrington, Photoshop and motion graphics guru, as he reveals the top techniques used by pros to bring still images to life. This DVD will benefit all users interested in improved storytelling abilities. You’ll learn essential techniques both in 2D and 3D space.
- Adobe Photoshop essentials
- Traditional two-dimensional motion control
- Using 3D cameras
- Working in 3D space
- Using 3D lighting to enhance your images
- Performing advanced camera operations
- Original and processed images
- Adobe Photoshop and After Effects project assets
Tutorial: Create Once, Distribute Anywhere

The tutorial uses Adobe After Effects, and is not version specific. If you'd like some extra resources, visit the Magazine section as well.
UPDATE: For PC users looking for a 10-bit codec... you can either download the Blackmagic codecs or check out SheerVideo.
Long Delayed, But On It's Way!

Spot the Fake

3D Made Easier

For more info.
