You can find my Optical Flares Review HERE

You can find the Giveaway HERE

• Build a complex particle system using CC Particle World
• Synchronize the particle blast to shatter a title

LINK HERE

• Fill 3d text with fluid in Realflow and 3ds max9

• Add RealFlows Square Emitter inside 3d Text to achieve this effect

LINK HERE

• Simulate water effect as if its sliding down the glass surface
• We will use After Effects CC mercury effect and fractal noise etc. LINK HERE

• Simulate water effect as if its sliding down the glass surface
• We will use After Effects CC mercury effect and fractal noise etc. LINK HERE

High impact promo using Zaxwerks 3d serpentine plug-in.

Watch the tutorial

• Animate a camera through one surface to another below
• Combine camera mapping techniques with real textures
LINK HERE

In this video, Chris Martin shows you how to track a 3D object onto a live action video shot using Syntheyes and Cinema 4D.
LINK HERE

In this tutorial, Broadcast Designer Jason Brown will show you how to use the fracture object feature in Maxon’s Cinema 4d to make a quick Breaking News open when you are pressed for time. LINK HERE

Creating a Fluid Logo

In this first video with Creative Cow, Chris Martin goes over how to create a fluid logo using Realflow and Cinema 4D. LINK HERE

Bessie Potter

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow contributing editor Michael Park demonstrates how to make a dark, cloudy Title reveal similar to the one seen in the Movie Which Must Not Be Named. All textures and fonts are available in the project download as well as the final CS4 project file. LINK HERE

Boris Continuum Complete’s Witness Protection Filter

In this video tutorial, we use the BCC Witness Protection filter in Apple Final Cut Pro to obscure the face of a surfer who is surfing a wave at great speed, moving across the frame from the center to exit on the right. We will use BCC Witness Protection’s built-in motion tracker to automate this process. LINK HERE

Creating a 3D Text Fly In

In this video tutorial series, Creative Cow leader Zak Peric demonstrates creating a 3D text fly in using Apple Motion. LINK HERE

Creating a Waterfall

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow leader Michael Park demonstrates how to create a waterfall using After Effects and Trapcode Particular. This tutorial is in response to a couple of posts on the Trapcode Forum of CreativeCOW.net looking for this type of effect. This tutorial uses Particular 2.0, but the work flow and settings should work equally will with previous versions of Particular. LINK HERE

Aharon Rabinowitz has a few project files available on his site… this one is Microscope… LINK HERE

Another from All Bets Are Off…. Page Rip… LINK HERE

Last one in this roundup… Old World Map… LINK HERE

Typically when animating a title sequence or commercial, you have layered Photoshop files that were created for the storyboard. Using this script, you can quickly turn this layered artwork into 3D scenes as a starting point for the animation. LINK HERE

In this episode, I show you how to remove the banding from your videos rendered in After Effects. Banding happens when video is compressed and similar colors get posterized. This undesirable, visible bands of color that can be distracting, and in some cases downright ugly. Check out the video for some techniques to prevent this banding from happening. LINK HERE

In this episode, I to go though the new Daylight 2 from CSTools. Daylight 2 features more realistic area shadows, but you need to work to get rid of the grain. LINK HERE

In this quick tutorial, I show you how to make a glossy candy stripe texture. I have used this texture a ton lately when playing with the new physics engine. The stripes help show when spheres start to rotate. I use the scene that I built in yesterday’s tutorial, so you may want to head…. LINK HERE

In today’s tutorial, I show you how to set up the tags properly for Dynamics in Mograph 2 for a simple scene. I also go though how to cache the cloners in the scene for render. LINK HERE

In this tutorial we go over how to use Syntheyes tracking data in Cinema 4D. Watch Tip: Getting Syntheyes Tracking Data… LINK HERE

In this tutorial we use Mograph Effectors to create springy text. Watch Tip: Create Springy Text Using Mograph
LINK HERE

In this tutorial we create an array of blocks in Realflow and destroy them using rigid body dynamics. Watch Tip: Destroy… LINK HERE

In this tutorial we use Cinema 4D and Mograph to create spinning text with specular highlights. Watch Tip: Create Spinning Text…

Part 1 Part 2

In this tutorial start with a basic photo of several homes and then with the help of Compositor’s Toolkit and After Effects, create the illusion that one house has exploded. LINK HERE

If you have never used scripts before, you are missing out. These extensions to your AFter Effects arsenal can be invaluable. There are tons to choose from, they do a wide range of tasks, and new ones are being developed all the time. Lloyd Alvarez, our former editor actually runs AEscripts.com, an online marketplace and central hub for everything scripts in the AE Universe.

LINK HERE

Stop-motion animation using paper cut-outs can take quite a bit of time to produce… unless you use The Paper People effect! This technique gives you similar results in a fraction of the time. With the use of a current version of AE, you’ll use the wiggle expression, hold keyframes, and the puppet tool to emulate the classic look of a beloved form of traditional animation.

LINK HERE

Next time you get a frustrating assignment that you didn’t ask for, don’t crumple it up and throw it at your boss’s face. Now you can easily call it quits within After Effects! Rob uses the example of creating a paper crumple transition to show off the Digieffects plugin Freeform AE. Who knows… this tutorial might just save your job.

LINK HERE

Satya is back with a new tutorial that will help you look as good as you sound. This technique has many options so sit back and learn how to create an attractive visual generated from your audio spectrum.

LINK HERE

If you’re wanting to help to save Sarah Connor then maybe this tutorial will give you an insider’s perspective on what to do. Ben McEwan has created a 3 Day Series crammed full of useful expressions to create the UI found in the Terminator. He’ll skim over some of the basics of shape layers, as well as touch on some more advanced stuff like displacement mapping.

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3

In this tutorial we are going to reveal how to create a cool particle transition between 2 videos using Trapcode Form. We will cover the importance of layer maps while using this plugin as well as how to create a stylish displacement of the particles.

LINK HERE

Until recently this effect has been created in-camera using specialized lenses. In this tutorial, Richard Bird gives an overview of how the “Dollhouse Effect” can be quickly recreated in post-production without the use of 3rd party plug-ins by remapping the depth of field, use of simple colour correction and altering the frame rate.

LINK HERE

Adobe Kuler is a great resource for color themes that is perfectly integrated in all Adobe CS4 software – except for After Effects. But this has changed now. In this tutorial, Mathias Möhl shows how you can use his brand-new script “Chameleon – The Adobe Kuler Color Theme Browser” to work with Kuler color themes in After Effects. Apply a new color theme with just one click and all colors of your composition update automatically.

LINK HERE

Create a Rocky Video Game Terrain in Blender By Roberto Roch – In this series of tutorials you will learn how to create a finished environment for Blender’s Game Engine. The main focus of the series will be texturing and lighting, with the use of some custom 2d filters to enhance the result.Day 1 LINK HERE Day 2 LINK HERE Day 3 LINK HERE Day 4 LINK HERE

In this three part video tutorial series, lead video game artist, Ron Davey, will walk you through the process of creating a game-ready environment prop in Autodesk Maya, and also share his personal techniques and thoughts along the way.

Day 2 LINK HERE

In this multi-part tutorial, you will learn how to create simple, yet effective, 3d eyes that can be used in either CG illustrations, or animations. This series of tutorials will cover all of the steps that are necessary, from modeling and unwrapping, to texturing, to rigging, and eventually animating the eye.

Day 2 LINK HERE

Using the graphically based, plug and play programming of ICE, you will create and learn to control the motion of electron clouds around a nucleus. This tutorial covers constraints to motion, how to do vector math, particle trails, creating and reusing ICE compounds, and even some basic ICE particle rendering. If you don’t already, you will come to love the flexibility and power that ICE provides to your simulations.

LINK HERE

In this comprehensive video tutorial Blender guru, Karan Shah, will walk you through a detailed demonstration of the Blender user interface. From navigation, to modeling, and even animation, this tutorial is a must for anyone who is interested in learning this free, yet very powerful, open source 3d application.

LINK HERE

In this two part beginner/ intermediate tutorial, professional Modo artist, Matt Braeley, will demonstrate how to model a photorealistic Swiss Army knife using Luxology’s Modo 302. Despite its appearance and apparent complexity, it is actually a surprisingly easy and fun object to model, once broken down into it’s respective parts.

LINK HERE

In this tutorial you will go through the process of modeling and rendering a Living Room in Autodesk Maya. You will also learn to use Mental Ray (along with the new architectural materials), create realistic fur, and implement studio lighting to create nice and soft shadows and highlights.

Day 1 LINK HERE Day 2 LINK HERE

In this tutorial you will learn how to create a beautiful sunset over a calm sea using DreamScape and 3dsmax. DreamScape is sophisticated set of plug-ins for 3dsmax, that allows you to create and render realistic landscapes, seascapes, skies, clouds, outdoor lighting and more.

LINK HERE

This tutorial will focus on creating a cool molecule type object with Maya and finish the project off in After Effects. We will begin by modeling the molecule in maya, then create a shader via the hypershade panel and assign it to the object, and render out a still image. Lastly we will take it into After Effects, and create a camera that drifts and zooms towards the molecule. We will also add a few particles to the scene and comp it all together.

LINK HERE

In this advanced level tutorial, you will learn all of the steps necessary to build a fully functioning car rig in 3D Studio Max. This rig features working suspension, steering and body roll, as well as some functionality for drifting and powerslides. You will learn how to set up internal functionality through links, constraints, expressions, and parameter wiring. The final result will be a robust rig with easy, and accessible controls.

Day 1 LINK HERE Day 2 LINK HERE

In this beginner/ intermediate level tutorial, we are going to take a look at creating a simple toon shaded render for our characters in blender. Among the topics that will be covered are: basic lighting, creating and adjusting the toon materials, rendering, and composite nodes.

LINK HERE

In this beginner/ intermediate level tutorial, you will learn how to create and render a realistic interior scene in Cinema 4D and Vray. The first day will focus on modeling the room and all of the furniture, and the second on materials, lights, rendering, and post production.

Day 1 LINK HERE

In this multi-part,hard surface modeling tutorial, you will learn how to quickly create a realistic looking Nokia 5800. The techniques shown in this tutorial can easily be applied to other 3d applications, and the methods of making the phone itself are fast, and very efficient. Though the resulting mesh will not be perfect, the final render will still look great, thus the goal of this tutorial is not to teach you how to make a perfect mesh, but to teach you a trick or two about fast and efficient modeling.

LINK HERE

In this tutorial, you will learn how to create a bullet shooting through a liquid apple using Realflow, Cinema 4D, and After Effects . On the first day, you will learn scene setup in Realflow and proxy objects, Day 2 will cover importing Realflow data back into Cinema 4D and setting up for multipass rendering, and on the third and final Day, we will focus on importing .aec data from Cinema 4D into After Effects and isolating individual elements, as well as post effects.

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3

In this tutorial you will learn how to create a fantastic tunnel scene in Maya, and then add some final lighting touches in Photoshop. You follow Abed Ibrahim through his process as he of modeling, texturing, shading, and rendering techniques, and finally arrive at the spectacular result that is shown here.

Watch Day 1 LINK HERE

In this intermediate/ advanced video tutorial, you will learn how to model a highly detailed high-poly car rim from scratch. First, you will study a tried and true method of setting up a blueprint, and learn to make an animated x-ray material. Then, you will jump into modeling, where you learn a wide variety of tools and techniques, both low and high, to complete the final sub-d model.

Watch Day 1 LINK HERE

In this screen capture of a recent Adobe After Effects E-seminar, learn how Trapcode Soundkeys was used to control the look and feel of a boxing promo. Other topics include a technique for using Trapcode Shine along with CC Glass to create a stylistic impact effect, and various real-world workflow techniques. LINK HERE

Motion Sketch is one of those Adobe After Effects tools that is often forgotten (at least by me) but is still a handy addition to the After Effects toolset. In this quick tip we look at how you can use Motion Sketch to add natural, organic motion to your layers. LINK HERE

After Effects: Rotoscoping Fields – In this short tip, learn how to set up your Adobe After Effects composition to rotoscope footage imported with fields. (Note: please excuse the room ambience included with the audio, my regular microphone failed during this recording). Watch tip (5mins) LINK HERE

Photoshop Extended A Workflow with AE – In this screen cast of a recent Adobe E-seminar, learn how to incorporate Adobe Photoshop Extended into your Adobe After Effects workflow, by preparing video in After Effects, exporting to Photoshop and adding Filters, then reimporting back to After Effects for final compositing. LINK HERE

In this Adobe After Effects: Effects A-Z tip, special guest presenter Maltaannon demonstrates the Audio Spectrum effect.

LINK HERE

Ko Maruyama over at NinjaCrayon has a roundup of some C4D pumpkin and bat modeling tutorials just in time for Halloween!

LINK HERE

Modeling a Human Hand in Blender… LINK HERE

Rig a Piston in Blender… LINK HERE

35. After Effects: Creepy Nuclear Scene (Color Manipulation)

• Use CC Glass and other plugins to make a picture look 3d
• Play with Shine and Color Correction to create a creepy tone
• LINK HERE

Modeling a Bullet in C4D LINK HERE

Texturing/Animating a Bullet in C4D LINK HERE

Hey guys, you can check out both parts right now.

Meanwhile, the Cinema 4D and AE part are here. In Part one we will cover how to fully create the scene in Cinema 4D and then we will add final effects and camera chaos in After Effects. Both tutorials, if added up, add up to 20 minutes, so its a great deal to learn a powerful scene in a short period of time. Check them out and tell me your opinion.

Also check out the other side of the storm, Nahuel and his 3DS Max part: http://www.nalvfx.com.ar/

Noise Junkies Part

Lighting with Materials.

Neville Page, creature designer for Avatar, Star Trek and Cloverfield, demostrates his ZBrush PhotoShop Workflow. Remember you have to LOG IN FIRST – LINK HERE

In this tutorial you will learn how to use Illustrator and After Effects to create a spider web that animates on and catches some text that flies into it. LINK HERE

A quick introduction to using blurs in After Effects and Fusion 5. We cover the Box Blur, Gaussian Blur, and the Lens blur. Custom blur shapes and how to match the bokeh pattern from a specific lens are covered in Fusion 5. LINK HERE

In this tutorial, Carl Larsen shows you how to create an array of 3D particles using Trapcode Form and Red Giant Plane Space to achieve a look that, under most circumstances, has been reserved for more complex, 3d applications.

LINK HERE

In this episode of Red Giant TV, Chad Perkins shows you how to create various elements for use in a Twilight Zone-esque TV show opening, using After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator and Cinema 4D. Get ready to kick it old-school…

LINK HERE

Learn how to give your motion graphics compositions some flair by learning to harness the power of randomizing the 3d position and motion of characters within a bunch of text layers.

LINK HERE

Find out about the exciting new features offered in Mudbox 2010 in this series of short videos! LINK HERE

This is a tutorial primarily for beginners who are interested in editable poly. A set of stairs will be completed from this tutorial. I am using 3DS Max 2009, but any version of 3DS Max should be fine. LINK HERE

On MacBreak Studio, Alex and I continue our discussion of new features in Motion 4, this time with a “focus” on Depth of Field. See it on iTunes here or on the web here. LINK HERE
I return to MacBreak Studio, where I talk with host Steve Martin about the new camera framing behavior and a few other useful commands in Motion 4. Watch it on iTunes here or on the web here. If you want to learn about my Motion 4 Up and Running tutorial, that’s here. LINK HERE

Back in 2006 Chris Zwar created an awe-inspiring opening sequence that got a lot of attention, because despite what you might think, it wasnt created in 3d, only After Effects. Check out the post on his site, to see the spot we’re talking about, and to find the links to the tutorials at PVC.

LINK HERE

Richard has a nice little introduction to Keylight over at PVC. There are tons of Keylight tutorials riddled across the internet, but coming from an industry veteran like Mr. Harrington, you’re bound to learn something new.

LINK HERE

Eran finishes the Energy Drink tutorial by putting the finishing touches on it using Photoshop Extended as well as After Effects.

Visit Tutorial

Learn to carefully tint all of your footage within the same project to look like it was all shot together under the same lighting conditions. LINK HERE

You have your product or title object beautifully modeled and textured…but what about lighting? Well, one short answer is to look into Global Illumination. Another option fake GI with a complex lighting scheme. There are many options out there, here is one. We’re going to use MoGraph to make the setup a little easier and more flexible. LINK HERE

Chrome text, chrome logos, chrome, chrome, chrome… everybody wants some bling bling. What makes metallic textures look so good? Reflections. Reflections are easy if you have some text floating in a complete modelled environment. What if you want some chrome text as an element to bring back into AE for a composite? Here’s a beginner/intermediate tutorial to show you how you to make it quickly… LINK HERE

Let’s take a look a the layer shader. It is one of the more powerful shaders in the C4D shader arsenal. It basically works very similarly to the layers palette in Photoshop and the layered timeline in After Effects, so most of this will be familiar to a lot of you. Let’s dive in. LINK HERE

Well then the Transfer Tool is exactly what you’re looking for…

Let’s begin by selecting the object we want to place. (sphere) LINK HERE

CINEMA 4D Version 11 AR3 GI is a major upgrade from AR2 with a completely revamped new state of the art Global Illumination native render engine for Cinema 4D. VRay users may notice some similarities, while AR2 users will need to become acclimated to new terminology, settings and controls. Cinema users that until now wanted better GI in Cinema’s native Advanced Render should appreciate the improved render performance and control. LINK HERE

The Portal Cube or Weighted Companion from the Valve game Portal has become somewhat of an icon. This morning I modelled this in 3D Studio Max and recorded to show how it was done. LINK HERE

Brand new tutorial in a series of Maxscript for beginners – here we introduce basic terminology and generating objects and managing them through basic mat and scripting lingo.

This series is designed to move artists into more technical subjects easily and apply them to appropriate subjects for real production. LINK HERE

Check out this Transformers Logo tutorial from Tendest.com. LINK HERE

Info Hello viewer My name is Gourav Sharma. 3D Asian girl is my 1st attempt to make a realistic looking 3d girl! Software i used -3ds max 2008 and photoshop cs. Inspiration I got this information from my friend she told me that her one friend got pregnent coz of not using condom! we can’t stop anyone for having sex but we can be aware for safe sex ! LINK HERE

“What’s new in Mudbox 2010 – Extraction” by Ashraf Aiad

In this series of podcasts we will explore some of the new features in Mudbox 2010. The extraction user interface has been improved to allow extraction from diffrent levels. LINK HERE

“What’s new in Mudbox 2010 – FBX” by Ashraf Aiad

In this series of podcasts we will explore some of the new features in Mudbox 2010 Transferring your work between 3D applications is much simpler now that Mudbox supports the Autodesk FBX file format. LINK HERE

“Rifleman” by Robin Benes

I will show you how I proceeded with the modelling, texturing,postproduction. The most inspiring thing for me is art by Blizzard entertainment and becouse I´m a big fan of Warcraft i have started work on “my” Rifleman. LINK HERE

Nahuel’s 5 part tutorial series called The Truck on compositing a realistic explosion and fire into a peice of moving footage. Click the image to go to the page with the models and project files available for download, and click the individual links for direct links to the video tutorials

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5

On MacBreak Studio, I talk with Steve Martin about the new text styling and animation tools in Motion 4. Watch it in iTunes here or on the web here.

In the monthly video tutorials that Chris and Trish Meyer have been releasing, this month’s video is on understanding how shape layers work.

Visit Tutorial

This tutorial goes over the procedure of rendering a movie from After Effects, including how to use the Render Queue. LINK HERE

Dennis Radeke shows you how to create some realistic fog inside of AE using Fractal Noise and some masks.

Visit Tutorial

Nick takes us through the steps of creating a simple 3D background for a green screen interview type scenario.

A quick an easy technique to get a professional look for your next corporate production. LINK HERE

In preparaation for a web series that Pro Juice have in pre-production, i’ve been playing around with some effects that are to appear in a number of the episodes.

The first effect is replicating the look of a large screen plasma TV. One of the characters appears on a screen mounted on a wall and then interacts with the characters in the room. It looks like we will achieve the effect in post, so in this tutorial i take you through some of the steps involved in creating this dot-matrix type pattern which is in effect a working style guide for some effects that will appear in the web series – The Science of Night. LINK HERE

Nick takes us through the steps of how to manipulate the settings in the default Bad TV Effect in Final Cut Pro and create an original rolling analogue TV effect. LINK HERE

In the first stage of building a scene Rob shows you how to use a variety of tools to build a chair. Starting with a spline and a sweep nurbs, you will learn how to create a frame. Then on to poly objects, using soft selections, magnet, bevel, extrude and more to create realistic cushions. Finish off with some texturing and get ready for part two. LINK HERE

In the second stage of building a scene Rob shows you how to use a variety of tools to build a bath tub, with taps and even a towel created using the clothilde engine. Move on to apply textures and render a test, ready for part 3. LINK HERE

In the third part of the series, you will learn how to create a cabinet, complete with a sink, taps, and a mirror. Add some details and group everything together for easy import into the final scene. The next tutorial will cover setting up the room, adding materials and final modelling, before moving on to lighting and rendering. LINK HERE

In the fourth part of the series, you will learn how to set up the scene. Starting with building the room itself, adding a few props and then adding materials. See how mograph was used to build a lighting rig and a quick look at using photoshop to paint some textures. Also learn a quick tip for speedy navigating a scene without having to re-adjust your view for render time. LINK HERE

Mograph’s tracer object lets you easily generate and animate tendrils that follow any object. This tutorial shows you how easy it is. LINK HERE

Use the fracture object in cinema 4d to create an exploding logo, which is easily animateable. LINK HERE

Learn how to use Maxon’s exchange plugin to send 3d data from cinema 4D to After Effects, for easy compositing. LINK HERE

Why build your model and animate the long way when mograph can do almost of it for you? Watch and find out how. LINK HERE

Use the mograph module in cinema 4d to create a sci-fi scene, saving a lot of time and effort. LINK HERE

Learn to how to easily set up a hair material and the scene it’s in to create realistic grass. It catches a lot of people out but once you see what is involved (which isn’t much) you can get some really nice results with a minimum of effort. LINK HERE

• The first of many “Quick Tips” we hope to provide which will allow you to save time, effort and headaches…
• If you have ever had Z-Depth channel information which just wont let you get good Depth of Field, here is the solution…
• This fix allows you to correct the problem in After Effects without having to go back into 3D and re-render…

LINK HERE

• Learn how to create realistic running water in After Effects…
• Use particles to drive an image map displacement effect based on a background still image…
• You will learn how to use CCGlass to achieve a Specular highlight for added realism…

LINK HERE

• Introduction to basic 3D rigging using only pivot points and linking…
• Learn about IK versus FK rigging for animation and how to set up IK controllers…
• You will learn use the Layer Manager to separate Mesh objects from Rig objects…

LINK HERE

Using some particle systems, 3d cameras, and texture compositing, Levi shows you how to create a cool looking title sequence.

Visit Tutorial

Using a day for night technique, some roto, color correction and fractal noise, learn to make a nice sunny day look like a horrible, knock-out-your-power storm.

Visit Tutorial

Quick and easy way of a not very detailed water faucet. Perfect for those quick distant shots and angles. Obviously for close ups more details and variation would be needed but this should get you started. Enjoy LINK HERE

In this tutorial I go through the easy use of the bend deformer in C4D LINK HERE

See how easy and quick it is to spin an object. In C4D LINK HERE

How to use the explosion deformer easily and effective in C4D. LINK HERE

Showing you how to model a chess queen piece using only a bezier spline in C4D. LINK HERE

Following on from the Chess Queen piece tutorial heres one on how to model the board. I did however use the old tutorial from Maxon on modeling the board. It was the first ever written tutorial I followed and therefore I am now showing you with a video on how to do it. LINK HERE

An effective way to improve the quality of your blueprints or reference images to get rid of the nasty ‘blur’ and distortion. Its my common method to work with references and images within Cinema 4D although many use references and images as a background instead of on a plane now. But as you can see this way also has an advantage if your blueprint isnt top notch quality. Enjoy LINK HERE

How to create fire using the mograph module. More specifically the Mograph Displace Deformer. LINK HERE

I show you a quick way to export from Cinema4D to Photoshop including lights, layers, reflection and more. LINK HERE

Video tutorial showing how easy it is to make a basic LCD model using one cube and a few spheres. Good tutorial for those wanting to see how the Extrude tool works. LINK HERE

Tutorial showing how to easy create a basic wire or cable using only a spline and circle. LINK HERE

Here I show you the main ways to create a bridge or fill a gap. Also shows how to create a ‘hole.’ LINK HERE

The reason for this quick tutorial was to show you how to use the Atom Array quickly and its main purpose. LINK HERE

Basic tutorial showing how easy it is to model a ring for example a wedding ring. LINK HERE

Modeling a Table Lamp using Loft Nurbs tutorial. Good for the quick easy table lamp models needed. LINK HERE

A quick video tutorial showing the basics of how to create grass using the Hair module in cinema4D. Obviously the hair module is needed for this. LINK HERE

Keying Footage With Keylight Software Used: After Effects Overview: In this tutorial we look at the basics of keying footage in After Effects using the plugin Keylight. This tutorial doesn’t go over all the buttons and switches of the plugin but gives you enough to get started and understanding how it works. View: View Tutorial

2 Simple Expressions In After Effects Software Used: After Effects Overview: In this After Effects tutorial focus on two simple expressions. The two expressions used are; loopOut(); and Wiggle(2,2); For more information on expressions in After Effects check out AE Enhancers and the tutorials by Harry Frank over at graymachine.com. View: View Tutorial

Basics Of Rotoscoping In After Effects Software Used: After Effects Overview: In this tutorial we look at the basics of rotoscoping in After Effects. This tutorial is for beginners and should give you an idea of what rotoscoping is and how essential it can me to any project. View: View Tutorial

Creating A Wipe With A Basic Mask Animation Software Used: After Effects Overview: In this tutorial we look at creating a wipe by animating masks in After Effects. This tutorial is for beginners and should give you an idea of how to animate a mask and what alpha channels are. View: View Tutorial

Simple Counter Expression In After Effects Software Used: After Effects Overview: This is my first After Effects video tutorial so please take that into consideration. In this tutorial I go through the basics of how you add an expression in After Effects. I focus on setting up a simple counter expression using an expression and the slider control effect. Here is the expression used; val = effect(“Slider Control”)(“Slider”); numDec = 0; // digits to right of decimal numDigit = 2; // digits to left of decimal if (val < 0) sign = “-” else sign = “”; s = Math.abs(val).toFixed(numDec); while (s.length < numDigit + numDec + 1) s = “0″ + s; sign + s For more information on expressions in After Effects check out AE Enhancers and the tutorials by Harry Frank over at graymachine.com. View: View Tutorial

Intro To RealFlow – Basic User Interface Software Used: RealFlow Overview: In this first of hopefully many RealFlow tutorials I go over the basic user interface and layout. I show you how to navigate around and manipulate objects in a scene. This tutorial is just to get your feet a little wet and introduce you to RealFlow and understand where all the basic buttons are. View: View Tutorial

Tyson Ibele has created an amazing free script for 3DS Max that generates complex buildings with mere clicks. If you haven’t picked this one up you need to asap! This script is the reason I love Max. No other community would share such a powerful script for free. LINK HERE

New tutorial uploaded showing the process of exporting content into the correct format for use in Frenzoo, a 3D chat service that allows users to create their own 2D and 3D custom content. As with is common with most services like this, the content can be exported out directly from 3DS Max but not other applications so there are a couple of extra steps required to get files and content set up properly for use. Read how to export models to Frenzoo.

New tutorial uploaded on exporting models to the Open 3D *.o3d format, or more correctly the *.o3dtgz format. LINK HERE

Most modern games use normal maps and luckily for Blender users the program has a native abilty to render bake them from high resolution meshes… LINK HERE

I am very proud of what I have achieved by working on this animation. In this tutorial I will show you how to make gold typography with a see through mesh. LINK HERE

In this tutorial, I will show you how to create an awesome 3D magic top-hat! We will use 3ds Max and Adobe Photoshop to render and then post-process the image.

LINK HERE

In this tutorial, I will show you how to create an outstanding 3D tunnel animation! We will use 3ds Max to create a tunnel, add some materials and set up lightings and then we will use Adobe After Effects to post-process entire animation! So, let’s get started!

LINK HERE

This tutorial will show you how to create an interesting 3D text image. It will explain you how to set up your rendering engine to render glossy surfaces and create some glossy materials as borders of your letters. Then, we will create a simple background for your rendered text. Let’s get started!

LINK HERE

In this tutorial, we’ll take a look at a built-in script called the Solidify Selection script. This script, created by Campbell Barton, will allow you to solidify a mesh by adding a second “skin” to it based on the selected geometry. LINK HERE

In this tutorial, we’ll be taking a look at the basic blocking for modeling a 3d cartoon hand. Part 1 Part 2

In this Blender tutorial, we’ll be taking a look at how to model a smooth t-joint connection. This technique is something you might want to consider when simply intersecting two cylinders doesn’t quite give you the appearance you need. LINK HERE

In this Blender tutorial, we’ll take a look at how to add simple transitions to camera changes in an animation. This will be accomplished using Blender’s Video Sequence Editor. LINK HERE

Brick is one of the Popular material that we usually often used in 3ds Max. The brick’s application as wall constructor or wall exspose. Behind as Architectural element, the bricks are usually used in the Game and Industry. This tutorial will guide u how to make your own bricks material step by step, and I assume that it really works for the beginner, and that you have a great understanding of basic geometry. LINK HERE

Video Tutorial for Cinema 4D – Tearing cloth with an object – swf format – 4.6mb Password : www.jag4d.com Create a cloth and activate the tearing option, place the cloth in a ClothNURBS object. Create a collider object and move it through the cloth, fixing the border of the cloth and moving the collider through the middle will work in any case. LINK HERE

Video Tutorial for Cinema 4D – Clothilde with belt – swf format – 4.6mb

Password : www.jag4d.com LINK HERE

Video Tutorial for Cinema 4D – Normal Map – swf format – 6mb One technology that is widely used for the modern game is a normal mapping. Normal mapping is a way to handle a light to the surface with a height / depth specific. Normal mapping can be similar / the same as the bump mapping. At the game level is higher are typically used where the effect of parallax mapping from a depth of a surface can be drawn with only one additional texture only. Normal mapping is used to produce a highly detailed image by using only some polygon. LINK HERE

Finger Setup – swf Format 31 mb Password: www.free-tutorials.freesitespace.net

LINK HERE

Video Tutorial for Cinema 4D – Skin with Claude Bonet – swf format – 4.1mb Password : www.free-tutorials.freesitespace.net LINK HERE

Video Tutorial for Cinema 4D – Basic UV Export – swf format – 1.5mb Password : www.free-tutorials.freesitespace.net LINK HERE

In this tutorial you’ll learn how to use the particle system included with Cinema 4D. You’ll also learn how to use gravity, wind, deflectors, destroyers and rotation with your particles. LINK HERE

In this first part of a multi-part tutorial you’ll learn about the settings in the general tab of lights. You’ll learn about the different types of lights, shadows and visible light. LINK HERE

In this second part of a multi-part tutorial you’ll learn about the settings in the details tab of lights. This includes: Inner angle, outer angle, aspect ratio, contrast, what a shadowcaster is for, falloff and the inverse square law for lighting as well as near clip and far clip. You will also see how to exclude objects from your lights and how to add noise to your volumetric lighting for a fog effect. LINK HERE

In this tutorial you’ll learn how to use multiple cameras in your scene and switch between them with the Stage Object. LINK HERE

In this tutorial you’ll learn how to use a simple version of xpresso to help control your animations and reduce the amount of keyframing necessary. You’ll also learn how to use the cycle command in the Animation timeline. LINK HERE

In this tutorial you’ll learn how to combine the MoGraph spline mask with the sound and delay effectors to create interesting shapes filled with clones. LINK HERE

In this tutorial you’ll learn how to combine your Cinema 4D projects with After Effects. You will learn how to combine object buffers with external compositing tags and lights to use as emitters with Trapcode Particular in After Effects. LINK HERE

In this tutorial you’ll learn how to add bounce using Mograph. Using a simple cloner object and a delay effector, you too can add spring to your step, or in this case to your lighting fixtures. Thanks to Ame for the inspiration for this tutorial! LINK HERE

Tutorial showing you how to use Global Illumination to light your scenes. LINK HERE

Short tutorial showing you how to wrap text along a spline using the Mograph plugin. LINK HERE

NURBS, NURBS, NURBS. Guess what this tutorial introduces you to. You’ll get a basic understanding of how to use the diffferent types of NURBS in C4D. LINK HERE

This Time With Prizes From VideoHive!

Yep, It’s True! Videohive.net has graciously sponsored the latest five second project with $100 worth of credit to spend on their After Effects projects and Video Loops. $50 will go to the winner and $50 will be given to a random winner picked from all the entries. Check out their new site re-design and especially their After Effect Projects. You can even sell your own AE projects through VideoHive and get paid! Support our sponsor and go check them out
What Are Five Second Projects?
We all want to make cool shit for our reel right? Sometimes you just need a theme to get you started… Some rules to fight against. Use the theme “Fast Food” to make a five second motion piece and link it in the comments of this blog post. Please be sure to post a link in this post’s comments to ensure me seeing it.

Photographers, use the theme, “Fast Food” to go shoot a photo. Link it in the Flickr group.

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Videocopilot.net – Build a complex particle system using CC Particle World. Synchronize the particle blast to shatter a title.  LINK HERE

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Bitweiser Lite – Problems with overerexposed footage? Need to work in 32bpc for nice depth of field and motion blur? Now you can! Convert your footage from 8bpc to 32bpc with my new free plugin.  LINK HERE

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Introduction to Pixel Bender – Check this tutorial out and learn more about Adobe Pixel Bender technology and start making your own plugins.  LINK HERE

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In this After Effects video tutorial, Lester Lauritzen shows you how to use the CC Threshold RGB effect to create a luminance matte and mask out water in a swimming pool.  LINK HERE

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35. Water Refraction – Simulate water effect as if its sliding down the glass surface. We will use After Effects CC mercury effect and fractal noise etc. LINK HERE

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There are many ways to create some little elements that go into radar screens and control panels, but when you need to design something that matches a defined or described function – then you might find some really simple solutions in CINEMA4D’s mograph tools.  This 5min video tutorial walks you through the basics. What you do with those tools can take a little longer.  LINK HERE

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In this Adobe After Effects: Effects A-Z tip, special guest presenter Maltaannon demonstrates the Audio Waveform effect. LINK HERE

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In this Adobe After Effects: Effects A-Z tip, special guest presenter Harry Frank of Graymachine demystifies Arithmetic and offers ups some creative uses for this little known effect.  Download project LINK HERE

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In this Adobe After Effects: Effects A-Z tip, special guest presenter Maltaannon explains some techniques for using the Angle Control effect with basic expressions.  LINK HERE

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3D or AE? How about 3D using AE! At the beginning of 2006 I created a conference opener for Centrica that looked like it had been made with a 3D animation package, however practically everything was created using only After Effects.  Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

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In this GSG Cast, Nick tries to make sense of how layer order effects visibility in After Effects when using 2D and 3D layers. There is also a tip on how to force a 3D element into place by using 2D layers. Enjoy!  LINK HERE

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I do this a lot when I want to try out different lighting techniques in Cinema 4D. I build this abstract shape and see how sexy I can make it. Follow along and learn how to build an abstract shape in Cinema 4D using the deformers and some simple textures.  LINK HERE

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Sometimes, when making 3D shapes in after effects, you just can’t get two layers to line up properly. Here is a trick I learned to make sure your edges always look like they are perfect.  LINK HERE

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Create the JibJab Effect by Adam Everett Miller – Learn how to turn yourself into a cartoony looking animation. If you have a client that wants something funny or if you’re just bored and need something to do with your friends, this is a simple tutorial that will generate some extremely entertaining results!  LINK HERE

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Create a Peaceful Sunset by James Grochowalski – In this tutorial James will show some practical techniques in creating a lovely sunset scene. He will cover extracting a tree image from the sky background within Photoshop and animating a realistic sunset.  LINK HERE

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Mac OSX Wallpaper Creation – With Invigorator Pro Day 1 and 2 by Saqib Naqvi – In this tutorial Saqib recreates the Mac OSX Wallpaper. He will start off Day 1 setting up the background to create the simulated aurora feel. Then be ready for Day 2 as we jump into Invigorator to create our 3d logos.

Part 1 LINK HERE Part 2 LINK HERE

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Create Mac OSX Intro Video with C4D – Day 1 and 2 – by Satya Meka – As the penultimate nugget of goodness in our Mac Lover’s Week, Satya created a 2 day tutorial that everybody will enjoy! In day 1, he will walk us through Cinema 4D and how to create the 3d text in this effect.

Part 1 LINK HERE Part 2 LINK HERE

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Create Harry Potter Titles – by Robert Holtby – You don’t have to be a graduate of Hogwarts to create cool titles! In this tutorial you will learn the simplicity of creating an amazing looking Harry Potter “The Half-Blood Prince” introduction, using only four photographs and the power of After Effects. So quit your Quidditch and have a seat. It’s gonna be magical!  LINK HERE

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How to Create a Glitchy Interface Animation – by Anthony Errisuriz – This tutorial will teach you how to recreate a stylized Glitch Interface Animation that resembles a high tech control system, with an analog monitor startup. Anthony Errisuriz provides his step by step process for creating this amazing effect with design from Illustrator and animating in After Effects.  LINK HERE

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Next-Gen Weapon Creation – Day 2: The Low-Poly Model – by Ben Bolton – Creating weaponry effectively in a next-gen workflow requires detailed knowledge of a variety of very specific skills and tools. In this, the second day of the next-gen knife modeling series, you will tackle the creation of your low-poly model, by cleverly reverse-engineering the high-poly source mesh. LINK HERE

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How to Export 3d Camera Data from Cinema 4D into After Effects by Harrison Ambs – When it comes to motion graphics, exporting camera data from a 3D program to a 2D compositing program is one of the most important techniques you could know. In this tutorial, you will learn the basics behind getting Cinema 4D and After Effects to talk to one another, including using exporting tags, using the camera data in After Effects within 3D layers and effects, and how to set up and tweak your render for the best results.  LINK HERE

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Model a Photorealistic Boss Tu-2 FX Pedal in Modo – Day 1 & 2 – by Matt Brealey – In this two-part tutorial, you will learn how to model the Boss Tu-2 FX pedal using Luxology’s Modo 302. Taking advantage of Modo’s workflow enhancing toolset, the model will be highly-detailed, and suitable for close up renders from any angle.  Day 1 LINK HERE Day 2 LINK HERE

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Making Realistic Water in 3ds Max by Evan Schaible – In this tutorial we will be looking in depth at the water space warp in 3D Studio Max. We will first dive into the theory of the space warp, and fish out all of the little details that most people only swim past. Then, after we’ve had our fill of theory, we will look at how to practically apply that theory in a realistic pool scene, and render in Maxwell Render for our final result.  LINK HERE

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Re-Topologize a Game-Ready Alien Head in Blender – by Jonathan Williamson – The retopology tools in Blender allow you to take a high-resolution model and very quickly create a low-poly version of that model. You can then use this new low-poly mesh to easily generate a normal map, displacement map, or anything else you may need from the high-poly version.  This tutorial introduces you to the basics of retopo in Blender, including how to use the extrude feature, the paint tool, and some of the quirks of retopo in general. Retopologizing a model.  LINK HERE

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Next-Gen Weapon Creation – Day 3: Unwrapping and Texture Baking – by Ben Bolton – Creating weaponry effectively in a next-gen workflow requires detailed knowledge of a variety of very specific skills and tools. In the third tutorial of this knife creation series, we will examine UV mapping and baking, two highly complementary sciences.  LINK HERE

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Next-Gen Weapon Creation – Day 4: Diffuse and Specular Textures – by Ben Bolton – Creating weaponry effectively in a next-gen workflow requires detailed knowledge of a variety of very specific skills and tools. In the conclusion to this next-gen knife series, we begin the texturing phase of the asset creation process in Photoshop and 3ds Max.  LINK HERE

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Cast Shadows from CG into a Live Action Scene with Cinema 4D – by Connor Kerrigan – Casting realistic looking shadows from a cg object is extremely critical to making your cg believable in a live action environment. It is, however, also extremely difficult. In this tutorial you will learn how to use Cinema 4d to make a shadow catching layer that you will then be able to composite together with the main rendered video in After Effects.  LINK HERE

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Create a New York Subway Entrance in Maya – Day 1: Modeling – by Ron Davey – In this three part video tutorial series, lead video game artist, Ron Davey, will walk you through the process of creating a game-ready environment prop in Autodesk Maya, and also share his personal techniques and thoughts along the way.  In this, the first part of the series, Ron will begin by modeling the low-poly mesh from reference, and then move on to creating the high-poly source for the purpose of baking normal maps.  LINK HERE

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An Introduction to 3ds Max: Polygonal Modeling – Day 1 – by Kaleb Aylsworth – Of all of the high-end 3d apps on the market, 3ds Max is by far one of the most powerful. It is, however, also one of the most complex and daunting 3d apps to learn.  In this two part tutorial, professional video game artist, Kaleb Aylsworth, will give you a detailed introduction to 3ds Max, as it pertains to polygonal modeling and the video game industry.  LINK HERE

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An Introduction to 3ds Max: Polygonal Modeling – Day 2 – by Kaleb Aylsworth – In this two part tutorial, professional video game artist, Kaleb Aylsworth, will give you a detailed introduction to 3ds Max, as it pertains to polygonal modeling and the video game industry.  In the first part of the series, Kaleb walked you through many key skills that you will need to get started modeling. Now, in the second part, he will demonstrate how to apply the things that you have learned by using them to make a low-poly version of Plasticboy’s “Retro TV Set”.  LINK HERE

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Create a Lightbulb in Blender

Part 1 LINK HERE Part 2 LINK HERE

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Animate A Gear Train in Blender

LINK HERE

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Non Photo Realistic Cumulus Clouds in Blender

LINK HERE

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Create an Exploding Planet in 3ds Max

LINK HERE

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Create a Procedural Tile Material in 3ds Max 2010

LINK HERE

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Car Paint Shader in 3ds Max 2010

LINK HERE

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31. After Effects: Giving life to your animations. Use simple effects like CC Jaws to create a vivid animation. Use lights ans shadows to make the scene very vivid. LINK HERE

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30. After Effects: “DJ-Like” Light Streams.  Use Shine and Particular to create an awesome light sequence.  Simulate a realistic stream of lights coming to the camera

LINK HERE

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Tip: Creating the Slow Motion Effect in Realflow

In this tutorial we go over how to change the frames per second in Realflow to achieve a slow motion..  LINK HERE

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Tip: Realwave Inside of Realflow

In this tutorial we go over using Realwave inside of Realflow to create text rising out of water and making…  LINK HERE

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Tip: Getting Syntheyes Tracking Data into Cinema 4D

In this tutorial we go over how to use Syntheyes tracking data in Cinema 4D. Watch Tip: Getting Syntheyes Tracking Data…  LINK HERE

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Tip: Parenting for Position

In this tutorial we go over how to parent one object to another to transfer it’s position and also to… LINK HERE

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Tip: Getting C4D Data in and out of Realflow

In this tutorial we go over getting scene data in and out of C4D for use in Realflow. Watch Example of… LINK HERE

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Tip: Making an Initial State in Realflow

In this tutorial we go over making an initial state in Realflow. Watch Making an Initial State in Realflow…. LINK HERE

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Tip: Working with Rigid Body in Realflow

In this tutorial we go over using rigid body dynamics inside of Realflow to knock over some blocks. Watch Working with…  LINK HERE

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Tip: Using a Custom Object as a Realwave in Realflow

In this tutorial we go over how to use a custom object as a Realwave in Realflow. Watch Using a Custom…  LINK HERE

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Tip: Working with Elastics in Realflow

In this tutorial we go over how to use elastics to simulate a ball bouncing. Watch Working with Elastics in Realflow[podcast…  LINK HERE

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Maya Composite 101 (Based upon the Autodesk® Toxik™ software) – Part 1 In this tutorial, you will become familiar with the Toxik UI and workflow.  LINK HERE

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Modeling A Toy Dragonfly
This tutorial series covers how to model, texture, and render a toy dragonfly. This tutorial is for beginners. Part two begins where part one left off. This tutorial will be teaching more modeling techniques and using… LINK HERE

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Mudbox techniques for props #1 – Wood

a first video concerning sculpting techniques for prop… LINK HERE

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What’s New in Mudbox 2010

In this series of podcasts we will explore some of the new features within Mudbox 2010 – videos by Ashraf Aiad… LINK HERE

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Episode 27: Building an Airport Scene – Part 1: Backplate – By Mathias Möhl – In this episode of Red Giant TV, Mathias Möhl shows you how to take footage of a parking lot, and turn it into the backplate for an Airport Scene.  LINK HERE

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Episode 28: Building an Airport Scene – Part 2: Compositing – By Mathias Möhl – In this episode of Red Giant TV, Mathias Möhl continues his airport project, and shows you how to motion track with Mocha For After Effects, and then to use that data along with MochaImport (His own Script) to easily create a solid composite.  LINK HERE

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Bending Flash Video in After Effects – Match your video to the geometry of an object by using a warp effect in After Effects.  LINK HERE

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Prop Modeling 101 is a new series of video tutorials by Chris Tate. In this series, he aims to help those new to modeling in 3dsmax by creating a simple table.  LINK HERE

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Learn about how to turn on and adjust shadows in Motion 4. See it on iTunes here or on the web LINK HERE

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My first of a series of MacBreak Studio episodes covering the new features of Motion 4 – this one introduces reflections. See it on iTunes here or on the web LINK HERE

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Here’s the new SpiderWeb Tutorial using Cloth in Cinema 4D. This video doesn’t have audio, but hopefully you can just enjoy the music I left playing from pandora.  Part 1 LINK HERE Part 2 LINK HERE

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Shutter 3D Video Tutorials LINK HERE

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Learn how to animate the creation of bullet holes which conform to specific shaped masks… You will learn how use Particular to drive the creation of the bullet holes… Then we add some light shafts coming from the bullet holes, for some added realism…  LINK HERE

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Learn how to animate joints with a Maya hair curve. Very nice rig with tons of control!! Use it creatively and you’ll find a lot of ways to use it… Plus its a LOT of fun!  LINK HERE

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Video Tutorial for Cinema 4D – Tearing cloth with an object – swf format – 4.6mb Password : www.jag4d.com Create a cloth and activate the tearing option, place the cloth in a ClothNURBS object. Create a collider object and move it through the cloth, fixing the border of the cloth and moving the collider through the middle will work in any case.  LINK HERE

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Video Tutorial for C4D  – Clothilde with belt – SWF Format – 4.6mb Password:  www.jag4d.com  LINK HERE

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Cinema 4D Normal Map Tutorial SWF Format – 6mb

One technology that is widely used for the modern game is a normal mapping. LINK HERE

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In this tutorial, I will show you how to create an advanced city of the future inside of 3DS Max. This part of the tutorial will show you how to create all the objects and composite them together. In the second part we’ll take a look at the materials and lights.  Part 1 LINK HERE Part 2 LINK HERE

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Create a Realistic Sails with 3DS Max and Reactor by Piotr Jaroszek

In this tutorial, we are going to create a realistic sails with 3DS Max. You will also learn how to simulate a blowing wind using reactor engine to attan impressing results! So, let’s get started!  LINK HERE

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Create a Realistic 3D Cracking Effect Using 3DS Max – by Paul – In this tutorial, we are going to create a very realistic animation of breaking surface inside of 3DS Max using some simple tools and tricky methods. So, let’s get into it!

LINK HERE

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How to Create a Realistic 3D Diamond Ring Using 3DS Max -  by Paul – In this tutorial, we will create a very accurate 3D diamond ring model. We will use 3DS Max to create all the necessary objects and VRay rendering engine to render them! So, let’s begin!

LINK HERE

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Create an Exploding 3D Fluid Text Effect – by Paul – In this tutorial, I will show you how to create an exploding fluid text effect using 3DS Max and Photoshop. Recently I made a tutorial presenting how to explode a 3D planet and here is a little bonus presenting how to explode a fluid. So let’s start!

LINK HERE

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Create a Spectacular 3D Space Explosion by Paul In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to create a brilliant 3D space explosion using some basic tools inside of Vue Infinite and Photoshop! So let’s get started!

LINK HERE

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Did you know that CC Particle World allows you to use an image (or texture) as a custom particle type? Just select the “Textured QuadPolygon” and a texture roll-out becomes available that allows you to choose a layer along with some other options.   Here is a fun project file. that uses a custom particle type to create the image-based glowing lights.  LINK to Download

UV mapping finally available in After Effects. Check out this amazing tutorial to learn how to integrate your 3D artwork with After Effects to improve your workflow, save time and money. It’s a must-see!  LINK HERE

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An introduction to custom effects which trigger actions using layer markers inside of Adobe After Effects.  Look out for a VLOG soon giving away a few of “A New Solid” from Eran Stern!  LINK HERE
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Imagineer Systems Tutorial Contest! The challenge is to create tutorials for Imagineer products including mocha, monet, mokey, motor and others. The prize? The full kitty of Imagineer products! The deadline is September 15, 2009. LINK HERE

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Learn how to move projects from FCP to AE seamlessly and free from Richard Harrington over at PVC – LINK HERE

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In Toolfarm Expert Series Professional Training for After Effects Camera, Rob Birnholz uncovers the mysteries of the After Effects camera, going through basics and moving quickly through the more advanced settings and controls. This is Chapter 12, Auto Orient Layers to Cameras for free!  LINK HERE

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Nick takes us through the steps to create an animated thought bubble.  Using masking techniques, motion tracking and shadows, he creates a thought bubble that floats alongside Arlo’s head helping him decide what to do.  LINK HERE

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Have you ever looked in the Adobe After Effects Effects menu and wondered what some effects are used for? In this extended series of tips take a voyage of discovery as we uncover every default effect that ships with Adobe After Effects. Each week myself and other guest presenters from around the globe will take you on a whirlwind tour through an effect, starting right here with the Add Grain effect.  LINK HERE

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In this Adobe After Effects: Effects A-Z tip, special guest presenter Eran Stern demonstrates the basics of using the Advanced Lightning effect. LINK HERE

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In this Adobe After Effects: Effects A-Z tip, special guest presenter Topher Welsh covers the basics of using the Alpha Levels effect. LINK HERE

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via AEPortal – sParticular is a script that helps you with 3D integration when using Trapcode Particular. Running sParticular will create as many Particular instances as needed between all your 3D layer and spread the particles in your 3D world, all linked to a master instance you can edit if you need to tweak your particles. Be sure to also check Sebastien Perier’s sParticular homeland.  Tutorial LINK HERE

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Immigration turns the pain usually associated with importing and batch replacing files in After Effects a joy. While browsing for import, it shows file sequences as one line item instead of a long list of files. Immigration uses a custom algorithm to scan the file system at speeds dramatically faster than even the OS can. In our testing a server folder with 30,000 files that takes over 5 minutes to open in the finder opens in 12 seconds in Immigration (and that includes file-sequence detection!). If you frequently find yourself waiting for the OS to open folders then you will love Immigration.  Tutorial LINK HERE

In this short video they “help you get started with setting up the motion tracker and stabilizer built into After Effects. Although this video uses AE CS4, the tracker’s controls have been largely unchanged over the last several versions, so this will also be of use to those using other recent vintages of AE. The tracker in AE is much-maligned (and AE CS4 now comes bundled with mocha for After Effects as an alternative), but once you know the secrets of how the track points work and how to set its options, it works fine for a large variety of shots.” LINK HERE

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Have you ever had a text layer that has to be changing every few seconds or so?  Does it get really annoying to have to trim your layers and replace it with a new one with a different set of letters?  Well, in this very simple, yet very useful quick tip, we will explore changing the Source Text parameter in the pull down menu settings on your text layers in your comp.  Using hold keyframes, you can set the Source Text to change over time, which in turn will lower your layer count and keep your projects more organized.  LINK HERE

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In this episode of Red Giant TV, Aharon Rabinowitz gives you some cool tips for working with Numeric Text, for things like video game scores and other digital readouts. No 3rd Party Plug-ins are used in this tutorial – Just straight After Effects.  LINK HERE

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Have you ever run into that issue when you import very large images (I’m talking like 10,000 by 10,000 pixels large), and you get image buffer errors, or it takes like a whole minute to draw a frame?  Or perhaps you are using the CC Repetile or Motiontile effects to mirror the edges of an already large image so that you can move the 3d camera around, and still have a background for your image, only to find you are still getting huge frame renders and error messages?  Well fret no longer my friends… I have a nice little, albeit very “derr… why didn’t I think of that” tip for you all to create some seamless backgrounds without having to worry about frame buffers and that other annoying crap that After Effects likes to throw your way.  LINK HERE

Create the “My Paper Mind” Effect by Nicolas Plaire This tutorial will teach you how to recreate the “My Paper Mind” effect done by Javan Ivey, but with the environment in mind, Nicolas has come up with a way to save some paper (as well as about 3 days worth of paper cuts!) It is all done in After Effects without any third party plug-ins. Enjoy!  LINK HERE

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Creating a Tracked Head Wound by Mathias Mohl In this tutorial Mathias shows that corner pin tracking can do much more than just replacing some pictures on a wall. We are going to compose a wound on a moving head and use the Mocha tracker in combination with his script MochaImport. Trust me, this is so much easier then creating a real head wound!  LINK HERE

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Create a Palmticular Treeby Vincent Boudier Vincent introduces a few of the new features in Particular 2 with the creation of a growing palm tree. Put on some sun screen and enjoy! LINK HERE

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Construct a Detailed Type 97 Hand Grenade in Cinema 4D, BodyPaint, and Photoshop – Day1 by Mountaga Kane – In this two part video tutorial, you will go through the complete process of modeling, unwrapping, and texturing a Type 97 hand grenade, the standard fragmentation grenade that was used by the Imperial Japanese Army in WWII.  In the first part, you will learn how to create the model using the lathe and boole functions in C4D, and in second, you will learn how unwrap it in BodyPaint, and paint the texture maps in Photoshop.  LINK HERE

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Create an Awesome Exploding Glass Effect with Thinking Particles and 3ds Max by Cristian Pop – It is always a good idea to learn as many new techniques as possible to help flesh out your CG scenes. In this tutorial, you will learn how to create an impressive breaking glass effect using 3ds Max 2009 and Thinking Particles 3.  LINK HERE

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Advanced Lighting and Caustics with Mental Ray and Maya by Alan Monroig – In this tutorial you will learn how to use the 3 indirect lighting systems in Maya (Global Illumination, Final Gathering, and Irradiance Particles) and caustics. You will learn how to solve common problems and reduce rendering times while creating hi-quality images. At the end of this tutorial, you will have gained enough experience to decide which of the 3 indirect lighting systems is the most convenient for any situation.  LINK HERE

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Construct a Detailed Type 97 Hand Grenade in Cinema 4D, BodyPaint, and Photoshop – Day 2 by Mountaga KaneIn this two part video tutorial, you will go through the complete process of modeling, unwrapping, and texturing a Type 97 hand grenade, the standard fragmentation grenade that was used by the Imperial Japanese Army in WWII. In the first part, you learned how to create the model using the lathe and boole functions in C4D, and now you will learn how to unwrap it in BodyPaint and paint the texture maps in Photoshop.  LINK HERE

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An Introduction to Subdivision (High-Poly) Modeling Tools and Techniques by Racer445 – Subdivision modeling is a very common technique used when making almost all big name games, movies, and CG pieces. It allows you to make hard surfaces with nice beveled edges and a very high polycount in a short amount of time. In this tutorial, you will learn the very basics of subdivision modeling. How it works, the common tools used, keeping forms, and how to apply it to your models. This tutorial is targeted towards 3D Studio Max users, however the same concepts can be easily applied to any other 3D program.  LINK HERE
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An Introduction to Fluid Simulations in Blender by Greg Dunn – Learning to simulate realistic fluids in any 3d app is always a challenge, but Blender’s sophisticated solver allows for some very rewarding results. In this introduction to Blender fluid simulations, you will learn the basics of how to set up a fluid simulation in Blender with an obstacle, and a few fluid set ups to give you an idea of some of the other things that you can do with Blender fluids. LINK HERE

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Next-Gen Weapon Creation – Day 1: The High-Poly Model by Ben Bolton – Creating weaponry effectively in a next-gen workflow requires detailed knowledge of a variety of very specific skills and tools. In this, the first tutorial in the next-gen knife creation series, you will learn to build a high-poly knife model using 3ds Max.  LINK HERE

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Create a Custom Cartoon Effect with Red Giant ToonIt 2Add pro cartooning effects to your next project in After Effects, Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, Motion, or Avid by Sean Safreed over at Studio Monthly -  LINK HERE

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In this demonstration the instructor creates the high res version of a complex modular fountain from scratch with 3ds Max 2010. The sculpting portions of the video are done twice, once in Mudbox 2009 and again in Zbrush 3.1. Part 1 LINK HERE Part 2  LINK HERE

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here is the introduction of our houdini shading and rendering video. Take a listen. We cover many topics in this video.  LINK HERE

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This is a quick tip video that will walk you through how to utilize the layer manager inside of 3D Studio Max  LINK HERE

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This is a short video showing how to use the grab viewport tool inside of 3D Studio Max. Vice using a 3rd party capture software, or print screen.  LINK HERE

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Learn how to create some cool alient tentacles and learn how to use the Alpha material option in Cinema 4D.  LINK HERE

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Learn how to use emitters and lights to simulate an explosion and play around with glowing materials.  In Part 2 Finish up with some final After Effects touches and use Vector Blur to distort the animation.  Part 1 LINK HERE Part 2  LINK HERE

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For these next 4 tutorials you have to be signed into The Gnomon Workshop to access them.  You can SIGN IN HERE or REGISTER HERE if you don’t have an account.  Its kind of wierd the way it links if you click through to the tutorials if you aren’t signed in.

ZBrush’s Alpha Palette Explained Alphas form the backbone of sculpting inside of ZBrush. However, they have many other uses as well. This tutorial explores the Alpha Palette button by button and provides a context for each feature. We cover the following: Make 3D Stencils Creating Your Own Alphas Crop & Fill Mid-value Alpha Curve and more.  LINK HERE

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ZBrush’s Document Palette Explained The Document palette controls the space you sculpt inside of. This tutorial explores the controls used to modify your ZBrush document.  LINK HERE

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ZBrush’s Color Palette Explained The Color palette is explored and its various controls explained. We also look at the modifiers and how you can alter your ZBrush interface.  LINK HERE

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ZBrushs Layer Palette Explained
ZBrushs Layer Palette is explored using artwork from Meat’s Meier. Document depth and various layer controls are explored.  LINK HERE

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The Disp Approx modifier lets you make the displacement mapping settings on an object in the modifier stack. It converts its input object to an editable mesh. LINK HERE

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This lesson explores how to set up a collision between particles and polygon geometry.  LINK HERE

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In this lesson we will see how mental ray can be used to render Smooth Mesh Previews in Maya 2009+  LINK HERE

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In this lesson you will learn how to use the Cut Faces Tool in May 2008+  LINK HERE

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In this lesson we will explore the process of extracting and rebuilding curves from existing geometry in XSI.  LINK HERE

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In this lesson we will learn how to setup and render a UV pass for later use with a pixel parser for retexturing in XSI 5+  LINK HERE

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In this lesson we will learn how to setup and render a UV pass for later use with a pixel parser for retexturing in XSI 5+  LINK HERE

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In this lesson we will learn how to use groups to find N-gons in Houdini 9+  LINK HERE

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In this lesson we will learn how to use the Save Reminder in Mudbox 1.0.5  LINK HERE

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In this lesson we will learn how to use the elasticity parameter to control how bouncy or stiff an object is in Realflow 4+.  LINK HERE

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From Text to a Cool Extruded-3D with After Effects – We’ll show you how to turn simple text into a cool extruded-3D scene inside After Effects.  LINK HERE

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In this tutorial I’ll take you through the process of quickly creating a textured city in 3ds Max 2009 and how you, through a few extra render passes, can go from a quite crappy render to something half-way decent using After Effects CS3. If all goes well, we’ll end up with a finished shot not too far from the clip above. In Part 1 I’ll cover the creation of the city in 3ds Max and in Part 2 we’ll jump over to After Effects for the compositing.   LINK HERE

Download this article Light Wrap by Chris & Trish Meyer of Crish Design. This article discusses how to help your keyed footage and 3D renders sink into their new backgrounds.  LINK HERE

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Energy Drink — Part 1 – by Eran Stern of Stern FX – This first tutorial in a two-part series by Eran Stern takes you step-by-step through designing a 3D object using Photoshop Extended, animating it in Adobe After Effects and then creating a realistic reflection in water. Watch Tutorial Download Project Files LINK HERE

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In this animation I explored the possibility of using image to create butterfly flying. Also I have used Generator from Noise Industries to create clouds effect.  LINK HERE

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Learn how to create, from scratch, a morphing effect from one graphic element to another using fractal-noise animation… You will learn how to create a map grid with interactive animation…Use brightness animation to control the fractal noise for an organic transition effect…  LINK HERE

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Learn how to create a shaky, hand-held shot of a UFO sighting to fool all of your friends and workmates… You will learn how to stabilize footage in order to accurately add digital elements and graphics for animation… Then you will learn how to add the stabilization data back into the comp for a hand-held looking final product…  LINK HERE

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02. Preparing the Scene -Import camera data from Boujou, Recreate the scene in 3d (environment), Add materials to the scene objects, TRUCK MODEL: DOWNLOAD LINK HERE

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03. Creating the Missile – Use PFlow to create the missile trails, Use AfterBurn to create the shader for the missile,  MISSILE MODEL: DOWNLOAD. LINK HERE

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04. Explosion A  -  Create a pluming explosion with FumeFx, Use Fluid Mapping to add detail to the explosion. LINK HERE

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3d Glasses – In this tutorial we answer some of your tutorial requests on how to create the 3D look made when you put on a pair of 3D glasses. This short yet useful tutorial in inspired by 3D movies such as UP, and Monsters vs. Aliens.  Watch Tutorial in Standard Definition Watch Tutorial in High Definition

Rapid Cellular Regeneration – In this tutorial we show you how to create a nasty gash heal over a short amount of time on someones body. We do this with some textures, color correction, motion tracking and simple rotoscoping.
Watch Tutorial in Standard Definition Watch Tutorial in High Definition
Cement Texture Rock Texture

Heroes Flying – This is the second tutorial of our Second Heroes Training Series. A set of tutorials that show you how to recreate the visual effects you see on the NBC show heroes. We use after effects to create the final clip and work with some basic rotoscoping, video splicing, and position animations. Watch Tutorial in Standard Definition Watch Tutorial in High Definition

Heroes Invisibility – This is the third tutorial in our second Heroes Training Series. In this tutorial we show you how to turn your actors invisible using displacement maps, rotoscoping, and luma mattes. Enjoy! Watch Tutorial in Standard Definition Watch Tutorial in High Definition

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In this exciting tutorial we show you how to create the effect of precognitive dreaming as seen in the hit show heroes. This is the final tutorial of our second heroes training series. Enjoy Watch Tutorial in Standard Definition Watch Tutorial in High Definition

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• The VideoHive Blog
  AE.tutsplus.com
• My Youtube Channel
• CG.tutsplus.com

Yeah, I gotta ton of stuff going on, so if you want to check out what I have been up to hit up all four of those, and hey, you might even win a prize!

The new tutorial from Video Copilot… DVD Menus with Encore.  Learn how to make loopable DVD Menus with some cool effects.
LINK HERE

Text Effects with Set Matte

In this tutorial you’ll learn how to use the Set Matte effect with other effects like Fractal Noise, Glow, and TriTone to can create some incredible text effects!

LINK HERE

MaxAfter.com – Bullet Control Part 1

Part 1 of the 3ds Max Particle Flow tutorial of controlling the bullets, First we will use some easy techniques to model this gun.

LINK HERE

Crime Avenue by Eran Stern of Stern FX (www.sternfx.com)
Eran Stern’s newest video tutorial, Crime Avenue, mixes ordinary city aerials with unique, computer generated clips to create a dynamic TV Promo. Eran employs the 3D tracking capabilities of Pixel Farm’s PFHoe to give this After Effects project a truly advanced look that’s easy to achieve. LINK HERE

Paint Strokes Morph June, 2009 new!
Using paint strokes brushes to automatically morph between path shapes.  LINK HERE

In this episode of Red Giant TV, Aharon Rabinowitz shows you how to use Trapcode Form to create the effect of text (or a logo) dissolving to sand and blowing away. You’ll also learn how to reverse the transition, so that sand forms into text. You can see an example video of the end result here.

LINK HERE

Create a Split-Flap Type Display Jun 1st in Motion Graphics by Mattias Peresini – Split-Flap-What? It’s the term used for displays that are found in train stations and airports, where they typically display departure and/or arrival information and do that cool flipping of letters to display the new information.  This tutorial does not show how to create the effect from scratch but instead it is a tutorial to explain how to use the project file created by Mattias Peresini who runs the totally awesome mattrunks website which has incredible tutorials for After Effects in French. We are very happy to have Mattias doing his first English tutorial for us here at Aetuts+.  LINK HERE

Create a Surprising Billowing Cloth Reveal Jun 3rd in Motion Graphics by Lloyd It’s amazing how much pseudo-3D you can do in After Effects today. This tutorial will focus on using a new plugin that brings 3D bicubic deformations to layers that allows you to truly bend and twist layers in 3D space. If you are familiar with 3D packages, this is true displacement as opposed to just bump mapping.  LINK HERE

Create a Sci-Fi Movie Title Sequence Jun 8th in Motion Graphics by Michael Park This tutorial covers the creation of a space-like si-fi title sequence from scratch. Michael shows us how you can easily create a visually interesting and impressive title animation with some simple title cards and text animation. The tutorial uses the Twitch plugin from Video Copilot, though a similar effect could be obtained by manual keyframing.  LINK HERE

In the final part of this series we’ll look at how to add some more detail to the shatter in Cinema 4D using the Knife tool, add dust in Adobe After Effects using Trapcode Particular, create a quick background and fake refraction using the Displacement Map effect.   After adding the Particle Null, right click the layer and choose Cinema 4D Tags > External Compositing. This will ensure the null is available in After Effects. LINK HERE

In this lesson we will learn how to use the ViewCube in Maya 2008+

LINK HERE

In this lesson we will learn how to parent in the Hypergraph and parenting options in the Move tool in Maya 2008+

LINK HERE

In this lesson we will learn how to disconnect joints within a skeleton without having to detach the bound mesh in Maya 2008+

LINK HERE

In this lesson we will learn how the Trimming tool can be used to punch holes into NURBS meshes in XSI 4.2+.  Trimming is an effective way to create complex NURBS geometry quickly. Once you learn this technique, you have much more control over your NURBS meshes. LINK HERE

In this lesson we will learn how to extrude multiple non-merged faces in XSI 4.2+.  When modeling with polygons, you sometimes need to extrude a continuous row of faces, without having them all merged together. This technique is useful for making bumps on a dinosaur’s back, a serrated knife blade, or a spiked mace head. You can create interesting geometry using this technique.  LINK HERE

In this lesson we will learn how to merge separate polygon surfaces into one unified mesh within XSI 4.2+.  This is a useful technique for reusing your geometry and then merging it back together for texturing. LINK HERE

In this lesson we will learn how to use the Flare effects in XSI 4+ to reproduce Lens Flares. Lens Flares are traditionally the bane of photography, as they can ruin good photos and footage. In XSI that isn’t a problem but it is a reproducible effect. Try adding a Lens Flare to your next render for creating a neat lighting effect.  LINK HERE

In this lesson we will learn how to change the point around which we rotate an object in Modo 301+

LINK HERE

In this lesson we will learn how to use gradients and input parameters to quickly texture an alien pod based on its displacement height in Modo 301+

LINK HERE

Here is a great new tutorial on using particleIllusion 3.0 to create the transport effect from the new Star Trek movie.

LINK HERE

Episode 20: Creating a 3D picture Montage with Trapcode Particular By Rob Birnholz – In this Episode, Rob Birnholz shows you a great technique for quickly creating a 3D picture montage with Trapcode Particular. It takes just minutes to set up, but can save you hours of work.  Read More |  Watch Video |  Comment

Product(s) Used: Trapcode Particular

‘Get Into Blender! Introduction, Menus & Views, Navigation & Components’ is the latest set of video tutorials for Blender by Jason Welsh

LINK HERE

Mike Bauer brings us another 3dsmax video tutorial where he shows us how to create a basic mesh which will help you to quickly model characters.
LINK HERE

Green Grass Apple Motion Video Tutorial
LINK HERE

Idea Concept Purpose Apple Motion Video Tutorial
LINK HERE

In other news my article “La Grande After Effects Tutorial Roundup From Elsewhere” is at AEtuts+.  Make sure you check it out!

LINK HERE

Learn How to Create a Light Rays Custom Effect from Scratch by Jorrit Schulte – A custom effect is special kind of preset that looks and behaves like a plugin. It allows you to save a special recipe of plugins and keyframes into something that you can reuse with ease. Jorrit Schulte has been producing a bunch of these very useful custom effects and providing them for free at http://aenhancers.com. In this tutorial he breaks down how to create the incredibly popular light rays effect and how to package it all into a custom effect.  LINK HERE

Maltaannon has a cool video exploring the features of Zaxwerks new product SERPENTINE
LINK HERE

Forging Fire Studios has a new tutorial called “Swallowed By Light”.  Takes a lens flare and it kind of swallowed a text layer.  Looks similar to a TV turning on or off.
LINK HERE

Trish and Chris Meyer’s new book After Effects Apprentice has ANOTHER free tutorail… a Gentle Introduction To Expressions for you to check out.
LINK HERE

Dean Velez’s Motion Graphics Lab has a Writing With Water tutorial.  Simulating a write on effect with water flying everywhere.
LINK HERE

Red Giant TV Episode 19 is from Eran Stern of SternFX.com.  Taking the inspiration from the new Star Trek movie, he teaches you how to create the transporter effect.
LINK HERE

Carl Larsen has a killer tutorial over at Toolfarm on replacing the horizon on a shot to use with Matte Paintings or stuff like that using Mocha.
LINK HERE

One more from our buddy Carl Larsen… the second half of the Tracking a Child Series over at the CreateCow.net AE Podcast.

LINK HERE

Aharon has a tutorial that I missed a couple weeks back… It was a follow up to Better Compositing with LightWraps… very cool stuff.
LINK HERE

FINALLY Harry has a new tutorial up… and its pretty freakin awesome.  Reverse Shatter Effect In AE, heavily reliant on Expressions and uses some Adobe Illustrator.
LINK HERE

Video Copilot – Ancient Titles
Very cool tutorial showing an alternate way to make a real looking drop shadown, and make particles only appear where light “would actually” be in your scene.  LINK HERE

Video Copilot – Soft Shadows 3ds Max
check out how to create soft shadows using a specific light array, as well as animate letters individually for a cool looking animation.   Also VCP is having a sale on their products… 20% off this Monday, coupon: HOLIDAY.  LINK HERE

In this 3 tutorial series we’ll look at how to build a glass shatter effect using Illustrator, After Effects and Cinema 4D. This section includes capturing the template in After Effects, creating paths in Illustrator and setting up imported splines as polygons in Cinema 4D.  LINK HERE

In this lesson we will learn how to use Maya 8+’s History to create an interesting effect.
LINK HERE

In this lesson we will learn how to transfer a UV set between two polygon objects that do not have the same number of points in Maya 8.5+  LINK HERE

In this lesson we will learn how to spice up a boring animation with squash and stretch in XSI 5+.  LINK HERE

In this lesson we will learn how to use lofting to create a NURBS mesh in XSI 4.2+.  LINK HERE

Creating a Teddy Bear in Blender Part 2

LINK HERE

Working with Curves in Blender

LINK HERE

Go over different shadow options and create some creative renders.  A quick method to adapt the “Soft Shadows” concept introduced by Andrew Kramer…but in Cinema 4d.  LINK HERE

Leather is one of the most used materials in the field of Furniture design. Especially for design of sofas or couches. It is quite easy to obtain a good leather material.  LINK HERE

This is an automated method that I discovered on how to create stairs. The technique can be used in any software. I hope it helps! LINK HERE

In this tutorial you will learn some of the basic concepts behind animating on a computer.  These principals can be applied regardless of the software package you prefer.  LINK HERE

@ PVC – Over on Artbeats.com, we’re starting a trio of articles on the use of color: basic color theory, ideas for how to select a workable color palette, and techniques for remembering and easily applying your chosen colors throughout a project. This month is the article on basic color theory, including some basics on picking colors including combinations that do or don’t work for text. LINK HERE

Ever used the caching that is available in certain tags and objects for Cinema4D?  Here is an introduction to the Point Cache Tag and Point Cache Deformer.  For this tutorial I thought I’d record a short movie.  LINK HERE

Looking on “Crashing Meteor” tutorial in Vue 7- Understending how it’s working, Advanced function editor, Adjusting settings…. LINK HERE
Also check out the Lighting Tutorials: Underwater & Make It Glow

LINK HERE

MaxAfter.com -  A basic technique of postioning text characters with the Animate option of text layer, enable per character 3d of the text layer to achieve this effect.  LINK HERE

GSG – Pixel Perfect Camera Move Transitions
Rashad sent in a question asking how to fly a camera around in After Effects and land on full frame video. To make these moves land on pixel-perfect, full-frame video can be tricky. This technique should help keep your camera moves and transitions accurate and ready for a perfect edit.  LINK HERE

GSG Cinema 4D CSTools – Cubes

Today Nick goes though the settings for the Cubes Tool From CSTools. This plugin is a great way to animate abstract shapes quickly. It’s more of a “Play around with it till it looks good” kind of thing.
LINK HERE

Make Form Cinematic by Simon Bronson
The secret to making motion graphics look sexy and less digital is to borrow some tips from the cinematic production world. Simon breaks down a bunch of tips including how to build your own light leaks and film scratches! The tricks learned in this tutorial can be applied to any motion graphics piece.
Continue Reading

In this lesson we will learn how to convert geometry into a height field brush in order to add footprints to a snow plane in Modo 301+
LINK HERE

In this lesson we will learn how to use the Paint Weights tool to control the weight of Transfer Attributes in Maya 8.5+
LINK HERE

In this lesson we will learn about follow through and overlapping animation in XSI 6+
LINK HERE

This is a tutorial featured on the genarts tutorials section for the popular “sapphires” plugins also available for avid, adobe, apple, autodesk and more.
LINK HERE

This is a tutorial featured on the genarts tutorials section for the popular “sapphires” plugins also available for avid, adobe, apple, autodesk and more.
LINK HERE

This is a tutorial featured on the genarts tutorials section for the popular “sapphires” plugins also available for avid, adobe, apple, autodesk and more.
LINK HERE

Model a Teddy Bear in Blender

LINK HERE

Model a Steampunk Telescope in Blender

LINK HERE

Maya Paint Effects – Modifyers

LINK HERE

Maya Paint Effects – Select by Name

LINK HERE

Camera Mapping in Cinema 4D

Understand the concept of Camera Mapping, Use an image to create a 3d object that is automatically orientated to the camera.  LINK HERE

Noise Junkies – It is finally up! A FREE album with 12 cool sound tracks. You can use them in your movies, intros or just put them in your iPod.  They are royalty free and they have all the author rights. It is ilegall to sell or redistribute them in any way. Enjoy, it is available on the Library section. LINK HERE

Learn how to use 1 Camera, 1 Sphere, 1 Picture and one light to create the scene above, Go over some basic material making and some light Lens Options. You will need an Earth Map picture for this one!  LINK HERE

Learn how to use some simple color plugins to manipulate a texture  Play around with Glow and Curves and achieve a cool lava look  This is a simple tut that can be followed with almost any rocky texture you have.  LINK HERE

Episode 18: Compositing Tips from ‘Greenscreen Made Easy’ By Michele Yamazaki
In this Episode, the Toolfarm’s Michele Yamazaki shares a ton of great compositing tips from her new book, Greenscreen Made Easy.Read More |  Watch Video |  Comment Product(s) Used: Key Correct Pro, Magic Bullet Looks, Primatte Keyer Pro

Writing with Water – In this tutorial we play around with the CC Glue Gun, Fractal Noise, CC Toner, Turbulent Displace and CC Mr Mercury effects to create the appearance of text being written in as a liquid.DOWNLOAD AFTER EFFECTS CS3 PROJECT FILE  LINK HERE

Creating an Eclipse in After Effects, Part 2 In the second part of this tutorial, J Schuh shows how to take the sun animation composed in part one and block it out, then add some text.  Continue Reading

Learn how to create pillars in 3ds Max

LINK HERE

Wayne shows us how to use HDRI image based lighting in this Mudbox 2009 Quick Start Series.

LINK HERE

Frustrated with Motion’s tracking behaviors? Check out Mocha for Final Cut – you can use it in Motion! The workflow is a bit kludgy – you have to go from Mocha to FCP to Motion – but you can’t argue with the results. See the video LINK HERE.

An interesting collection of handwritten-style components bundled as templates for Motion and Final Cut Pro. LINK HERE…

Painting materials with Vue – Looking at new addition in Vue 7.4, Painting materials over terrain, How does painting works. View Tutorial [english] | Mega Pack III.

LINK HERE

LINK HERE

Need to make a handheld shakey “tryn” to focus effect? but don’t want the sharp jitters of a real handheld? Shoot your actor or artist with your cam on a tripod. Bring it into after effects and use Shaker to give some life to your footage.  LINK HERE

Have some fun creating this simple logo using only Layer Styles and built-in effects within After Effects… This tutorial shows some of the potential power of layer styles without having to create them in Photoshop…. Learn a quick method of creating some common metalic finishes including checker-plate… LINK HERE

]]> http://visualfxtuts.com/roundups/huge-thursday/feed/ 2 http://visualfxtuts.com/roundups/friday-2/ http://visualfxtuts.com/roundups/friday-2/#comments Sat, 04 Apr 2009 07:02:43 +0000 Topher http://visualfxtuts.com/?p=639 11 Frequently Asked Questions about After Effects

Apr 3rd in Articles by Topher Welsh

Eran Stern @ Creative Cow

In this video tutorial, CreativeCOW leader, Eran Stern demonstrates how to create flower trails using Trapcode Particular in this special holiday episode. You’ll also work with the light emitter and use 3D layer to obscure particles.

LINK HERE

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R11 Cinema4D Tip 02

In this QuickTip, I’ll show you how easy it is to set keyframes with the HUD with R11.  Of course, you could create something similar in earlier version, but it was never this easy.  It’s a great way to use the most of your screen without navigating all the way back to the attributes window.

LINK HERE

R11 Cinema4D Tip 03
AutoKeyFrame can be your friend: don’t abuse the F9 KeyMany Adobe After Effects users expect other applications to set keyframes automatically for them each time they make changes to parameters. With 3D applications, that can involve creating multiple keyframes every time you click which could be terrible. But, there are some good ways to use Autokeyframe… some.

…Read More »

R11 Cinema4D Tip 04

You know there are many different ways to use your materials, many different ways to create materials – well here are some easy ways to not only get your bitmap textures in, copy them to multiple channels, but also turn texture tags on and off without removing them!
You might know a few ways to manage your materials in CINEMA4D, but there are so many different ways to manipulate bitmap textures when you’re inside of C4D, that a simple refresher might help.
LINK HERE

After Effects Apprentice Video Tutorial #4

Animating text in After Effects.

In this fourth video, we show how to master Text Animators, including Range Selectors, the secret to creating cascading animations, and more. Click on the Play Video link below, and enjoy! (For the previous video on how to create and typeset text, click here.)

Click to PLAY VIDEO »

From Alan Shisko -

“I recently uploaded a fun little ‘accessory’ project to my stable of AEP’s for sale at Revostock. It’s what I call a ‘motion widget’, which is to say it’s a project that you can use and adapt to solve any number of visual problems. It can be used for full-screen presentations, gallery sequences, a little lower third, maybe even a kind of ‘thought bubble’.” Take a look at the promo HERE.
TUTORIAL HERE.

Create an Elegantly Handwritten Text Reveal By Jurrien Boogert

In this tutorial you will learn how to animate a handwritten text sequence with ink bleeding through the paper to create an elegant old-world style title reveal.

Continue Reading

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From Alan Shisko -

“You’ll need to download the font from dafont.com. It’s called “Homoarakhan” (for some reason) and it’s available for free HERE. Once you install the font, open up the After Effects project file (AE CS3 or later, available HERE) and sling some web!”

From Nick Campbell at Greyscalegorilla.com: Really great work last week for the Circle Vs Square Project. The work keeps getting better and better!  This weeks project is all about YOU. Everyone needs some personal pimping. Need to finally make that reel intro you have been putting off? Maybe you always wanted to see your name in lights? Now is your chance. Use this theme to make a short motion piece with your name or company’s logo and link it in the comments of this blog post. “Shout Box” submissions will not be seen. Please be sure to post a link in this post’s comments to ensure me seeing it and posting it. Can’t wait!

Episode 15: Better Compositing with Particles
By Aharon Rabinowitz
In this episode of Red Giant TV, Aharon Rabinowitz shows you a technique for placing layers inside the middle of a particle system – crucial to truly integrating your CGI effects with your live action footage or motion graphics.
Read More |  Watch Video |  Comment
Product(s) Used: Trapcode Particular

In this lesson we will learn how to add Ease In and Ease Out to an animation in XSI.   Easy In and Ease Out are a principle of animation. Ease In and Ease Out are necessary whenever an object starts to move or stops. The beginning of motion has to be slower then the constant speed, because the object has to build up, or Ease In, to the movement.
Uses XSI 5.0+   LINK HERE

In this lesson we will learn how to use the Mesh Insert brush to add detailed geometry onto our model.

Topics covered in this tutorial: Accessing the Mesh Insert brush, loading a tool for use in the Mesh Insert brush, changing the elevation of the inserted object using BrushMod, dealing with common Mesh Insert problems.
Uses ZBrush 3.0+ LINK HERE

At StudioDaily.com -
Disintegrate Geometry Objects using Frantic Films Krakatoa and Autodesk 3ds Max

While this approach is applicable to any geometry object, in this example I use a Lamborghini model downloaded from www.turbosquid.com. First, delete any existing animation of doors and wheels. Create a camera and animate it to move around the car. Render an image sequence using any renderer like Scanline or mental ray. This is your projection map.
LINK HERE

Precomposed.com -01. Precomposed Flourish (13 minutes)
Import our flourishes as a PNG sequence
Colorize & change blending modes

• » WATCH TUTORIAL

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Precomposed.com -02. Texturize (23 minutes)

Creative techniques for texture use
Applies to After Effects, Photoshop, & more…
» WATCH TUTORIAL
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In this in-depth tutorial, you will learn how to create a vast 3D city in After Effects using images from real buildings.Watch Tutorial    High Resolution Image

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17. Tennis Raquet February 21, 2009

Model a tennis raquet in 3ds max using splines and modifiers
Texture the raquet with Mental Ray
Continue Reading

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In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to use After Effects to corral a crowd, or rather a flock, of birds that fly across your scene without the hassle of animating each one.

Interactive Tutorial Content

Click here to See Tutorial
download the files used in this tutorial.
View the finished effect here.

This video will cover some of the main concepts that my students seem to have trouble with when it comes to understanding how to generate a walk cycle for any character. We will look at many of my techniques for achieving this brand of animation most useful for game characters, but which can also be used to generate animation files which can be added and blended with animations at a later date. If you follow me through this tutorial you will understand how to use any software package to assist you in creating a character that has a solid walk cycle.
LINK HERE

In this video I demonstrate a brand new workflow to use every Photoshop brush file you own inside of Mudbox 2009. This workflow comes from a conversation I had with Dave Cardwell of Autodesk
LINK HERE
Download you Photoshop Action File here

The folks at GeniusDV have just published a 2-part introduction to working in 3D with Motion. Basic stuff, but a good gentle introduction.

Part 1 is here; part 2 is here.

If you really want to know how to work with 3D in Motion, be sure to check out my training DVD: Motion 3D Deep Dive.

Read More…

In this training video we will dive deeper into controlling our particles and getting them to move in a precise path, without using a spline. This has many benefits as it is, like all of our other techniques, completely procedural. We will utilize what we have already learned in the previous video and build it into a system where our particles start as a sphere, fly around a wall, form a cube, fly back over the top of the wall and reform the sphere. This technique is fully translatable and scalable. For a better view go to the tutorials page and click the corresponding icon.  LINK HERE

3D Video monitor effect
Learn how to create a stylistic monitor wall with a different piece of video playing in each monitor. Also learn how 3D cameras and camera behaviors work. Techniques featured are: 3D cameras, Replicators, Drop Zones, clones.

LINK HERE

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Swamp metablob. Uses Vue 6 and 7
Creating metablob.
Adding custom material.
Animating metablob.  LINK HERE

So make sure you go check out my article over at AE.tutsplus.com and remember to check out all the rest of the articles and check back to the website every Friday to see my weekly article!

Additionally, I have been shooting some stock footage lately that is now up for sale on VideoHive.net.  I have 7 clips up right now, mostly stuff that I have shot around my house in Tacoma, Washington.

Places like the Puget Sound, Narrows Bridge, and other really cool looking places around my neck of the woods will be available for download very soon.  I also have an affiliation set up with the sites as well as the rest of the Envato Network, so make sure you click through THIS LINK for me!

In this After Effects Tutorial podcast, Eran Stern takes the next step in the science fiction classic and finalizes the promo by projecting graphics in space from a flying saucer.

Ross Shain’s Channel on Vimeo:

In this advanced tutorial, Ben Heusner of Curious Turtle details the workflow for removing an actor in After Effects.
Covers tracking, roto and mocha shape plug-in for After Effects.

LINK HERE

Pond5, who is one of the  friends on the links at the very top of the page at Toolfarm.com, has just launched their free clip of the week. Sign up for a free account at Pond5 and download it!

Also Check out AEFreemart.com for free stuff throughout the week for After Effects!

VideoCopilot.net – In this tutorial we will learn a fast method for fracturing a layer into multiple parts and distribute in 3D space. This 50 minute tutorial is also packed with all sorts of tips, tricks and a few stories too.

Watch Tutorial

Artbeats.com – Cartoonification

by Chris & Trish Meyer of Crish Design (www.cybmotion.com)

Tips for getting better results from “cartoon look” plug-ins.

Download this article

I am going to let AEPortal.blogspot.com report this one… Rich knows what he is talking about bettter than I do…

“Via Sebastien Perier, a top contributor to After Effects Community Help, is DuDuF IK Tools for After Effects, a free script that does Inverse Kinematics (IK). The script is from Duik Tools, a website in French (English translation).

Sebastien says it seems pretty decent, and that you can even add bones to puppet pins. For specifics see the Overview and Help sections.”

Link to article on AEportal.blogspot.com

The Adobe Beginner Classes Episode #13 and Episode #14 from Dennis Radeke show you how to extrude text into 3D in After Effects.

Episode #13

Episode #14

Download 3D Text Project File

Digital Tutors – Fixing Texture Distortion with Warp Image in Maya – In this lesson we will learn how to fix texture distortion without changing the UVs with the Warp Image command in Maya. Topics covered in this lesson: Creating a new UV Set, Copying UVs between Sets, Using the Warp Image command.
Uses Autodesk Maya 8.5+  LINK HERE

Digital Tutors – Working with Keyframe Handles in AE – In this lesson we will learn how to change animation using keyframe handles in After Effects. Topics covered in this video: Changing keyframe interpolation, How to read the interpolation line, Using the Graph Editor
Uses Adobe After Effects 7+    LINK HERE

Interested?  Go to GREYSCALEGORILLA.com, see what its about and MAKE COOL SHIT!

These two web pages will teach you how to do the Egg modeling.
Egg Primitive Plugin
Splendid Egg video tutorial
Point by point on blueprint method
And here is the subject on C4dCafé OK Lets get started on this one…

LINK TO BASE80.com

LINK HERE

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After Effects 7: Blue Screen part 1 View tutorial here. This tutorial shows you how to key out a blue (or green) screen background from video and export for use in Flash 8 or higher.

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TAKEN FROM VIDEOCOPILOT.NET – For anyone using CC Particle World instead of Particular, you may know that Particular’s Turbulent Field is not available.  This feature allows random 3D displacement of a particles position.  A similar effect can be achieved with Particle World by adding a TURBULENT DISPLACE effect. It works best with smaller particle and it has some limitations because it is only 2D but it is a nice way to get away from “perfect” particle movement.  Download Project Comparison
Related Topics:
Fire Title Project — Uses Turbulent displacement
Dark Energy & Electric Energy — Uses Turbulent displacement
Fire Burning Project — Complex Fire Project

There was also a post yesterday revisiting the 3D water reflections tutorial… you should check it out HERE

Hypa.TV is back in action with thier blog now hosted on WordPress… so it is a lot snazzier (sp?).  The delay effector in Cinema4D allows a lot of fun.  You can set it to Spring mode and then bounce things around.

Here is a video as well as a script on creating a gizmo in Nuke 5.0

Video – Script

Credit goes to http://www.viperfs.com

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http://www.viperfs.com shows you 3D and 2D integration, they am creating multipass render setup and 3d scene setup in nuke, hope you like it ..

Download Video – Download Project

username: vfxtalk01 pass: vfxtalk01

Hi all, in this tutorial,  http://www.viperfs.com shows how can you use your matte painting in Nuke, hope you like it..

Download Video Username : vfxtalk01 Pass: vfxtalk01

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http://www.viperfs.com has created a tutorial for basics of keying in Nuke. He used Primatte, IBK and Keylight for keying, he says “sorry for my english, it’s hard to understand what he said but you can undertand what he is doing. ”

Total runtime : 17 min

Download Video – Project File Username : vfxtalk01 Pass : vfxtalk01

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Here’s a nifty tutorial that shows how to use the optical flow node in nuke to calculate the motion vectors for you, then apply motion blur to the object without having to render out a separate motion vector pass.

Optical Flow Node for Motion Blur
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Motionworks’ Dancing Can Part 4 – John Dickinson

In the final part of this series learn how to use After Effects’ Color Link effect to integrate the can into the background, work with various Layer Styles, create a 3D text animation and add other finishing touches.

Watch tutorial