Amazon.com
If you have been using After Effects for years, have just started using it, or are considering using it, get this book. Written by Trish and Chris Meyer, perhaps best known for their monthly motion-graphics column in DV Magazine, Creating Motion Graphics with After Effects is the definitive book on using this powerful tool.
Every page is in color and is filled with tips, notes, warnings, and screenshots. The format is clearly not boilerplate--there is no wasted space, yet the book manages to strike a balance between being information-packed, easy-to-read, and enjoyable to look at. The only downside of this book is that it doesn't have a spiral or lie-flat binding.
Nine sections break down the features of After Effects in a logical manner, starting with basic animation and key framing, and on to layers, masks, mattes, effects, and rendering. Part 6's four chapters explain using After Effects with its sister applications, Photoshop and Illustrator, and Part 7 covers audio--an important but rarely discussed aspect of any presentation. Part 9 features a wide array of technical discussions, including field rendering and interlacing, 3:2 pull-down, working at film-resolution and widescreen sizes, prerendering, and using proxy files.
The CD-ROM gives 22 tutorials and includes project files. These lessons range from the basic ("Getting Animated" for After Effects beginners) to what falls into the "Oh, wow, I would never have thought of that!" category (a Matrix title-sequence look-alike). The CD-ROM also includes all the projects and source files cited in each chapter, plus tech tips covering 12 difficult and common technical areas--including alpha channels, the aspect ratio, and the After Effects rendering pipeline.
An artisan at the top of his or her craft often takes on the task of teaching others. Those working in the fields of animation, effects, motion graphics, and digital media are lucky that authors Trish and Chris Meyer are living by this rule. --Mike Caputo
From Book News, Inc.
A book/CD-ROM guide explaining how to use Adobe After Effects to create animation, composites, and special effects for TV and film. Combines clear explanations of program fundamentals with example projects and color illustrations. Examples and step-by-step tutorials on the accompanying CD-ROM demonstrate creative techniques plus working practices and shortcuts. The CD-ROM also contains movies, stills, objects, and audio clips, plus a try-out version of the software. The authors own and operate an award-winning motion graphics project studio.Book News, Inc.®, Portland, OR
Steve Kilisky, Senior Product Manager, After Effects, Adobe Systems Inc.
"I cant think of anyone more qualified to show you how to get the most out of After Effects than Trish and Chris Meyer."
Steve Tiborcz, After Effects Quality Engineering
"A 'must have' for aspiring or established motion graphic designers. Based on years of experience, Trish and Chris provide a wealth of information that integrates After Effect's powerful tools with creative and professional solutions."
Book Description
Discover the experts' techniques for creating award-winning animation, composites and special effects for TV, film and more-with Creating Motion Graphics with After Effects by Trish and Chris Meyer. Dozens of inspiring examples help you break through to new heights of creativity and proficiency. This color-packed book starts with the fundamentals of Adobe After Effects 4.1 and progresses step by step. The authors offer real-world explanations of how the program works, and a CD-ROM of example projects showing each concept in action. Hands-on tutorials demonstrate creative techniques, shortcuts, and tricks you can apply to your own art, using both the Standard and Production versions of After Effects. For users of all levels, topics include: - Mastering complex animation and keyframe assistants - Creating transparency with alpha channels, masks and keying - Transfer modes, rack mattes and numerous effects tips and tricks - Building hierarchies of nested compositions - Working with fields, DV, NTSC, PAL, widescreen and film The companion CD-ROM contains hundreds of movies, stills, objects and audio clips, plus free plug-ins and more. It also includes the tryout version of Adobe After Effects 4.1 for Mac and Windows.
Book Info
Offers real-world explanations of how AfterEffects works with dozens of inspiring examples to help you create through to new heights of creativity and proficiency. Softcover. CD-ROM included.
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