After Effects CS4: Advanced

Delivery method
Classroom based, maximum 5 delegates

Course description

DAY ONE

Overview of features

• Finding ways to speed up previews
• Using different resolutions
• Using Adobe Clip Notes

Advanced layer techniques

• Using the Interpret footage dialog effectively
• Parent and child relationships
• Using Null layers
• Understanding the Anchor Point
• Using different blending modes
• Advanced text animation
• Using the Puppet tool
• 3D layers from Photoshop

Working with compositions

• The Composition Navigator
• The Composition Mini-Flowchart
• Nesting comps
• Pre-rendering comps
• Pre-composing layers
• Importing Photoshop and Illustrator comps
• Rendering order issues

Using masks

• Animating masks
• Using stencils and silhouettes
• Using RotoBezier masks
• Auto-tracing alpha channels
• Importing masks from Photoshop
• Creating Track mattes
• Using Keylight for Bluescreen and Greenscreen mattes

Generating professional special effects

• Working with the Unified Camera tool
• Motion tracking
• Motion stabilisation
• Image stabilisation
• Using colour keying
• Using the Difference Matte effectively
• Using a Garbage Matte
• Using Vector Paint
• Advanced keying and warping tools
• Colour management tools

Questions and answers

Suitable for
An Adobe authorised course for those already working with After Effects CS4 who need to create visually stunning post-production techniques and fx.

Requirements
You should have attended the Introduction to Adobe After Effects course at media Training or have an equivalent working knowledge.