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Capabilities of After Effects animation
Hello everyone,
I am NOT new to After Effects but I do not consider myself an “expert”. I’ve done pretty well in 2D motion graphics, but have recently been asked to develop some spots similar to this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XImWJgNTKQU
This seems to be more along the lines of 3D animation. Am I wrong? Does After Effects have this capability or would I need to look into 3D software. More specifically I’m referring to the effects like the exploding dollar bills.
I’m not asking HOW to do this, just simply the type of software used to create it. I’m smart enough to explain to the client that I am not the person they need to do this work, So I’m not looking to learn this in a week. But would like to add this type of animation to my skill set.
Thank you in advance for any information!
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11 Replies
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This would certainly be easiest in a 3D application, although you can do a surprising amount of 3D work in Ae with plugins like Video Copilot’s Element or Mettle’s ShapeShifter or FreeForm.
If you are thinking about learning a 3D app, give C4D a look. The Lite version ships with Creative Cloud, the CINEWARE workflow is cool, and C4D has a lot of tools specifically geared for motion graphics.
Walter Soyka
Designer & Mad Scientist at Keen Live [link]
Motion Graphics, Widescreen Events, Presentation Design, and Consulting
@keenlive | RenderBreak [blog] | Profile [LinkedIn] -
— you can do the 3d lettering easily enough using ray traced 3D in Ae which is in CS6 and above – ( as long as your workstation can crunch through it ok ) —–
— I have never used sprites in particles but am wondering if the notes can be done this way — worth a look —
Also – this clip is a comp ie its not all built in 3D therefore if you can source the notes as a separate element ( buy online maybe ? ) you could put it together in Ae
—————————— all the best —-chris —
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[chris brett] “I have never used sprites in particles but am wondering if the notes can be done this way — worth a look –“
You sure can, but it has some limitations versus pure 3D. See this old post of mine for more:
https://forums.creativecow.net/thread/2/991564#991693Walter Soyka
Designer & Mad Scientist at Keen Live [link]
Motion Graphics, Widescreen Events, Presentation Design, and Consulting
@keenlive | RenderBreak [blog] | Profile [LinkedIn] -
Thanks Walter for the suggestion on 3D software. I’m relatively familiar with Videocopilot. Andrew’s stuff is pretty eye opening. I’m going to check out your other thread too.
I’ve worked with Particle World but not with sprites, so thanks for the new lead.
In light of all this information, I think I’ll continue to learn all the capabilities of AE, but I do think I would like to get into 3D soon as well (as if I wasn’t already glued to my computer ;).
-Brittany
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I don’t see anything in the video you posted that you can’t achieve in After Effects with some help from the Element 3D plugin. 3D text animation and it’s particle system are two of the plugin’s strongest features, in my opinion, so the text and floating dollar bills fit right in for this example anyway.
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….. Dan —— do you reckon you can bend the dollar bills rather than simply spin them in 3D ? —-Chris —
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[chris brett] “do you reckon you can bend the dollar bills rather than simply spin them in 3D ?”
That’s the element in the reference video that I think is easiest in 3d and hardest (in conjunction with the rest of the particle system) in Ae.
Walter Soyka
Designer & Mad Scientist at Keen Live [link]
Motion Graphics, Widescreen Events, Presentation Design, and Consulting
@keenlive | RenderBreak [blog] | Profile [LinkedIn] -
The latest version of Element has a Deform function that allows for some pretty advanced bending, twisting, and distorting. I haven’t had an opportunity to try something like the dollar bills above, but maybe I’ll give it a shot this weekend and see how it looks. I would be surprised if it is too difficult to achieve.
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… interesting — cheers Dan —–chris —
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So…new development. I actually found the exact dollar “plug-in” used in this video while researching Video Co-Pilot’s Element. Andrew Kramer has a bunch of 3D model packs, and one happens to be a Money and Casino pack. In the link below, he goes over how to manipulate them using his Element function (the money is in the last 3rd of the video).
https://www.videocopilot.net/help/element/tutorial/basic/modelpacks/
I wasn’t needing to replicate this video exactly but I am SO glad that you all pointed me in the direction of Element and continuing to have faith in AE and the little “3D capability” it has. I’m excited to see it’s versatility.
I realize Andrew is still creating these items in a 3D program and importing them into AE. I just thought I’d share how he’s done this.
Thanks again,
Brittany
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