Multiple Animator Workflow

[David Bogie]

[Eric Buist] “Is there a way to split up a project so that we can both be working on it at the same time? Should we be working in separate projects and render out scenes to combine in FCP? If we are both using the same basic elements should we create a project with those elements and import it to our own individual project files? “

You cannot both be using the same file at the same time but you can use copies of the same file.
You should be using separate machines, separate copies of AE, separate copies of the assets and resources, rendering separate movies, and carefully dropping the rendered movies into a single folder for use in FCP.

Beyond a clearly delineated workflow and comprehensive planning of shared responsibilities and delivery scedules, the single most important thing you must deal with before going much further is creating an easy to implement naming convention that uniquely identifies every piece of your work. Never use the words final, old, new, latest, or anything like that in your file names. Learn to use the metadata features of Bridge to place XMP on your assets, resources, and movies.

And, since the question implies you are kind of green in this business, before you go much further, you’d better figure out how you’re going to insure yourselves against
the worst case scenario of losing your computers. Backing up at least twice, one stored offsite, and having access to a hot site where you can load your project and get back to work if yoru office is burglarized or burned to the ground.

bogiesan

[Carl Larsen]

Eric –

I addressed some of the issues you are facing with multiple animators in the latest episode of the After Effects Podcast.

Hopefully, this helps. Check it out.

https://podcasts.creativecow.net/after-effects-tutorials-podcast/file-management-in-after-effects

Carl Larsen

TelescopeMediaGroup.net

[Dave Johnson]

With no network storage and the need to work on the project at the same time, one approach might be to assign sections to the various animators and have a team lead, so to speak, responsible for coordinating the efforts and bringing together the final project.

Even with network storage, there is the potential issue of various animators altering source media and affecting all other animators (i.e., if someone needs to take a still image into Photoshop).

You’ll definitely want to make sure certain things are consistent with everyone who touches the project (codecs, color spaces, resolutions, etc.) … perhaps create one master project with all the external media imported and organized to the degree possible, then save out copies to pass to the various animators.

I hope this helps.

[Eric Buist]

I an watching it right now and it looks to be just what the doctor ordered.

Thanks so much.

Eric Buist
Video.AfterEffects
http://www.buistmedia.com