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Multiple Laser Beams
I just need a little bit of help adding multiple laser beams in After Effects, CS4.
There is a stock “beam” effect that comes with after effects, and I’m using that.
I can ad key frames, and move the laser beam around. Kind of tricky to set the beginning and end points so the beam moves correctly, but I’m getting the hang of it.
However, I’m having trouble adding more than one beam (doing a simple laser gun effect, shooting multiple beams).
When I hit “beam” again, I do get beam 2, but the screen just goes white, and I can’t maneuver it on my footage like the first beam.
Any suggestions or tips would be helpful. Yes, I’m an AE newb, but you have to start somewhere.
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6 Replies
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If you’re going to use the Beam effect for this, you will want a separate layer for each beam. See if this tutorial helps you.
Although, I must agree with Dave; you absolutely must have a firm foundation in the basics before you start off into doing “cool” things. You are going way too deep, way too fast. Click on the link Dave gave and read through it and all of the links it has. You will need to take time to learn AE before you try to use it or you will be frustrated. And when I say “time” I mean days, if not weeks (depending on how fast you learn).
– The Great Szalam
(The ‘Great’ stands for ‘Not So Great, in fact, Extremely Humble’)No trees were harmed in the creation of this message, but several thousand electrons were mildly inconvenienced.
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I do understand the advice to learn after effects inside and out. I have been working with it for months, but havent’ made any real progress.
But we all learn differently. I don’t mind being frustrated. Often times people can help answer a simple question, and then you can get things to work. I’ll try adding more layers.
And I’ll try the tutorial you suggested, thanks a lot.
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I do understand that your advice is well meant, but I’m not going to spend 5 years learning After Effects to put some laser beams in a piece of footage. I need to do that now.
I just want some laser beams in this one piece of footage, adn i feel confident with the help of some tutorials, and the help of those gracious enough to give it, I will accomplish it.
What would really be helpful is an answer to my question if you know it.
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[Gill Vane] “When I hit “beam” again, I do get beam 2, but the screen just goes white, and I can’t maneuver it on my footage like the first beam. “
well, the screen shouldn’t go white….
how are you applying the beam effect? is it directly to the footage layer, on an adjustment layer or on a solid….?
and are there any other effects on that layer, or on adjustment layers in that comp?
Kevin Camp
Senior Designer
KCPQ, KMYQ & KRCW -
[Dave LaRonde] “I’ll give you an example. You’ve just created some text in a text layer, but you’re unhappy with the typeface you chose. Were you aware that by highlighting the layer, then clicking in the typeface name window in the character pane, you can change typefaces by using the up & down arrow keys?”
I learned something new today, too. Thanks, Dave!
Walter Soyka
Principal & Designer at Keen Live
Motion Graphics, Widescreen Events, Presentation Design, and Consulting
RenderBreak Blog – What I’m thinking when my workstation’s thinking
Creative Cow Forum Host: Live & Stage Events -
Yes Sir! Off to do my homework. That was very helpful, and I’ll spend some time on this tutorial.
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