[Edward Wu]

Hi Ken,

You’ve got the right idea.

Here is my process if I am working with an Illustrator file in your situation:

1) In Adobe Illustrator, type the words “NEW_YORK_NEW_YORK_”. You will need the four underscores (or you can use any other characters as a space marker). If you use spaces, once you use the “Create Outlines” command, you will lose the space.

2) Use the “Type > Create Outlines” command to turn the text into vector outlines.

3) Select the text outlines, and use the “Ungroup” command to make all the characters independent. You will need to do this so you can spread all the characters evenly with the Distribute tool.

4) Save the Illustrator file with no compression.

5) In ProAnimator, open the Illustrator file. You should have something similar to the image below:

6) Select the Pose, and choose the “Distribute Circle Y” command to have the the text into a circle.

7) Adjust the “Size” (I used “170” in my example). Your characters should now be distributed like the screen shot below:

8) Select the underscore characters (or any of the space placeholders), go into “Object Mode” and select the “Make Invisible” command. You should now be able to revolve your characters around the camera with the proper spacing, as shown below:

Hope this helps!

Best,
Edward

[Edward Wu]

Hi Bill,

It’s better to apply 3D Warps to a Comp Sized Solid. Otherwise, if you apply 3D Warps to a picture, you may run into clipping issues (where the image or the reflection is being cut off). Once you apply 3D Warps to a Comp Sized Solid, you can then apply your image to 3D Warps by going to “Color Controls” then go to “Color Map” and apply your image map.

If you are still having problems, please contact me.

Best,
Edward

[Edward Wu]

Hi Bill,

Reflector should have no issues working with 3D Warps. The reflection will change based on the size of the image that you use, so it’s important to find the right position for the reflection. I attached a screen shot below of a sample with a 3D Warps cylinder as well as a floor surface with Reflector applied.

If you are still having any issues with the setup, you can try e-mailing me the project file and I will take a look at your setup for you.

My e-mail address is ed@zaxwerks.com

Best,
Edward

[Edward Wu]

Hi Ray,

If you’re still having issues, please send your ProAnimator project file to ed@zaxwerks.com and I’ll take a look at what you’re running into.

Best,
Edward

[Edward Wu]

By selecting the Transition in the animation timeline, you will be able to access the Transition controls.

Best,
Edward

[Edward Wu]

Hi Ray,

Most of the Object Animation presets are designed for text and logo, which is why your helmet is being separated during the animation. If you want the helmet to move intact, select an Object Animation, then select each pose, and select the “Pose Grouping > Make Group”. Then, select the transitions, and select the “Transition Grouping > Make Hard Groups”. This will group all your objects together, and move them in one piece.

Hope this helps.

Best,
Edward

[Edward Wu]

Hi Ray,

If you are using ProAnimator, make sure the two helmets are not in the same object track. If both of the helmets are in the same object track, by applying an animation to the object track, both helmets will move.

Regarding your question about the helmets separating, be sure to group your helmet. You can do this by going into the transition of your animation, and going into “Transition Grouping” and selecting “Make Hard Group”.

Best,
Edward

[Edward Wu]

Hi Mike,

We have released a new ProAnimator FX plug-in that works directly within Motion 3 as well as FInal Cut Pro 6. The plug-in is also compatible with Motion 4 and Final Cut Pro 7.

For more information on the ProAnimator FX plug-in, please visit: The ProAnimator FX Product Page.

Since you have a registered copy of ProAnimator AE & Standalone, you are eligible for a side-grade price of $199 instead of the full price of $695.

Best,
Edward

[Edward Wu]

Hi Bill,

Sure, Reflector works with 3D Layer Warp as well. Make sure to set the Reflector layer so that it is below the the 3D Warp layer. In addition, adjust the Y Position and X Rotation of the floor so that it is in a good position/angle to reflect the Layer Warp.

After you have positioned everything, make sure that the “Hide 2D Layers” option is unchecked. By default, this option is checked, and it will hide all 2D Layers. Since 3D Warp is applied to a 2D image/solid, the warp effect will be hidden as well. By unchecking this option, you will be able to see your 3D Layer Warp effect.

Best,
Edward

[Edward Wu]

Hi Mike,

My original thought was that you may have strokes applied onto the objects. However, since you mentioned that there are no strokes applied, I’ll have to take a look at what you’re running into.

Please send the Illustrator files to me at ed@zaxwerks.com and I’ll look into the issue.

Best,
Edward