[Tudor “ted” jelescu]

Here’s an older tutorial on displacement. It’s on a still image but principles are the same for video:

https://library.creativecow.net/jelescu_tudor/3D-from-2D-image_AE/1

Here’s a link to the tutorials on the Mettle site:

https://www.mettle.com/tutorials-freeform-pro/

You can use more techniques from there.

Tudor “Ted” Jelescu
Senior VFX Artist

[Tudor “ted” jelescu]

Unless you can use a sturdy particle system like Particular I would go for the practical effect. Pretty easy to setup and to shoot.

Tudor “Ted” Jelescu
Senior VFX Artist

[Tudor “ted” jelescu]

In AE without using C4D or another 3d program to render the liquid mercury like transformation, you can use something like FreeForm Pro from Mettle to generate a similar surface. You can build a animated displacement map that approximates the shape of your subject to displace the surface in 3d space, then use the noise generator to animate the surface and create the watery/mercury flowing effect. A Reflection map and a animated texture will complete the process.
Below is an example of water done with FF Pro that can give you an idea of what the plugin can do if you’re not already familiar with it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U0huO5UO7s

Tudor “Ted” Jelescu
Senior VFX Artist

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[Tudor “ted” jelescu]

Several options with a plugin:

Zaxwerks Serpentine does 3d arrows that can follow a 3d path
https://zaxwerks.com/3dserpentine

Mettle FreeForm Pro or ShapeShifter AE can give you the ability to create a 3d displaced shape (of an arrow in your case) and then bend that in 3d space.

If you want more precise solutions draw/create a storyboard with a few frames to better illustrate what you need and post them here.

Tudor “Ted” Jelescu
Senior VFX Artist

[Tudor “ted” jelescu]

double click on the mask and use the bounding box to scale.

Tudor “Ted” Jelescu
Senior VFX Artist

[Tudor “ted” jelescu]

To affect the edges you could use Roughen Edges with animation. A animated glow can add to it.

Tudor “Ted” Jelescu
Senior VFX Artist

[Tudor “ted” jelescu]

I concur, hit from underneath ans shot at high speed to get the slow motion.

Tudor “Ted” Jelescu
Senior VFX Artist

[Tudor “ted” jelescu]

Try working in smaller chunks. Break the segments in spots that have little or no difference between frames.

Tudor “Ted” Jelescu
Senior VFX Artist

[Tudor “ted” jelescu]

One way to do it is to use ShapeShifter AE from Mettle. Create a displacement map for the crystal surface using Cell Pattern (with Mixed Crystals). If you need a smooth edge that is not reflective you have to use separate color channels in the displacement map for the crystal surface and the edge.
Then once you set the displacement you need a Glow and a Starglow adjustment layer on top to get all the shiny reflections. Use a Reflection map that has nice rich colors and it’s bright- that will help.

Tudor “Ted” Jelescu
Senior VFX Artist

[Tudor “ted” jelescu]

Don’t overthink it- it is a drop shadow, sharp edge, no diffusion, just with a high transparency and different color (pink, red, violet …). It you want more control, you can use the shadow only on a second layer under the dancer shape.

And- it’s always best to start a new thread, otherwise your new question may get lost.

Tudor “Ted” Jelescu
Senior VFX Artist