[Tudor “ted” jelescu]

Here’s what you can get with FreeForm:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3Pc1YWK0t4

Tudor “Ted” Jelescu
Senior Compositor/VFX Artist

Some contents or functionalities here are not available due to your cookie preferences!

This happens because the functionality/content marked as “Google Youtube” uses cookies that you choosed to keep disabled. In order to view this content or use this functionality, please enable cookies: click here to open your cookie preferences.

[Tudor “ted” jelescu]

You have the answer from Chris.
Turn on the “Only” option for cast shadows- that will turn off the layer and show only the shadow.

Tudor “Ted” Jelescu
Senior Compositor/VFX Artist

[Tudor “ted” jelescu]

First problem I see is the .jpg- it’s a compressed format. Export in a Tiff sequence (or any other uncompressed format).
Then the QT you’re exporting from AE- is that compressed as well? If it is, the there’s the second problem. Export an uncompressed version from AE as well. Use compression only for final delivery.

Tudor “Ted” Jelescu
Senior Compositor/VFX Artist

[Tudor “ted” jelescu]

If AE does not give you the alpha option on import is because AE does not recognize that you have an alpha channel. So, you either do not have an alpha or there’s something weird going on. Try a new project and import the images that are supposed to have an alpha- see if AE sees the alpha there. If not, you have a problem with those images.
I would set up a workflow that starts from PSD- layering the parts in a psd file and importing that as a comp in AE (comp size). Then I would edit each layer in PSD replacing it with the image with alpha and AE will automatically see that, or create a separate psd file (same size) with all the layers cut out and replace that in AE.

Tudor “Ted” Jelescu
Senior Compositor/VFX Artist

[Tudor “ted” jelescu]

Alt drag and drop the new file from the project window over the layer you want to replace.
Or just replace the file (right click) in the project window itself.

Tudor “Ted” Jelescu
Senior Compositor/VFX Artist

[Tudor “ted” jelescu]

Displacement map is what you’re after. Digieffects Free Form comes now with CS5 and allows for true 3D displacement. You can check out my tutorial about this subject:

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

Tudor “Ted” Jelescu
Senior Compositor/VFX Artist

[Tudor “ted” jelescu]

Free form is what you want to use.
Here’s a tutorial you may find useful:

https://ae.tutsplus.com/tutorials/vfx/3d-paper-crumple-with-freeform/

Tudor “Ted” Jelescu
Senior Compositor/VFX Artist

[Tudor “ted” jelescu]

sure- C4D works great with AE

Tudor “Ted” Jelescu
Senior Compositor/VFX Artist

[Tudor “ted” jelescu]

In order to get a real organic effect, just shoot a piece of 35 mm film over black while burning from the middle (light up a cigarette and burn a hole in the middle). Then use the footage to create a burning effect on your layer. No plugin will give you that look.
You can also buy stock footage of that.

Tudor “Ted” Jelescu
Senior Compositor/VFX Artist

[Tudor “ted” jelescu]

You need Zaxwerks Invigorator for that in AE, or a different 3D ap to model and animate the logo and then bring it in AE with Alpha.
As far as the “glassy” look, it’s just a matter of playing with the compositing modes and layer transparency.
Some tutorials that may help:
https://library.creativecow.net/articles/james_colin/glass.php
https://www.videocopilot.net/blog/2008/07/stay-glassy-after-effects/
and a thread here on the cow:
https://forums.creativecow.net/thread/2/897770

Tudor “Ted” Jelescu
Senior Compositor/VFX Artist