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Training Course Summary:

This two day introduction is designed to allow those new to video post production techniques to get the most from this immensely powerful software.

The emphasis throughout this introduction is on practical exercises.

These exercises will cover incorporating video with Photoshop and Illustrator graphics, video layering techniques, working with key frames, using filters for special effects and rendering your final project.

You will also look at different rendering techniques and ways to optimise the finished production. Feel free to tailor the course to your exact needs if you wish.

This course is based on the Professional Edition of After Effects. If you would like a course on the Standard Edition, please call for details.

Training Course Overview/Content:

System Setup
hardware requirements and recommendations video capture options PAL/NTSC preview options

Starting a Project
Importing layers from Photoshop
Using the Project window
Working with layers over time
Animating layers independently
Using multiple key frames
Animating antialiased text
Using Bezier motion paths
Applying effects to layers

Impoting Footage
Nesting footage
Precomposing footage
Using alpha channels
Looping video footage
Drafting a project
Interpreting footage

Working with Layers
Different layer masking techniques
Creating animated Bezier mattes
Exposing elements of your
last project
Changing playback speed
Changing playback direction

Parent_Child Relationships
Working with the z-axis
Text layers
Trimming layers

Working with Keyframes
Animating graphic elements
Precisely controlling animations
Using markers to synchronise
actions

Introduction to using Mattes
Using colour keys to create
simple mattes
Making layers react interactively
Using Free Transform Mode
Working with multiple effects
Using paths in After Effects
Using the align palette
Using adjustment layers
Previewing in RAM
Using the Keylight keyer

Compiling your Project
Optimising project settings
Rendering the composition

Practical Exercises

Filters and Transistions
An in-depth look at After Effects filters including:
- Levels
- Creating drop shadows
- Perspective filters
Using texturise
Setting mattes
Bevelling the Alpha channel
Bevelling edges of rectangular
objects
An in-depth look at transitions
Using the Comp window
Creating text effects
Animating text

More about Keyframes
Further principles of key framing
Copying and pasting key frames
Key frame assistants
Time reverse key framing
Simultaneously editing multiple
key frames

Compiling your Project
Using the pen tool to edit the
value graph
Issues involved in interpolation
methods
Precise control over velocity
Controlling speed of change
Nesting complex compositions
Mixing interpolation methods

Linear and Bezier Interpolation
Previewing in wire frame
Using audio effects
Importing a project from
Adobe Premiere

Final Rendering
Creating custom rendering
templates
Faster rendering techniques
Efficient use of RAM
Setting field rendering order

Saving your Work for Fiilm, Video, Multimedia and the Web