Camera Control, Part 2: Graph Editor & Dolly Rigs

In the previous column, we discussed a handful of tricks and techniques which can be used in different situations to make it easier to animate the 3D camera in After Effects, including one node cameras, two node cameras, auto-orientation, and building a special orbiting camera rig using parenting and null objects. In this column we’ll show how to build a “dolly” rig for the camera in older versions of After Effects as well as the new version 7.0, plus give a quick introduction to the new Graph Editor also introduced in After Effects 7.0.

Camera Control, Part 1: Auto-Orient & Orbit

One of the most daunting obstacles for motion graphics artists making the transition from 2D to 3D is animating the camera. In this month’s column, we’ll give a quick review of the two basic camera types you can animate in After Effects, plus reveal the easy-to-miss Auto-Orient Along Path option. Then we’ll show you how to build a simple “camera rig” for performing perfect camera orbit and spiral moves. In the next column, we will discuss approaches to building a more complex rig that allows the user to animate each axis independently, and show how this has been made much easier in After Effects 7.0 with a special Animation Preset plus the introduction of a new Graph Editor. more »

Enter a New Dimension: Moving Into 3D

In this redesign of PAX TV’s on-air look, the primetime promotional end caps are filled with light and translucent shapes. Simple flat characters and shapes were exploded and hit from a number angles with different-colored lights. Multicolored light rays add dimension and energy. (creative director: John LePrevost of LePrevost Corporation; art director/designer: Wendy Vanguard of Manna-Design; realization: Chris Meyer of CyberMotion)

Because of either lack of time, or simple Fear of the Complex and the Unknown, many editors and 2D graphic artists resist learning how to use a 3D program. And that may be unwise. More graphic design is incorporating 3D elements - from the ubiquitous extruded flying logo, to cool lighting effects, to wireframes of simple geometric shapes added as visual spice. Your clients may not even know this is “3D”, but they know it’s a look they want…and if you can’t supply it, they’ll look for an artist who can. Don’t worry - you don’t have to create Toy Story 3 single-handedly - but some basic skills will more than pay back the moderate effort invested.

2D Texture Mapping

Plain solid-colored text is not convincing when composited on top of another surface (top). Applying it with blending modes (above) can help it blend into the layer behind it. Displacement mapping (below) further distresses it with the background, making the text appear as if it was physically applied to it. Finally, using a copy of the background as a luminance matte (bottom) makes part of the text transparent, which ages it.

We find it useful to employ both 2D and 3D programs in our work - not just to create different looks, but also because techniques learned in one can provide inspiration for a new approach in the other. One example of this is in the area of texture mapping - making a computer-generated object or surface appear to have a physical texture, with real paint or decals applied to it.

In 3D, advanced users wouldn’t dream of leaving a surface untextured; they would apply treatments to make it appear more realistic (or surrealistic, if that’s what the scene calls for). Then why do so many 2D artists settle for plain, solid-colored text? Sometimes, this is the best approach to clearly convey a message - but it can be interesting to consider texturing our 2D objects as well.

There are a series of three tricks we employ to add texture to our text - especially if it is supposed to look like it has been applied to another object in our composite. Let’s take the challenge of making some text appear painted onto a the side of a building to see how we would apply these techniques.

Braving the 3D Elements

Wireframes of a hand, text, and other objects, blended in with blurs and transfer modes to make them appear more graphical or even organic. 3D models from Viewpoint Labs; fonts from FUSE.

Adding a 3D program to your motion graphics toolset can greatly increase your creative options. However, many are daunted by learning an entire new set of skills. Relax: No one expects you to create a pod race or Jar Jar Binks your first month out. Instead, think of 3D initially as a way of generating graphical elements to composite into your 2D creations. We’ll cover a handful of basic tricks well within the skills of most beginning 3D users.

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