As we mentioned earlier, we're creating a video training series based on our popular beginner's book After Effects Apprentice, which progresses from “I haven't used it before” through core skills including keyframing, masking, text animation, and 3D space to advanced techniques such as motion tracking, green screen, and expressions.

As is the case with most of our video training, these videos are being offered through lynda.com. For those who don't already have a subscription, they regularly make a few of movies from each course available for free on their site as well as on YouTube. We want to make sure our PVC readers are aware of these resources.

The first course is based on the Pre-Roll section of the book, where we introduce you to the After Effects user interface. The movie above discusses the UI: We think it will be useful to those opening the program for the first time, or who haven't used After Effects for several years – the UI underwent a major overhaul a few years ago. The complete course also covers how to import sources, manage compositions, preview your work, and render a final movie.

The content contained in After Effects Apprentice – as well as the CMG Blogs and CMG Keyframes posts on ProVideoCoalition – are copyright Crish Design, except where otherwise attributed.