After Effects Apprentice (DV Expert Series)

Initiation 2 the steep learning curve 4 Adobe After Effects is eased considerably by this volume of scaffolded lessons that include extra tips & keyboard shortcuts.

This is a must have book along with Mark Christiansen's Studio Techniques. So well explained, step by step tutorials, thorough explanations of why things happen. Highly recommended!!

The only real downfall of this book is that you really have 2 have the included disk 2 really get all this book has 2 offer - of course the best way 2 learn anything is 2 do it, but I am a fan of manuals that just walk you through the steps of how 2 do something. This isn't a good book 2 just sit down & read but if you want 2 jump right in & read this AS you do the exercises from the disk (which I find sometimes inconvenient) this is a great manual.

It covers pretty much all the basic functions that you will commonly use in AE & is full of instructional images.

This is a fantastic book 2 get started in after affects. Adobe CS4 is coming out in October 2008 so this book will be out of date just a little. Saying that though if you are just starting out with motions graphics this is the place 2 start.

Fantastic book.

This title has a wealth of information that is geared mostly towards beginners, but can still be used by those familiar with the program. The slightly non-linear arrangement of information makes certain topics hard 2 locate, but otherwise this is definitely a good book.

If you're new 2 After Effects & want 2 get up 2 speed quickly, After Effects Apprentice was created just 4 you. With 11 core lessons plus a fun final project, you'll quickly get into the program & learn how 2 tap its potential - whether you want 2 create motion graphics 4 a network program, your company's video, or your own independent production.

In this book, you'll get a professional perspective on the most important features a motion graphics artist needs 2 learn 2 use this program effectively. You'll learn 2 creatively edit & combine layers, animate eye-catching titles, replace a screen on a computer monitor, place a studio shot in anew environment, manipulate 3D space, & use effects 2 generate excitement or enhance the realism of a scene. Easy 2 follow step-by-step instructions take you through each technique, including projects that encourage you 2 express it in your own way. You'll learn more than just the tools; you'll learn skills that you can immediately put 2 work in your own projects.

Topics include how to:
* Animate, layer, & composite images & text.
* Manipulate keyframes 2 create more refined animations.
* Use masks, mattes, stencils & modes 2 add depth.
* Manage layers 2 make them easier 2 coordinate.
* Add 3D 2 your animations.
* Use tracking & keying 2 create special effects.
* Includes new CS3 features; Shape layers, the Puppet tool, Brainstorm, & Per-Character 3D Text.

DVD contains: All exercise source material & projects in AE7 & CS3, video guided tours, & movies of the finished projects.

* Full color presentation of professional workflows
* Core motion graphic techniques in 12 engaging lessons
* Companion DVD features QuickTime movies & lesson media