Try adding special effects to a video

Get to know the basics of motion graphics and video compositing techniques using Adobe After Effects.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

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Sample files to practice with (ZIP, 70 MB)

1. Start a new project

Become familiar with the workspace and how to import footage and other assets you’ll use to create a new composition.    

Import footage (0:20); Review sample assets (1:00); Create new composition (2:05); Understand the panels (3:00)

2. Work with layers, blend modes, and effects

Combine elements in the scene using layers and nondestructive blend modes. Correct color levels, hue, and saturation using effects.

Combine elements in scene (0:50); Inspect layers (2:15); Find blend modes (2:40); Apply effects (4:55)

3. Add some animation

Enhance your composition by animating an element along a path through the scene. Correct its color and shadows as it moves. And for a little depth, add an element to the foreground.

Add the UFO (0:02); Animate the UFO (1:05); Adjust UFO path (3:00); Correct shadows (4:00); Add foreground street lamp (5:30)

4. Create a handheld camera effect

Use a nested composition to simulate a low-resolution camera moving within the larger scene.

Create nested comp (0:20); Animate background layer (1:25); Fake a handheld look (3:15); Add a wiggle (5:00)

5. Refine your composition with effects

Add realism with motion blur and adjustment layer effects, including camera lens blur, a uniform color wash, and noise.

Add motion blur (0:20); Use adjustment layer (1:10); Add camera lens blur (1:50); Apply uniform color wash (3:35); Add subtle noise (3:55)

6. Export your project

Use Adobe Media Encoder to render your project so you can share it with the world.    

Export to Media Encoder (0:20); Change output options (0:50); Change output path (1:20); Play final output (2:00)

November 2, 2016

Contributor: Brian Maffitt