After Effects 5 Bible [Paperback]

J. J. Marshall (Author), Zed Saeed (Author), J.J. Marshall (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0764536559 | ISBN-13: 978-0764536557 | Publication Date: May 1, 2002 | Edition: 1

After Effects has been established as the world's most powerful and cost-effective solution for motion graphics professionals. The application has revolutionized the broadcast industry. Proof of the revolution was clear when the mid-1990s revealed a dazzling array of visual artistry in ad campaigns and television network promotions, the quality and the quantity of which had never been seen.

Version 5.0 was a major upgrade (3D, expressions, parenting, to name a few) and Version 5.5 could hardly be considered a dot release. Truly phenomenal software, this build of After Effects boasts a variety of new features as well as vast enhancements to its user interface. There are numerous new filters for concretizing any visual effects that the mind can envision. Additionally, After Effects 5.5 includes improved 3D-compositing capabilities, greater command over expressions with the Expression Controls effects, as well as native support for OSX, among numerous other improvements.

The After Effects Bible looks into every aspect of the application. Whether you're completely new to motion graphics, or an experienced hand looking for ways to get the most out of the recent upgrade, there is valuable, time-saving information to be found in each chapter. There are step exercises for everything from creating complex keyframe animations to animating cameras in 3D space. Whether it's read from front-to-back or used as a desktop reference, the After Effects Bible belongs in the motion graphic designer's library.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

"Precise, comprehensive, and friendly. A perfect reference for the beginner and, indeed, the experienced user. I thoroughly recommend it."
-Alan F. Hamill, Digital Video Specialist, Adobe Systems
* Transform your PC into a professional motion graphics studio
* Produce stunning effects for film, video, multimedia, and the Web
* Master powerful new features like 3D compositing and vector paint tools

Bonus DVD-ROM

High-quality stock footage, plug-ins, tutorials from the book, and more

If After Effects 5 can do it, you can do it too . . .

After Effects 5 is a major upgrade that brings many new features to Adobe's powerful motion graphics software. This essential reference and tutorial tells you everything you need to know to create virtually any special effect you can imagine for film, video, multimedia, and the Web, with extensive coverage of new enhancements. Whether you're a motion graphics novice or a feature film professional, this is the only book you'll need to produce high-quality, low-cost digital effects.

Inside, you'll find complete coverage of After Effects 5
* Get up to speed fast with a Quick Start guide to animating and special effects
* Learn about new features for 3D compositing, parenting, expressions, and more
* Unleash powerful new special effects tools
* Learn how to enhance your designs with typography
* Sharpen and expand your animation skills
* Import and work with media from virtually any source
* Integrate After Effects into your digital video production workflow
* Prepare your work for rendering in any format or medium

Loaded DVD-ROM
* High-quality stock footage
* Trapcode's Shine and 3D Stroke demo versions
* CineLook Broadcast, CineMotion, and Cyclonist demo versions from DigiEffects
* After Effects, Photoshop, Premiere, and Illustrator tryout versions by Adobe Systems Incorporated
* Eye Candy demo version by Alien Skin Software

System Requirements:

PC running Windows 98/2000/Me/XP, Windows NT 4 or later; Power Macintosh running OS 9.1, 9.2.1 or MacOS X version 10.1; DVD-ROM drive. See the "What's on the DVD-ROM" appendix for details and complete system requirements.

About the Author

J.J. Marshall is a born and bred resident of New York City who makes his living there as a broadcast designer and a digital video consultant. Most recently, he assisted in developing a nationwide broadband news-on-demand network called The FeedRoom. Prior to that, he helped introduce Oxygen Media to the joys of Final Cut Pro and After Effects while editing a weekly 2-hour show. Some more of his past efforts have included freelance projects for the New York New Media Association(NYNMA), Liz Claiborne, NetShoot, and the Center for Neurobiology and Behavior at Columbia University, as well as independent documentary productions that have aired on PBS. Teaching credits include courses in digital video at open-I Media and the School of Visual Arts (SVA). While writing this book, he served as a beta tester on the latest version of After Effects. A self-proclaimed refugee from the world of theatre, J.J. has long been creating data-driven art in one form or another.

Zed Saeed lives and works in New York City as a freelance digital-media consultant specializing in editing, compositing, and workflow issues. Zed served as a senior post-production consultant for Apple Computer and Oxygen Media on Final Cut Pro and digital-video workflow design and has worked with Media 100 and Adobe Systems on video-related products. He has also worked as an editor, producer, compositing artist, and broadcast designer at Showtime Channels, Sundance Channel, and ESPN Classics. Zed has written articles on digital media technologies for magazines and has served on the faculty of NYU Graduate School, Parsons School of Design, and New School University. Zed has written, produced, and edited videos that have received awards and recognition by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and the American Film Institute. Zed is also the author of Final Cut Pro 2 Bible.

Product Details

• Paperback: 1000 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (May 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764536559
• ISBN-13: 978-0764536557
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.5 x 2.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #971,310 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars First Rate and Comprehensive!, June 3, 2002

By 

"maxkoppleman910" (Seattle, Washington) - See all my reviews

This review is from: After Effects 5 Bible (Paperback)

This is by far the most comprehensive of the books on After Effects. I've bought other books on After Effects from Amazon and returned one of them because it was quite bad! The Bible is first and foremost huge and comprehensive. It covers topics like Motion Math in detail I have not seen anywhere else. Same with Expressions and Keys! The tutorials are numerous and every function is explained via a tutotial or another. Great Book! And I am still plumbing the depths of it.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thinking Outside the Pixel, September 17, 2002

By 

Peter Canoll (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: After Effects 5 Bible (Paperback)

After Effects is a very powerful and complex program, and for a beginner, such as myself, it is quite intimidating at first. The After Effects Bible not only provided clear explanations and tutorials that allowed me to get started, but it also enableld me harness more of the programs potential. Most importantly, it motivated me to "think outside the box" and to use the program in new ways. If you are going to use After Effects then you really must read this book.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It really takes you out to the scene!, September 23, 2002

By 

Satoshi Suzuki (New York, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: After Effects 5 Bible (Paperback)

As soon as you open up any chapter of the book, you'll feel like one of the authors pops up out of it, sits down next to you, and starts a sumptuous private session specially for you, seamlessly and enthusiastically tapping around your key board like a flamboyant percussionist. You never have to be worried a bit about the seeming finickiness of the program. This teacher never seems to forget his pains-taking beginner days. Not only does he give you a complete sense of how After Effects works from scratch, but he inspires you to expand your imagination, play with the program freely and cut open your own way. It really takes you out to the scene! You know what's wonderful? He does all these things sipping coffee, chewing gum, joking to break you up, and, now and then, sighing in admiration of the program. Get the book. You'll find a life-time teacher, and a precious, mind-evoking friend. It's guaranteed!