From the category archives:

Film, Flash & Animation

Digital Tutors Bringing Photographs to Life with 3D Layering in After Effects

Instructor: Laura Smith
Runtime: 5h 18m
Level: Intermediate
Software used: After Effects CS5
Video Format: FLV
Resolution: 1280×720
File Size: 3.32 GB
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In this series of After Effects tutorials, we will learn how to create a 3D fly-through effect in After Effects with assets created from images that we break down in Photoshop.

We begin in Photoshop with the images and start to dissect the photos to get the parts we need for building our shot. We learn a few masking and painting techniques to fill in the gaps for some of the areas that are covered up in the photos. Then, we dive into After Effects and start building our scene by laying the ground, sky, and tree layers. Read more…

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Digital Tutors Introduction to Character Design in Toon Boom Harmony

Instructor: Kurt Jones
Runtime: 1h 43m
Level: Beginner
Software used: Toon Boom Harmony
Video Format: FLV
Resolution: 1280×720
File Size: 390 MB
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In this Toon Boom tutorial, you’ll learn a good understanding of the tools needed to create your own character designs and walk through the process of creating a cartoon duck character to be used for cut styled animation.

Even though we’ll be using Toon Boom Harmony to design our character, everything that we’ll be covering will be applicable to both Toon Boom Animate and Animate Pro. Read more…

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Digital Tutors Destructive Shattering Effects in CINEMA 4D

Instructor: Fuat Yüksel
Runtime: 1h 35m
Level: Advanced
Software used: Softimage 2012 ICE, CINEMA 4D R14, V-Ray
Video Format: FLV
Resolution: 1280×720
File Size: 914 MB
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In this CINEMA 4D tutorial we will learn how to create a destruction effects shot.

Throughout these lessons we will look at the steps required to prepare and build it all from scratch within CINEMA 4D. We will start by learning the basic mathematical concepts and fundamentals that are needed to understand what we want to achieve. Read more…

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Digital Tutors Designing Futuristic Menus in Illustrator

Instructor: Laura Smith
Runtime: 3h 45m
Level: Intermediate
Software used: Illustrator CS6
Video Format: FLV
Resolution: 1280×720
File Size: 1.14 GB
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In this series of tutorials we will follow a step by step process for creating futuristic menus in Illustrator.

We begin by watching a clip that the menus will eventually be composited into and get an idea for what kinds of motions the actor in the clip makes. This gives us an idea for the scale and the types of menus that we need to be creating for this setting. Read more…

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Digital Tutors Animating and Compositing Futuristic Menus in After Effects

Instructor: Laura Smith
Runtime: 8h 18m
Level: Intermediate
Software used: After Effects CS6
Video Format: FLV
Resolution: 1280×720
File Size: 6.79 GB
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In this series of tutorials, we will learn how to animate and composite a futuristic menu interface with footage of an actor.

This course is a follow-up course to Designing Futuristic Menus in Illustrator. If you have any interest in learning how to make all of the pieces that we will be animating, you may want to watch that first. Read more…

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Digital Tutors Exploring Different Explosion Types in 3ds Max and FumeFX

Instructor: Haji Gadirov
Runtime: 1h 25m
Level: Advanced
Software used: 3Ds Max 2012, After Effects CS6, FumeFX
Video Format: FLV
Resolution: 1280×720
File Size: 834 MB
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In this series of tutorials we will learn how to create different kinds of explosions using just FumeFX in 3ds Max.
We’ll start the training by first learning about the anatomy of our explosions, then we will have an introduction to FumeFX covering the basics you can start using today. After that, we will cover a few examples of explosions and also the dense smoke. Read more…

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Digital Tutors Creating Run Cycles in CINEMA 4D

Instructor: Delano Athias
Runtime: 2h 20m
Level: Intermediate
Software used: CINEMA 4D R14
Video Format: FLV
Resolution: 1280×720
File Size: 1.33 GB
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In this CINEMA 4D training we will learn how to use CINEMA 4D’s animation tools to create a convincing run cycle.
We’ll start by taking a look at our rig and figuring out a rotation order that would work best for our needs. We’ll then jump right in an start blocking in the run: adding extremes and breakdowns. Once this step is finished, we’ll begin polishing the animation, which includes refining arcs, achieving realistic weight, as well as solidifying each pose. We’ll also learn how to mirror animation to work faster, as well as how to translate the run forward. Read more…

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Digital Tutors Compositing a Teleportation Effect in After Effects

Instructor: Brad Groatman
Runtime: 2h 57m
Level: Advanced
Software used: After Effects CS6
Video Format: FLV
Resolution: 1280×720
File Size: 1.88 GB
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In this series of After Effects tutorials we will create a science-fiction inspired teleporter effect.
We will begin with some character animation that has been matchmoved to a background plate. Then, using some basic dynamics tools and some creative re-purposing of other elements in After Effects’ tool box, create a swirling portal of energy through which our character will take form. Read more…

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Digital Tutors Animation Blocking Techniques in Softimage

Instructor: Delano Athias
Runtime: 1h 35m
Level: Intermediate
Software used: Autodesk Softimage 2013
Video Format: FLV
Resolution: 1280×720
File Size: 912 MB
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In this set of Softimage tutorials we will learn essential tips and techniques for blocking in animations.
We’ll begin by going over a set of steps that can be used to work more proficiently. We will learn how to create effective thumbnails. We’ll then learn how to set up our scene in order for us to jump right in and begin roughing in the animation. Read more…

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Digital Tutors Utilizing Viewport 2.0 in Maya

Instructor: Kyle Green
Runtime: 35m 55s
Level: Beginner
Software used: Maya 2013
Video Format: FLV
Resolution: 1280×720
File Size: 461 MB
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In this series of Maya tutorials, we will take in introductory look at the Viewport 2.0 tool set available in Maya.
With Viewport 2.0, we can view high-quality lighting and shadows, real-time ambient occlusion, motion blur and other effects directly within the Maya viewport. Read more…

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