Software Review: After Effects

Many of you talented filmmakers have all kinds of cool postproduction techniques. As a postproduction/motion graphics editor, I understand how it can be difficult sometimes as a filmmaker to find and learn how to use the best software out there. I've had to work on projects using Final Cut Pro, Avid, Live Type, After Effects, and even iMovie for those last minute edits. Even though experimenting with new software can be intimidating at times, I want to encourage you guys to try some simple techniques with After Effects that can really improve your quality of work.

One simple technique that can be easily learned in After Effects is to use the background presets as intros and outros for videos. With a few adjustments in the effects panel, you can customize the preset to make it unique and original. By changing the color, speed of movement, and the other options they offer based on which preset you select, you can have a brand new background for a title opening or wherever you may need it.

Another simple technique that's really fun and impressive is a track matte. This is when footage or a background is only shown inside of a particular shape. For example, I usually use the track matte technique with text. I may have the words "Destiny Summer Camp" and footage of children playing at the camp will appear only inside of the letters. To do this in After Effects put the footage layer underneath the text layer. You may have to press the toggle switches button at the bottom if you do not see the track matte option next to the layer name. Then on the footage layer, select the track matte technique that you would like to use and it will track matte the layer directly above it.

The last technique I will discuss is called a freeze frame. This is one of my favorite techniques to use. To have footage playing and have it  suddenly "pause" can be pretty exciting for an audience to watch if it's done correctly. In order to do this successfully, pick the frame on the time line that you want your footage to freeze. Use the keyframes adjust the opacity by hitting the stopwatch with the Current Time Indicator (the red line) on the frame right before you want it to freeze. Then put a key frame (press the little yellow diamond next to the stopwatch) on the frame where you want it to freeze. Double click the key frame and change the opacity to zero. Then bring the same footage to a layer right beneath it, select it, and select Layer > Time > Freeze Frame. Make sure your Current Time Indicator is on the frame where you want it to freeze (The same frame where the opacity of the footage is zero). Now when you preview your composition the footage will suddenly stop on the selected frame! It will continue to be frozen until the end of the footage time or the end of the time line so make sure to adjust the length. Hope you guys can use these fun effects!