Creative COW Library

Promo Breakdown

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 22:48:57 GMT

In this video tutorial, CreativeCOW leader, Eran Stern discusses the development process for the DVD. Eran also demonstrates his design methods using Boris Continuum Complete 6.

New VR Mini from CalDigit

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:13:47 GMT

CreativeCOW leader Jerry Hofmann takes a look at CalDigit's new VR mini -- serious storage small enough for your pocket.

Introduction to 3ds Max 2010 Particle Paint Helper

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

In this 3ds Max 2010 tutorial, Michael Hurwicz Michael Hurwicz looks at the new Particle Paint feature, which allows you to spray particle seeds on any object. You then use new operators in the Particle Flow system to convert these seeds to particles. The tutorial demonstrates freehand painting and uses the new Birth Paint operator to convert the seeds to particles.

Free video and demo reel hosting comes to Creative COW

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:34:12 GMT

CreativeCOW.net has added free hosting for demo reels, music videos, commercials, short films, trailers and other media files that our members want to use to promote their businesses or just show their work. We support up to 900 pixels wide, up to 100MB in size, with AAC audio encoding.

Introduction to 3ds Max 2010 Graphite Modeling Tools

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 23:13:37 GMT

In this 3ds Max 2010 tutorial, Michael Hurwicz introduces the new Graphite Modeling Tools, and in particular the Generate Topology feature, which allows you to quickly change the underlying structure of an editable poly to resemble bricks, tiles, diamond shapes, and a number of other options. The tutorial uses bricks as a demonstration of this capability.

The Redrock Micro DSLR Cinema Bundle for the Canon 5D MKII

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:45:28 GMT

If you are using the Canon 5D MKII or Nikon D90 for their gorgeous HD video, or even thinking about it, you need to read this. Creative COW Contributing Editor Jim Harvey shows how the Redrock Micro DSLR Bundle makes these cameras even more useful for video shooters, then shows how he and other pros are using it, in the field and in the studio. Jim is enthusiastic about the possiblities it opens up, and thinks you will be too.

Creating a Summer Blockbuster Film Look

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:22:38 GMT

In this action packed episode of Red Giant TV, Sin City's Visual Effects Supervisor - and the new Creative Director of Red Giant Software - Stu Maschwitz, shows you how to get the Summer Blockbuster look seen in Transformers 2, Terminator: Salvation, and The Taking of Pelham 123. Stu shares valuable techniques for enhancing your footage with Magic Bullet Looks and Colorista - the technologies he invented for his own use on feature films.

Introduction to 3ds Max 2010 Viewport Label Menus

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 22:44:26 GMT

In this 3ds Max 2010 tutorial, Michael Hurwicz looks at the new viewport label menus, which provide quicker access to some of the most common viewport-related functions, such as showing statistics, showing and hiding the grid, changing the view (e.g. front, back, perspective), and changing the shading mode (e.g. smooth and highlights, wireframe, edged faces)..

AE Quicktips #8: Camera Raw Sequences

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 00:55:33 GMT

In this video tutorial, Creative COW contributing editor Carl Larsen shows you how to import a .jpeg or .tiff sequence into Adobe After Effects with Adobe Camera Raw development settings applied.

Star Trek Transport Effect Part 2

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 19:19:02 GMT

In this video tutorial, Creative COW leader Alan Lorence of Wondertouch shows how to create the transporter effect from the new Star Trek movie using particleIllusion 3.0. This is part 2 of 2.

Star Trek Transport Effect Part 1

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 19:18:08 GMT

In this video tutorial, Creative COW leader Alan Lorence of Wondertouch shows how to create the transporter effect from the new Star Trek movie using particleIllusion 3.0. This is part 1 of 2.

Creating a Text to Sand Transition

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 21:24:58 GMT

In this episode of Red Giant TV, Aharon Rabinowitz shows you how to create the effect of text (or a logo) dissolving to sand and blowing away. You'll also learn how to reverse the transition, so that sand forms into text.

Creating a 3D picture Montage with Trapcode Particular

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 21:16:55 GMT

In this Episode, Rob Birnholz shows you a great technique for quickly creating a 3D picture montage with Trapcode Particular. It takes just minutes to set up, but can save you hours of work.

Using After Effects Masks with Boris Continuum Complete 6 AE Extruded Text

Sat, 06 Jun 2009 00:01:45 GMT

In this Boris FX video tutorial we show you how to use an After Effects mask to define custom extrusion curves as well as the baseline for text characters in Boris Continuum Complete's Extruded Text filter.

Paint Stroke Morph

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 22:19:01 GMT

In this video tutorial, CreativeCOW leader, Eran Stern demonstrates using paint strokes brushes to automatically morph between path shapes.

Taking the Lay of the Land in 2009

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 16:40:59 GMT

In this article from Creative COW Magazine, Ron Lindeboom looks at some ideas that can help your business grow when markets are weak.

The 3DVX

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 00:22:57 GMT

Stereoscopic, uncompressed 10-bit HD RAW - from a pair of modded DVX100s!

IMAX - The Biggest Name in 3D

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 03:38:15 GMT

IMAX talks about what they look for in bringing 3D to their screens. IMAX has made a big commitment to 3D exhibition: 200 new screens coming on line as quickly as possible, with IMAX producing all of their documentaries in stereoscopic 3D.

The 3D Zone: Its Past & Its Future

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 02:41:40 GMT

The world expert in the history of 3D imaging looks at its past to see into its future. Along the way, he looks at the role of comics in the evolution of 3D storytelling, the importance of anaglyph even today, and why 3D is going to stick around this time.

All In - Dreamworks Animation Goes All 3D

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 04:47:30 GMT

DreamWorks wasn't the first to make a modern-day 3D animated movie. But they were the first to commit to do nothing else, and to commit to start-to-finish 3D authoring for all of it.

FotoKem: 3D DI

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 01:55:33 GMT

FotoKem opened as a film lab in 1963, and has continued to evolve and expand. Here are some of the tools they're using as the industry, and their business, now adds another dimension.

Tiny Stereoscopic Rigs - Big Pictures

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 05:15:45 GMT

In this article from the Stereoscopic 3D issue of The Creative COW Magazine, Bernie Laramie, co-founder of Stereoscope, discusses rigs and stereoscopic hardware used in creating high-end 3D movies.

Perception and The Art of 3D Storytelling

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 05:55:58 GMT

By working in the area between what you see, and what you can see, Brian Gardner is helping re-write the rules of 3D filmmaking - right before your very eyes.

Storytelling, Reality, and Utopians of the Image

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 06:03:31 GMT

An Introduction to the Stereoscopic 3D Creative COW Magazine Issue - From the time we first heard stories as humans, we have wanted to be persuaded by illusions. When we are, we never say, That could never happen, because it just did.

Nosferatu becomes Orlok the Vampire in 3D!

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 23:34:04 GMT

Nosferatu, the first vampire movie, and some say still the best, rises again in 3D! Chris Heuer used desktop tools including AE and Mocha to breathe new life into this classic of world cinema.

Mocha for After Effects v2

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 22:01:03 GMT

In this article, CreativeCOW leader Brendan Coots takes a look at Mocha for AE v2 and concludes that overall, Mocha for After Effects v2 is fast, friendly and cost effective, making it an excellent choice for freelancers and major studios alike.

Creating a Helix in Adobe Illustrator - Part 3

Thu, 28 May 2009 18:07:55 GMT

In Part 3 of this 3 part Adobe Illustrator tutorial series, Vincent Rosati shows you how to perform flat shading on the helix created in the previous tutorials.

Simulating Whip Pans

Sun, 24 May 2009 20:01:09 GMT

In this video tutorial, Creative COW contributing editor Carl Larsen shows you how to create a whip pan (swish pan) effect using Adobe After Effects built in tools.

New VDN network from Sorenson Media: Sorenson 360

Sun, 24 May 2009 02:35:46 GMT

Need high quality encoding with a more than reasonable way to serve the videos you need to put online? One of CreativeCOW's leaders, Jerry Hofmann takes a look at Sorenson Media’s new Video Delivery Network (VDN) called 'Sorenson 360'.

Creating a Helix in Adobe Illustrator - Part 2

Wed, 20 May 2009 17:55:14 GMT

In Part 2 of this 3 part Adobe Illustrator tutorial series, Vincent Rosati uses the pen tool to draw the helix structure.

Creating a Transporter Effect

Tue, 19 May 2009 19:19:37 GMT

In this episode, Chief Engineer Eran Stern works furiously to get his Starship's transporters back on-line to rescue a fellow crew member trapped on a hostile planet. But time is running out. Will Eran be able to build the transporter in After Effects in time?

Patch and Heal Tools

Mon, 18 May 2009 16:25:51 GMT

In this tutorial, Richard Harrington uses the patch tool and healing brush tools to teach patching, healing and the vanishing point in Adobe Photoshop.

Creating a Helix in Adobe Illustrator - Part 1

Fri, 15 May 2009 17:38:00 GMT

In Part 1 of this 3 part Adobe Illustrator tutorial series, Vincent Rosati explains how to use the free transform tool to take the first step in creating a helix with AI.

broadcastGEMs' AE Pro Volume02

Tue, 12 May 2009 23:54:20 GMT

Tim Johnson takes a thorough look at broadcastGEMs AE Pro Volume 2 and finds GEMs is well-suited for the corporate AE user or anyone that would like a quick and easy starting point for that next project.

Map an After Effects Video Layer to Boris Continuum Complete 6 AE Extruded Text

Tue, 05 May 2009 21:45:00 GMT

In this Boris FX video tutorial we show you how to map an After Effects video layer to the surface of Boris Continuum Complete 6 AE Extruded Text.

Masks Panel

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 18:39:23 GMT

In this Photoshop tutorial, Richard Harrington takes a look at how to use the masks panel in Photoshop CS4. This is a new feature in CS4 that can speed up your workflow by allowing you to quickly manage the masks on a layer.

Boris Continuum Complete 6 for Adobe After Effects

Sat, 25 Apr 2009 23:53:37 GMT

In this article, CreativeCOW leader Brendan Coots takes a look at Boris Continuum Complete 6--plug-ins for Adobe After Effects.

Child Tracking Part 2

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 19:25:17 GMT

In this video tutorial, Creative COW contributing editor Carl Larsen shows you how to use the track a child expression to create an interesting title sequence in Adobe After Effects.

Trashing Preferences

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:13:08 GMT

In this Final Cut Tutorial, Richard Harrington shows you how to clean up the Final Cut application when it starts acting up with bugs or other problems. Many times this can be caused by a corrupt preferences file or other user settings related to Final Cut Studio. These tips are also handy when performing an upgrade installation or reinstallation.

Adding Depth of Field

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:47:00 GMT

In this Photoshop tutorial, Richard Harrington shows how to perform depth of field blurring techniques using the lens blur feature in Adobe Photoshop CS4.

DreamSpeakers On Tour: Budding Aboriginal Filmmakers

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 21:09:48 GMT

In this article, VASST's Douglas Spotted Eagle, takes COW members inside the DreamSpeakers On Tour. DreamSpeakers is a three-weekend project where students meet with professionals in the film/video industry and learn their craft, beginning from the ground floor of film making. Budding Aboriginal filmmakers and Dreamspeakers work together to produce first films for youth, by youth, and the program has kicked off to a great start.

Mac Subtitler & Closed-Caption Software Round-up:

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 15:18:16 GMT

The COW's man in Nepal, Jiggy Gaton, gets asked all the time about subtitling DVDs -- and cringes every time: editing software suites just don't have that much to offer. However, Mac DVD authors have some standalone alternatives worth considering.

SmartSound SonicFire Pro 5: Low-cost Scores at The Speed of Sound

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 07:05:21 GMT

The COW's man in Nepal, Jiggy Gaton, has found a balance between easy, automated music production, and high-quality results with SmartSound SonicFire Pro 5. He has also been impressed with how easy it is to create variations of his custom scores, and has come up with some unexpected workflow innovations.

Under the Hood & Behind the Scenes: Masters of Stereoscopic 3D Storytelling

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 15:24:17 GMT

Writer and contributing editor, David Roth Weiss, takes us takes us Behind The Scenes in Hollywood to the DreamWorks Animation Studios, where the masterminds behind the new hit film, Monsters vs. Aliens, are reinventing the art of storytelling using new state of the art 3D stereoscopic filmmaking techniques and technologies.

iChat Theater Review

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 13:21:41 GMT

In this episode of Final Cut Help, Richard Harrington takes a look at video sharing via iChat Theater Review, a technique for online video review that allows you to quickly share video via iChat. This can be helpful for showing a preview of a video to a client or a project partner.

Content Aware Scaling

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 12:47:46 GMT

In this episode of Photoshop for Video, Richard Harrington takes a look at a new feature in Adobe Photoshop CS4 called content aware scaling. This feature allows a user to define a region or a graphic to scale or not to scale when the image is resized, giving tremendous flexibility to not have certain parts of a photo distorted when other parts are stretched.

Child Tracking Part 1

Sun, 12 Apr 2009 00:31:17 GMT

In this video tutorial, Creative COW contributing editor Carl Larsen shows you how to track the position of a parented layer using expressions in Adobe After Effects.

Broadcast Quality at Bargain Prices

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 22:53:28 GMT

Brand new to the market and loaded with high-end features, Flanders Scientific has introduced four high definition LCD panels specifically developed for the pro market. With the help of the COW's Walter Biscardi, Jr. and senior telecine colorist Ron Anderson, Nick Griffin offers a first look at these high definition broadcast monitors from FSI.

Get Your FCP Timelines in Motion with Final Cut Studio

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 17:00:05 GMT

Having both FCP and Motion in Final Cut Studio means more options for effects creation with your video projects -- and FCS integration makes it easy to work with them together. Having Motion projects sitting on your FCP timeline even helps keep your projects organized! Our man in Nepal, Jiggy Gaton, shows just how easy it can be to take advantage of it all.

Creating Transitions with Boris Continuum Complete 6 AE's Swish Pan Filter

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 00:59:48 GMT

Editors use transitions as a way to cut between scenes, typically creating an animated effect such as a dissolve or blur at the end of the outgoing clip and the beginning of the incoming clip. While most modern NLE systems ship with standard wipe transitions, there are some transition styles that are more of an in-camera effect rather than a synthesized gradient wipe or block dissolve. One of these effects, known as a Swish Pan, is created by panning the camera very quickly in a 180 degree arc, creating the look of a fast blur between the outgoing and incoming clips. Continuing in the tradition of making visual effects easy to create, Boris Continuum Complete 6 AE now includes a Swish Pan transition filter which is available free for registered BCC 6 AE users. In this video tutorial, we'll use the new BCC 6 Swish Pan filter to transition between a pair of clips.