Creative COW Library

Flicker and Shake with Boris Continuum Complete 6 FxPlug

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 01:01:58 GMT

Flicker and Shake is an auto-animating filter which uses bursts of synchronized Exposure, Glow, Blur, X or Y displacement, and RGB channel offset to create a flicker effect for video or graphics elements. The flicker effect has been made popular by recent television commercials and film trailers.

Three Books on 3ds Max

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:07:01 GMT

Creative Cow Leader Michael Hurwicz looks at three books on 3ds Max (two new ones based on 3ds Max 2010, and one based on 3ds Max 2009) and finds each useful in its own way.

Controlling Zaxwerks ProAnimator Pivot-Point

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:42:07 GMT

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow leader Serge Hamad demonstrates controlling the Zaxwerks ProAnimator pivot point.

Matrox’s MXO2 MAXed out, with a little MXO in the mix

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:20:20 GMT

CreativeCOW's leader, Jerry Hofmann depends on the Matrox MXO2 to save the day when tight turn around production dilemma presented itself.

Creating a Sunset View

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:36:41 GMT

In this simple tutorial, Omar Alkattan demonstrates how to create a sunset view with After Effects and only After Effects. We'll touch on 3D layers, Fractal Noise Effects, simple masks and reflections.

Cinema 4D 11.5: MoDynamics

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:33:35 GMT

In this video tutorial, Creative COW leader Chris Martin takes a look at MoDynamics in Cinema 4D 11.5.

The Pusher

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:09:44 GMT

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow contributing editor Eran Stern creates a watery liquid push effect and color corrects the shot using the bundled Color Finesse plug-in.

Boombox Sonic Wave Effect

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 20:42:47 GMT

Learn to make the most requested effect shot in the GenArts Demo Reel. In this tutorial, Todd Prives will take you through the steps to create a series of sonic waves emitting from a boombox using Sapphire plug-ins and Adobe After Effects as seen in the GenArts Demo Reel.

Tangent Wave Control Panel Review

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:25:27 GMT

In this article Walter Biscardi, Jr. takes an indepth look at the new Tangent Wave Control Panel.

Encore: Frameserving From Adobe Premiere Pro

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:26:12 GMT

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow Leader Jeff Bellune guides you on a trip from Adobe Premiere Pro to Adobe Encore using the Debugmode Frameserver plug-in. Adobe Encore CS4 added a new feature that allowed a live Adobe Premiere Pro CS4 sequence to be added to an Encore DVD or Blu-ray project. But what about Encore version CS3 or earlier? The Debugmode Frameserver lets you send a Premiere sequence to older versions of Encore without having to first render an intermediate file from Premiere.

Creating a Motion Graphics Film Title Treatment

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:29:13 GMT

In this tutorial, Motion graphics designer and director Chad Bonanno helps you recreate the titles he designed for the feature film Dreamgirls. You'll learn how to create a cool shimmering confetti effect with Trapcode Particular, as well as how to reveal text with Knoll Light Factory Pro.

Spooky Wall Tracking

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:46:37 GMT

In this video tutorial, Chris Martin shows you how to create a hole in a wall and track it using Syntheyes and Cinema 4D.

Business as Unusual as Possible

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 02:41:49 GMT

Sitting tight through changing times isn't a solution. It's the opposite of a solution. Great ideas are a dime a dozen. The challenge is finding a way to earn more than a dime from them. As encouragement, here are some insights for success that I've come across lately.

Making Big Plans

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 02:10:49 GMT

Today, South Africa. Tomorrow, the world. Eugen and his colleagues at 3DTree carefully plan every job, plan how to extend their creativity - and yes, their expansion into Hollywood.

DaVinci - Rebuilding the Brand for the 21st Century

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:53:13 GMT

How's this for chutzpah? The DaVinci customers at Blackmagic Design buy the company, to set it back on the right path - making big investments, expanding service while slashing fees, accelerating development, and rebuilding Da Vinci from their own experience as its customers.

Molecule Fueled Imagination

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 23:32:07 GMT

Film? Television? Production? Post? Visual effects? Animation? Stereoscopic 3D? Interactive design? By answering Yes, all of the above, The Molecule keeps its eyes beyond the horizon.

Driving Toward Success

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 21:05:46 GMT

No matter how unexpected and varied the routes, the roads to success are often marked by customer service, attention to detail, and the imagination to see that success is even possible.

Small Steps to Big Success

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:14:12 GMT

Thinking big doesn't always mean having the whole vision at once. For Walter Biscardi, it combines client service, calculated risks, and big investments - especially during down markets.

Setting a New 3D Home Standard

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:57:02 GMT

Stereographic 3D hasn't arrived until it arrives in the home. TDVision has a proposal: a standard that works with any display, with both 2D and 3D in one stream, with no additional hardware.

Participating in Your Own Rescue

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:39:51 GMT

Your greatest tool - the one that is guaranteed to have the surety to gain you your next achievement, or to keep you from it - is there between your ears. It's in the way that you think, believe, and act.

Text Effects with Final Effects Complete

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 21:51:41 GMT

Are you tired of solid stroke and soft shadows on your text styles? Do you need something unique and catchy for your project? Final Effects Complete 5 from Boris FX may offer a fresh treatment for your old title or lower third. FEC packs a wealth of eye-catching visual effects. Most of the effects are designed to work on full color images, but some can be used on alpha channel bitmaps such as text slates.

Twixtor Overview for FCP

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:10:04 GMT

This video tutorial gives an overview of how to use Twixtor within Final Cut Pro, including how to apply Twixtor, how to speed up and slow down footage using Twixtor , and special considerations needed.

Tracking a 3D Object

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:45:42 GMT

In this video, Chris Martin shows you how to track a 3D object onto a live action video shot using Syntheyes and Cinema 4D.

Recreating a Classic 1950's Science Fiction Show Opening

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 21:35:07 GMT

In this episode of Red Giant TV, Chad Perkins shows you how he built the various elements he used to re-create of the opening sequence from the classic sci-fi TV series, the Twilight Zone. In the tutorial Chad gives you tons of valuable hints and techniques for use in Adobe After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator and Maxon Cinema 4D.

Fracture Text Breaking News Open

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 02:09:50 GMT

In this tutorial, Broadcast Designer Jason Brown will show you how to use the fracture object feature in Maxon's Cinema 4d to make a quick Breaking News open when you are pressed for time.

AE: Quick Tips for Better Workflow: Part 2

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:08:35 GMT

In this video tutorial series, Creative Cow leader Gyorfi Szilard demonstrates a few tips for better workflow. This video will cover navigation tips.

Creating an Animated 3D Motion Graphics Logo

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:44:39 GMT

In this tutorial, Telescope Media Group's Carl Larsen shows you how to create a motion graphics logo using an array of 3D particles, built with Trapcode Form. He'll show you how you can do in After Effects what, under most circumstances, must be done in a 3D application. Get ready to learn the true power of 3D particle systems in AE.

HP SkyRoom: Sharing is Nice

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 16:24:55 GMT

You might look at HP SkyRoom and see a videoconferencing system, which indeed it is. But it is also a powerful tool for desktop sharing and collaboration, taking advantage of advanced technologies for maximum performance.

HP Skyroom: Power & Simplicity for Remote Workgroup Tasks

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 16:00:17 GMT

In this article, Ron Lindeboom looks at the powerful HP Skyroom technology, which allows team members to interact in high definition video with one another, as they work on projects and approvals remotely. Highly powerful, yet priced within reach of many small to medium-sized companies -- nevertheless, the system is powerful enough for even major players like Dreamworks Animation, who used the system during the making of the blockbuster 'Monsters vs Aliens.' Powerful, elegant, simple to use.

Trapcode Suite Reviewed

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 20:55:00 GMT

In this article, CreativeCOW's Jim Harvey takes a look at Trapcode Suite from Red Giant Software--nine plug-ins that will get a workout in any studio.

Creating a Fluid Logo

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 20:31:23 GMT

In this first video with Creative Cow, Chris Martin goes over how to create a fluid logo using Realflow and Cinema 4D.

Bessie Potter

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 22:22:15 GMT

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow contributing editor Michael Park demonstrates how to make a dark, cloudy Title reveal similar to the one seen in the Movie Which Must Not Be Named. All textures and fonts are available in the project download as well as the final CS4 project file.

Boris Continuum Complete's Witness Protection Filter

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 21:22:20 GMT

In this video tutorial, we use the BCC Witness Protection filter in Apple Final Cut Pro to obscure the face of a surfer who is surfing a wave at great speed, moving across the frame from the center to exit on the right. We will use BCC Witness Protection's built-in motion tracker to automate this process.

Autumn Movies

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 18:04:58 GMT

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow contributing editor Eran Stern designs a high impact motion graphics promo using Zaxwerks 3d serpentine plug-in.

Creating a 3D Text Fly In

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 22:20:37 GMT

In this video tutorial series, Creative Cow leader Zak Peric demonstrates creating a 3D text fly in using Apple Motion.

Blackmagic & DaVinci, and What It Means

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 20:46:45 GMT

Blackmagic founder Grant Petty says that the company's purchase of DaVinci systems actually fits exactly what they have done all along: build the kinds of products they have needed for their own postproduction business, and being the kind of company they'd want to do business with. While important details are still being worked out, Grant has some very clear visions about how these practices can help rebuild one of the industry's most respected brands.

AE: Quick Tips for Better Workflow: Part 1

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 23:03:31 GMT

In this video tutorial series, Creative Cow leader Gyorfi Szilard demonstrates a few tips for better workflow. This video will cover editing and working with keyframes.

Creating a Waterfall

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 22:07:13 GMT

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow leader Michael Park demonstrates how to create a waterfall using After Effects and Trapcode Particular. This tutorial is in response to a couple of posts on the Trapcode Forum of CreativeCOW.net looking for this type of effect. This tutorial uses Particular 2.0, but the work flow and settings should work equally will with previous versions of Particular.

VoiceOver Recording in Media 100 Suite

Sat, 12 Sep 2009 20:57:41 GMT

In this video tutorial, Floh Peters takes a look at Media 100 Suite's new VoiceOver Tool. The VoiceOver Tool allows direct-to-timeline audio recording while playing back timeline audio and video. Primarily designed for recording narration, the VoiceOver Tool leverages Media 100 Suite's new MultiClip architecture to allow for multiple takes nested inside a single audio clip in the timeline.

Create Cool 3D Text with Trapcode Form

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:11:55 GMT

In this Episode of Red Giant TV, Hypa TV's Tim Clapham shows you how to build and animate 3D text with Trapcode Form. He's also show you techniques for animating the text on and off - and while they're deceptively simple, they deliver in a really big way.

Cinefilm's Ron Anderson: da Vinci User Since 1986

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 23:39:41 GMT

In this article, Tim Wilson talks with da Vinci user Ron Anderson in his Part Three look at Blackmagic Design's acquisition of da Vinci Systems. Ron Anderson’s relationship with da Vinci has also taken places over several decades, starting as a customer, and evolving into demo artistry even while he continues working with da Vinci systems at Atlanta’s Cinefilm.

Blackmagic Design Buys the Power of daVinci: Part 2

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 23:17:01 GMT

In this article, Tim Wilson continues his series with his Part Two look at the big news leaking from IBC 2009. Blackmagic Design has acquired da Vinci Systems and with that acquisition comes what Tim refers to as The Power of da Vinci. And for the many that have used da Vinci over the years, they know full well the power of which Tim writes. And for those who might need an introduction to this power, Tim offers these words...

Blackmagic Design Buys DaVinci: Part 1

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 22:54:40 GMT

In this article, Tim Wilson begins his series on the big news already beginning to leak from IBC 2009. Blackmagic Design has acquired da Vinci Systems and yes, you read that right. BMD owns and will be developing and marketing da Vinci's award-winning colorgrading technology. What's in store? Here's Part One of Tim's look at the fast-breaking news...

A Letter From Grant Petty

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:19:06 GMT

The fastest breaking news that is sure to rifle through IBC the quickest? Well, for starters, try this announcement from Blackmagic Design, who have acquired DaVinci Systems, the pioneering color system that for many years has been one of the dream systems in the marketplace. In the letter to employees below, Grant Petty discusses the acquisition with his team members.

Twixtor and Unwanted Warping

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 15:58:53 GMT

This Tutorial explains how to use the Motion Sensitivity control to avoid unwanted warping in your re-timed shot.

Using Boris Continuum Complete's Cartoon Look Filter

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 20:37:55 GMT

Boris Continuum Complete's Cartoon Look filter lets you easily convert images and clips into cartoon-style roto animations. The result is a look that has been popularized in films such as Waking Life and A Scanner Darkly. The look can also be seen in broadcast TV commercials for The Charles Schwab Corporation.

Color Link

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 19:14:26 GMT

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow contributing editor Eran Stern creates a colorful disco tunnel using shape layers and matching the look to a video footage using the color link effect.

When to use Smart Blend in Twixtor

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:37:25 GMT

Things that come in and out of the frame can cause difficulties to any motion estimator. This Tutorial explains when it is appropriate to use Smart Blend and shows Twixtor and Twixtor Pro with Smart Blend and compares a panning shot slowed down 10x with and without Smart Blend.

Building an Airport Scene - Part 2: Compositing

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 17:36:43 GMT

In this episode of Red Giant TV, Mathias Möhl continues his airport building project, and shows you how to motion track your footage with Mocha For After Effects. Then he'll use that data along with MochaImport (his own script) to easily rotoscope and create a solid composite.

Stabilize Shaky Video Footage with Boris Continuum Complete's Optical Stabilizer Filter

Sun, 23 Aug 2009 01:20:30 GMT

The BCC Optical Stabilizer filter enables you to stabilize shaky video footage. The filter uses optical flow technology to determine the movement of the camera and then adjusts the clip's position to compensate. Depending upon filter parameter settings, the motion in the clip will either be smoothed or completely locked down. Unlike many other image stabilization tools, the BCC Optical Stabilizer does not require you to set user-defined tracking points. This is useful for images where tracking data is unreliable.