In this process and production lesson we were focusing on how 2d objects and lettering can be transformed and manipulated in order to appear to be contained within a 3d space.
This was done by using 3d selecting features on the timeline in after effects, alongside the ability to use camera to adjust depths and angles.
This process was inspired by the bbd four promotional advert for the "morning" program, accompanied by Stephan Hawking with a voice over.
To start this production, adobe illustrator was used to add each required layer. This is shown in the screen shot below and it was essential that each word or item was included on a new layer for easy manipulation once used in after effects.
I used a mix of geometric shapes (circle with broad stoke outline), clip art like image (book), and two different typefaces of text (sans serif and a hand written calligraphy like type). The fonts here were downloaded from da font.
In after effects these files were imported and then the composition was double clicked to open the individual layers separately in the timeline at the bottom of the page.
At this point I chose to remove the larger circular moon as this looked to large and overpowering when layered with this delicate type.
The composition settings are then adjusted to 25 frames per second, and the hight and width were adjusted in order to fit with HD screen dimensions.
Then experimentation with the timer/ stopclock icon on the z,y,x rotation tools were used. These are available in the transform controls once the 3d cube icon is selected and added to each layer.
It was suggested that subtle moments would be best, as it may appear too busy, messy and confusing if objects were flipping or spinning in the final outcome.
Next the camera tool was selected from the 'new' tab at the top of the window.
The pop up window on the screenshot above shows how this camera working in a similar way to a slr camera in reality, with optimum presets either being 35mm or 50mm.
In order to have more control over the manipulation of the camera, the view on screen was changed from single to double. And as seen in the screen shot below this means that an above angel of the layers stacked can be seen on the left hand side. This adds to the ease of editing the order in which each different layer will move in sequence on the screen right.
The angle and camera rotation too could be adjusted on this left hand screen. The path of its navigation is seen in the waved light pink line in the centre, and the focal point is evidenced buy the central pink large dot. Both of these can be manipulated to achieve the desired effect. As this was the first time id used these tools, i used trial and error to see what would work best and how these could be manipulated to achieve different outcomes. The position of the camera was also changed using the transform dropdown options. This is all evidenced below.
Above shows the layers and how they are stacked to move across the 3d space.
However it also shows how a background image or texture can be added to the stacked layers, and can be moved to the base of all the layers so can provide depth to the piece. This too has to be set to 3d settings for the movement to appear like it is travelling with depth.
I used a copyright free downloaded texture for this. And as the words had a delicate hand written emphasis i thought that a paper background would be the most effective.
This is the rendered version.
