Micro-Project #4 Details: 2.5D Bumper

It's written "2.5D," but everyone I know pronounces it "two and a half D." That's indicative of the way AE handles 3D space... it's not true 3D, but it's more than 2D. Saying that it's not "true 3D" essentially means that although AE lets you work in 3D space, you're not working with true 3D objects. You're working with 2D images in 3D space. Anyway... on to the project.

This should be a 10-second piece, utilizing AE's 3D capabilities that could act as a bumper. You see bumpers all the time on TV. They're short network identity pieces that are usually shown immediately before a program begins. Most of them essentially say "Hey, we're such-and-such network and here's what's coming up next!"

What I want you to do for this project...
is either re-create (with your original interpretation) a bumper you've seen on TV that you find interesting -- or -- come up with something original which could be a fun idea you've wanted to try or a practical piece you will put to use advertising something you're involved with. Just make sure it's in the style of a bumper. Use your imagination and have fun!

Here's a few samples to get the juices flowing. Note the use of graphic objects in Z space. There are foreground, middle and background elements that emphasize that the pieces are in a 2.5D environment (particularly evident in the Cartoon Network collection). The MTV2 piece features a series of PreComped animated vignettes that were likely created as layered Photoshop designs with their own background and foreground elements. The Game Show Network spot features 2D objects in a spiral array distributed in 3D space.

MTV2 Network Bumper:


Cartoon Network Show Bumpers:


Game Show Network New Identity:


Here's a link to the Ink Blot Tutorial!