FYI: Rendering

To hand in your projects, I am requesting that you render it out as an H.264 MP4 file and drop it into the Student Drop folder. To render out of AE, make sure you have the comp you want to render selected in the timeline and use the keyboard shortcut Command+Shift+/ for Mac (Control+Shift+/ for PC) or select "Add To Render Queue" from the Composition menu. You should see this menu (click image to enlarge):

Your settings may be different. To change them to what I have in the image, first click the arrow button to the right of where it says "Render Settings." Select "Best Settings." Then click the arrow button next to "Output Module." Select "H.264" (outputting as H.264 will result in an MP4 file). Now click on the yellow text that reads "Not Yet Specified" to the right of "Output To:." This will let you specify where you want your render to go. The default name of the rendered file will be whatever your comp is named. You can change it if you need to before rendering.

Once you've finished setting all this up, go ahead and click the "Render" button. Now all you have to do is wait for it to finish. When it finishes rendering, AE will play a flourish sound to alert you.

If for some reason you can't recall where you sent the file, you can twist open the "Output Module" and you'll then see a filepath to where the rendered file was sent. Click on the filepath name and it will open Finder in the directory that you specified. Isn't that awesome? You betcha.

FYI: Basic Composition Settings

When creating a new composition (comp), you can make it any size you need it to be, but the general default for this class will be the preset called HDV/HDTV 720 29.97. This is a comp that is 1280 pixels wide by 720 high with a frame rate of 29.97 frames per second (fps). 1280x720 has an aspect ratio of 16:9. (click image to enlarge)

Storyboarding

Here's how the pros do it:



And here's a comparison from Monsters Inc. between the boards and the finished film:

FYI: Filenames for Projects and Micro-Projects

When turning in your rendered files on their due date, please use the following naming convention:

For Projects, please call the file DV2480yourlastname_P0projectnumber

For Micro-Projects, please call the file DV2480yourlastname_MP0projectnumber

So for instance, for Micro-Project #1 (Lower Thirds), name your file: DV2480Swanson_MP01.

OK then.

* For the record, that's a zero following the P and the MP, not an O (oh).

Inspiration for Project #1, Logo/Identity Animation

Here's the inspirational video for Project #1: Logo/Identity Animation.

Description from the Syllabus: "Identity/Logo Animation: Students will develop a motion graphics piece that introduces or promotes an identity. The project will be modeled after a product/service logo or bumper, however, students can substitute an identity of their own design. Emphasis on basic motion graphics pipeline, animation and production."

This spot features a good variety of AE techniques, including pre-comping and track mattes. It's a solid example of a good piece that showcases the brand's logo and establishes an identity.

Project #1 is due Thursday, February 16th.

Mutant Labs Sting from mutant labs on Vimeo.
Mutant Labs animated tagline, for more info visit mutantlabs.com



Sound by combovaria.com

Here's another piece by Mutant Labs that is similar in nature.


Plymouth Winter Festival TV Ad from mutant labs on Vimeo.