After Effects has been established as the world's most powerful and cost-effective solution for motion graphics professionals. The application has revolutionized the broadcast industry. Proof of the revolution was clear when the mid-1990s revealed a dazzling array of visual artistry in ad campaigns and television network promotions, the quality and the quantity of which had never been seen.
Version 5.0 was a major upgrade (3D, expressions, parenting, to name a few) and Version 5.5 could hardly be considered a dot release. Truly phenomenal software, this build of After Effects boasts a variety of new features as well as vast enhancements to its user interface. There are numerous new filters for concretizing any visual effects that the mind can envision. Additionally, After Effects 5.5 includes improved 3D-compositing capabilities, greater command over expressions with the Expression Controls effects, as well as native support for OSX, among numerous other improvements.
The After Effects Bible looks into every aspect of the application. Whether you're completely new to motion graphics, or an experienced hand looking for ways to get the most out of the recent upgrade, there is valuable, time-saving information to be found in each chapter. There are step exercises for everything from creating complex keyframe animations to animating cameras in 3D space. Whether it's read from front-to-back or used as a desktop reference, the After Effects Bible belongs in the motion graphic designer's library.
Customer Reviews
Average Customer Review
Out of date, March 23, 2007
By
Arthur S. Vibert (Northern California)
It's a bit shocking that Amazon is still offering this book for sale, since after effects is now up to v 7.0. Get a more recent book.
Best teaching without a class, October 19, 2004
By
J.B. (Lemoore, CA)
This book is worth every penny! I've only been working with After Effects for a few months and it has helped me learn everthing from scratch. The author makes it seem as if he's right over your shoulder as you go through the tutorials. I have sinced upgraded to AE 6.5 but I still find helpful ideas in this book. This is definitely for beginners and probably even a refresher for proffesionals. If you're still working with AE 5.0 or 5.5...get this book! It makes learning an app fun!
Great Recource, no fat, March 16, 2003
By
hermie farnsworth (goshen, utah United States)
I am a moderate after effects user.. There are quite a few things that are not so easy to grasp.. This book explains everything, in depth, in terms anyone can understand.. You do not need to be sitting at the computer to follow their tutorials, to learn how to do a new skill (very nice, I am not a huge fan of reading, and being on the computer..).
I'd say this is the best recource available for after effects to date.
If you found The creating motion graphics series to be annoying / time consuming, get this book, it renders it all down to an easier and faster learning experience.
After Effects Bible 5, January 21, 2003
By
sandman (BC canada)
WOW! where do i start? i am, by nature, a multimedia gu-ru. love everything about it! i 1st dipped into adobe premiere and then adobe photoshop. i was eagerly wanting to learn adobe "after effects" which alot say, is the KING of the adobe line up. just due to the fact that its just that, "AFTER EFFECTS." basicly the final touch of a multimedia project. keeping in mind i had NO after effects experiance what so ever. that may be a good guage for the review.
i 1st purchased the "after effects 5.0 classroom in a book." i found that book to be somewhat complicated. that book assumed you (the user) knew too much already. i managed to complete the book BUT still somewhat confused with the software. i found i was clicking, right clicking and didnt realy know why i was doing it?
my next book was "after effects in production" (trish & chris meyer) that book was awesome! but NOT for begginers. the lessons in that book helped BUT being rookie status it was STILL confusing at points.
finally for xmas i received the "after effects 6 bible." FINALLY, 3rd time was a charm! within the 1st 2 chapters i knew i had found a winner! the book NEVER assumes you know too much. it starts right at the BASIC steps. we MUST learn to crawl before we can learn to walk. that is what i feel "classroom in a book" was missing. if your coming in blind folded this book is the way to go! it is written just perfectly for learning this software. the author shares humor throughout the book and at times you feel like your in a classroom.
HIGHLY RECOMEND for anyone in the market for learning A.E.! i can honestly say withought this book i may have NEVER learned A.E. i may have gave up in frustration. it is a complex program, anyone who has ever opened up the interface can atest to that. this book makes the complexity become clear! im now doing things i only thought was possible in hollywood studios.
my recomendation if learning A.E. and in this EXACT order.
1. complete THIS book (after effects 6 bible)
2. your cookin after that book next do (classroom in a book)
3. finally, icing on the cake with (after effects in production)
you will then be well on your way to becoming an A.E master. it takes time. dont give up! THANKS A.E. bible team
sean s. trail, bc canada
It really takes you out to the scene!, September 23, 2002
By Satoshi Suzuki (New York, NY United States)
As soon as you open up any chapter of the book, you'll feel like one of the authors pops up out of it, sits down next to you, and starts a sumptuous private session specially for you, seamlessly and enthusiastically tapping around your key board like a flamboyant percussionist. You never have to be worried a bit about the seeming finickiness of the program. This teacher never seems to forget his pains-taking beginner days. Not only does he give you a complete sense of how After Effects works from scratch, but he inspires you to expand your imagination, play with the program freely and cut open your own way. It really takes you out to the scene! You know what's wonderful? He does all these things sipping coffee, chewing gum, joking to break you up, and, now and then, sighing in admiration of the program. Get the book. You'll find a life-time teacher, and a precious, mind-evoking friend. It's guaranteed!
