ABSTRACT
Real three-dimensional (3D) programs have several advantages over After Effects: For example, their objects have real depth, and the texturing and lighting options are far more advanced. This chapter works through a pair of case studies: Adding two-dimensional video to the face of a 3D object, and integrating lights and shadows between After Effects and 3D render. Unfortunately, there is no one universal file format to bring information from a 3D application into After Effects. Offloading portions of the work from 3D program to After Effects will save time while giving more power and flexibility – but it requires some planning to set up. A typical workflow will include finalizing camera move in the 3D program, rendering the 3D scene, then bringing the camera move and render into After Effects. To create a series of promos for NBC, we crafted a simple 3D environment to replicate a videowall sitting on a seamless white cyclorama stage.
