FXphd - AFX215 : AE Compositing for PROJECT ARBITER

Mark Christiansen, author of Adobe After Effects CS5 Visual Effects and Compositing Studio Techniques, returns for a new project-based course featuring composting and effects for PROJECT ARBITER. The short concept film, currently in post production, was shot with 2 RED cameras and fxphd members will be able to work through several shots on the film, potentially even having their shot find a place in the final release and their name featured in the credits. In addition, for April term members, there will be a small invite-only “Special Ops” group which will work through other shots on the film. Members will apply for Special-Ops by submitting a demo reel, CV, and a time commitment to work on the project. Details on applying will be provided to fxphd members.

Because this is a project-based course the week-by-week structure is subject to change. The type of shots Christiansen will be working on run the gamut of the type of shots an artist would see on a sci-fi action film. From rig removal to matte paintings, cgi multi-pass to bullet hits, blood splatters, and explosions. In addition to the classes, the course will also include a general challenge with an online interactive review session for the participants. Even if you don’t use After Effects for compositing, you’re sure to get a ton of useful information.

fxphd is excited to be involved in this project as it will give fxphd members great material to learn from as well as a chance to have their work make it into a final release. PROJECT ARBITER, scheduled for release in Q4 2011, is a sci-fi espionage story about Special Fields Op. Captain Joseph Colburn who has been tasked with infiltrating a Nazi villa on the Polish border to discover its mysterious operations. The film was written and directed by Michael Chance, who has an efficient eye for independent filmmaking – creating high-production value projects at a fraction of what it would cost a studio to produce.

As PROJECT ARBITER is a visual effects heavy film, Michael has Visual Effects Supervisor Jesse Boots overseeing all the details. Boots is a visual effects specialist at Ntropic in San Francisco (Underworld, Grindhouse) where he’s worked on numerous projects as an editor and VFX artist. Boots will be collaborating closely with Christiansen and the Special Ops team during the term.

class syllabus
Class 1: Pull a challenging blue screen key with Keylight. Set the elements in place for skydiving comp: camera animation, atmospheric haze and clouds, basic spill and color correction.
Class 2: We remove a chain towing a tank - smart ways to break down complex roto and incorporate the tracker and mocha AE.
Class 3: Sky replacement and plate cleanup on this long shot of a jeep driving off into the sunset.
Class 4: Blood and bullet hit effects for two unfortunate soldiers.
Class 5: The driving shot: roto and lighting for a realistic comp.
Class 6: Sky replacement and creating a smoke element.
Class 7: Explosion Enhancement
Class 8: Creating muzzle flashes for firing guns.
Class 9: Animating fluid in 2D.
Class 10: Some tricky compositing and a few final tips.