Effects

Foundation ActionScript 3.0 Image Effects discusses the ins and outs of graphical manipulation through code of all the different elements available in a Flash project, from vectors to bitmaps to videos, from animated text effects to dynamic video filters. Flash 8 introduced a vast array of image features, such as blend modes and filters as well as ActionScript's powerful BitmapData object, and this book covers all those effects in their current CS4 form, as well as the new graphical options that are available, such as the Pixel Bender Toolkit. It also details the many possible effects that can be achieved and the associated practical applications, with a focus on strong OOP methodologies to make the code more modular and reusable across projects.

• Gives detailed information on all of the image manipulation abilities of Flash CS4
• Covers complex technology, such as the Pixel Bender Toolkit
• There is no other book like it, covering the same topics in as much depth

What you'll learn

• Practice image manipulation using modular, object-oriented techniques
• Includes a comprehensive library of image effects classes
• Explore the bitmap manipulation classes in depth
• Applicable to most if not all of the Flash "disciplines"
• Provides a multitude of practical examples, not just theory
• Learn the new Pixel Bender language

Who is this book for?

This book is a great resource for any reader with an intermediate to advanced knowledge of ActionScript developing Flash games, applications and interfaces, animations or Websites, as the effects detailed are applicable across multiple disciplines. If you understand the best practices OOP syntax and know how to manipulate a Flash movie beyond the basics, you will be able to pick up the book and apply its lessons in your own work, as it clearly points out how the effects discussed have practical applications for amateurs and professionals alike.

Foundation ActionScript 3.0 Image Effects discusses the ins and outs of graphical manipulation through code of all the different elements available in a Flash project, from vectors to bitmaps to videos, from animated text effects to dynamic video filters. Flash 8 introduced a vast array of image features, such as blend modes and filters as well as ActionScript's powerful BitmapData object, and this book covers all those effects in their current CS4 form, as well as the new graphical options that are available, such as the Pixel Bender Toolkit. It also details the many possible effects that can be achieved and the associated practical applications, with a focus on strong OOP methodologies to make the code more modular and reusable across projects.

• Gives detailed information on all of the image manipulation abilities of Flash CS4
• Covers complex technology, such as the Pixel Bender Toolkit
• There is no other book like it, covering the same topics in as much depth

What you'll learn

• Practice image manipulation using modular, object-oriented techniques
• Includes a comprehensive library of image effects classes
• Explore the bitmap manipulation classes in depth
• Applicable to most if not all of the Flash "disciplines"
• Provides a multitude of practical examples, not just theory
• Learn the new Pixel Bender language

Who is this book for?

This book is a great resource for any reader with an intermediate to advanced knowledge of ActionScript developing Flash games, applications and interfaces, animations or Websites, as the effects detailed are applicable across multiple disciplines. If you understand the best practices OOP syntax and know how to manipulate a Flash movie beyond the basics, you will be able to pick up the book and apply its lessons in your own work, as it clearly points out how the effects discussed have practical applications for amateurs and professionals alike.

Flash Designers: push Flash to the next level with After Effects' robust toolset. CS5 delivers more complete integration of these two powerhouse applications-so you can expand your multimedia horizons. Flash + After Effects gives you a working understanding of the AE toolset and professional techniques that raise the design bar for web, HD broadcast, or CD/DVD delivery. The companion web site contains project media for hands-on practice of essential production skills, including:

* Working with live video in Flash and the After Effects timeline
* Using alpha channels for keying and enhancing interactivity
* Integrating new CS5 features including the Roto Brush and Code Snippets
* Exporting layered After Effects compositions for Flash
* Building interactive 3D environments with video, cameras, and lights
* Enhancing character animation using IK and Puppet Tools
* Exporting video in HD and for the Web

If you're an animator, or a video or film producer, you know the significance of using After Effects and Photoshop together effectively. After Effects and Photoshop, which covers After Effects 6 and Photoshop CS, is the first guide to using Adobe's two market-leading graphics-creation programs simultaneously to create animations and production effects in the real world. Find solutions to the challenges you face daily and discover insider tips not commonly known outside of Hollywood. The premium-quality visual approach of this book makes learning straightforward and enjoyable. The accompanying DVD is loaded with skill-building materials, including project files and footage for the tutorials, production materials, 3rd-party plug-ins and filters, stock video, and more.

Flash Designers: push Flash to the next level with After Effects' robust toolset.
* Add motion graphics and visual effects to your Flash projects
* Fuse 3D depth into 2D animations
* Prepare Flash animations for broadcast
* Save development time in executing animations

Combine these two powerhouse applications to expand your multimedia horizons. Flash + After Effects gives the experienced Flash designer a working understanding of the After Effects toolset with professional techniques that raise the design bar for Web, broadcast, or CD/DVD delivery. The companion DVD contains project media that permit you to practice essential After Effects skills that include:
* Working with video and the AE timeline
* Using alpha channels for keying and enhancing interactivity
* Putting vector animation to work with Text and Shape Layers, and animation presets
* Creating 3D backgrounds with cameras and lights
* Animating with Behaviors, Parenting, Expressions and the Puppet Tool
You also get a video primer, render and file optimization techniques, and publishing and streaming guidelines.



Combine two powerhouse applications to:
* Add motion graphics and visual effects
* Fuse 3D depth into 2D animations
* Prepare Flash animations for broadcast
* Save development time

Covers CS4
This cookbook contains recipe after recipe that allow you to harness the full power of the native plug-in effects in the After Effects application. In a step-by-step manner, author Chad Perkins guides you through the creation and application of each and every native plug-in effect available for use in the AE toolset. The book also shows you how each can be used optimally in your media project, when and why it makes sense to use each, and also how to combine multiple effects.

From color correction effects to distortion effects to stimulation effects and all in between, this book puts the full power of the AE plug-in effects in your hands. It shows you how to create, among others:
- the shatter effect
- the fractal noise effect
- the glow effects
- the Particle playground effect
- the 3D Channel Extract effect
- the Colorama effect

A CD that contains tutorial project files is included with the book, allowing you to work hand-in-hand with the lessons in the book.

All exercise files on the CD are for use in CS4 only. Non-exercise files on the CD are compatible with any version of After Effects.

* Fully harness the power of AE with ingredient-by-ingredient recipes for creating effects using the native plug-ins in After Effects
* Features inspiring 4 color presentation and insight into when and why certain effects should be used
* Companion CD features tutorial project files allowing you to work hand-in-hand with the lessons in the book
* All exercise files on the CD are for use in CS4 only. Non-exercise files on the CD are compatible with any version of After Effects.

Master all the core concepts needed to use After Effects 5.5 on a daily basis, including transformations, keyframing animation, editing layers, masking, track mattes, stencils, nesting, precomposing, transfer modes, effects, adjustment layers, and rendering, plus the major new features Parenting, 3D Layers, Cameras, and Lights. In addition to the new topics, owners of the first edition of CMG will benefit from the updated coverage of such key features as transfer modes, masking, and collapsing transformations. Beginners and students will enjoy the new first chapter, which takes them on a tour through After Effects in the form of creating a mythical television show opening title sequence. The CD includes free plug-ins and keyframe assistants from Boris FX, Walker Effects, Digital Film Tools, The Foundry, Digital Anarchy, and DigiEffects plus inspirational footage from Artbeats, Digital Vision, and EyeWire to experiment with.