After Effects: Where to begin?

[MIDI_EVIL]

I've been using video for a number of years now, producing work professionally and for personal interest. I've been using FCP from 4 to 7, including compressor and DVD studio. Not had a chance to explore Motion or Color as yet.

I've always wanted to delve deeper into the world of post production, namely the After Effects realm. My work really is limited to what you can do in FCP with a few layers from Photoshop using the motion tab. I know nothing of motion graphics, or any compositing work.

Where does one begin?

I'm an absolute novice, I've never so much as opened After Effects.

Are there any savvy After Effects guys here, who could point me/us in the right direction?

 

[AVR2]

You couldn't really do much better than to check out Andrew Kramer's fantastic and *free* After Effects Basic Training tutorials here at his equally fantastic Video Copilot website.

 

[MIDI_EVIL]

You couldn't really do much better than to check out Andrew Kramer's fantastic and *free* After Effects Basic Training tutorials here at his equally fantastic Video Copilot website.

Wow, thanks!

 

[faustfire]

If your serious about learning AE, go with this book.

http://www.amazon.com/Creating-Motion-Graphics-After-Effects/dp/0240810104/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257024244&sr=8-1

It'll give you a pretty complete understanding of AE, from top to bottom.

(well, as complete as anything I've come across.)

 

[Mac Kiwi]

Andrew Kramers tutes are awesome.

http://allbetsareoff.com/


http://library.creativecow.net/tutorials/adobeaftereffects

Kramer did the Star Trek titles and the beginning for the Fringe TV show.I am not sure if he did any of the special effects in the show though,sans the titles stuff that is.

 

[anthemus]

For some other cool effects in AE: www.aetuts.com

 

[MIDI_EVIL]

If your serious about learning AE, go with this book.

http://www.amazon.com/Creating-Motion-Graphics-After-Effects/dp/0240810104/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257024244&sr=8-1

It'll give you a pretty complete understanding of AE, from top to bottom.

(well, as complete as anything I've come across.)

Seems to be a good few who agree with you there, I think I'll take it...

 

[nyzwerewolf]

You should check this out: http://www.lynda.com/home/ViewCourses.aspx?lpk0=331