Hasta La Motion!

Hi there guys. Just to start off, a tiny bit about myself. I’m 20 years old, live in the UK and am an ex university student. I studied at University for one year and dropped out, not for any negative reasons, I loved university life and would advise it to everyone (only if they asked, I’m not saying you’re wrong to not go) but the course I was in was poor, and I really didn’t enjoy it and didn’t want a job in any of the areas I was being taught in. I never see it as a waste because of the experience and because it’s led me to knowing what I actually want to do. I researched a lot on the internet, picked up various programme trials and fell in love with the thought of being in the VFX industry. I just love how creative it is, even though I’m not a great artist, I very much enjoy art itself.

I’m now living back at home and have a hell of a lot of free time. I saw the stickied thread on what programs to use which was very helpful, but I would love some guidance on what exactly I should be doing with my time.

I love the effects side of VFX, as in, creating realistic particle systems and the idea of incorporating them into live footage, but this is where I get a little stuck. I’m currently using Fusion and have enjoyed learning about it but, for what I want to achieve, what should I actually be doing?

Should I be recording my own footage, and trying to incorporate effects in to them? How is this usually done to create a realistic effect? would you normally create the particles within Fusion to use or another application? I looked on the Video Copilot website and the free tutorials there look pretty cool but after hearing a lot (although I know not all) people saying that for Film Nuke is the more generally used program so I wanted to stay away from AE but a lot of the things from that site (Video Copilot) are similar to the things I would like to achieve. (I’m obviously aware I don’t have Nuke but Fusion is quite similar no? So I’m hoping if needed I can make the transition). There doesn’t seem to be any tutorials on actually creating effects and putting them into a video so I just feel kind of stuck on what to do.

So basically, I’m just sat here, I really wanna dig into the program but also don’t want to be doing things that may not be neccessary for me. Where should I go from here?

I appreciate anyone who’s actually read through that so thanks in advance.

Hi,

A bit of a noobish question. How do I get rid of the text node’s controls overlay when previewing in the viewer? What I mean is the frame with the crosshair in the middle. It’s getting in the way of me seeing everything else. Thanks in advance!

Hey all,

So Ive decided I really want to learn visual effects, things like spells and what not. fire, water. anything really. particle systems. But my issue is i cant seem to find too many tutorials on that topic. I have found a few that use trapcode particular, but they are more for animated graphics. Does anyone know where I could pick up some good tutorials on the matter? Free or not, anything will help. I dont mind supporting those who put out the tutorials.

Also, Does anyone have any tips on networking? I know its a huge part of this business, but Im having troubles with it. I try to be as respectful as possible and not ask too many questions at once, but alot of people just dont reply to messages or emails or anything. Any tips on the matter?

Thanks guys and gals.

Stefan Lipsius

Hi, sorry for my English, I am Italian. Please where I can find video for creating special effects and compositing with after effects? I am starting to learn these programs, but I haven’t video and resources. Thank you very much.