After Effects. 5 Bible [With CDROM]

I am a moderate after effects user.. There are quite a few things that are not so easy to grasp.. This book explains everything, in depth, in terms anyone can understand.. You do not need to be sitting at the computer to follow their tutorials, to learn how to do a new skill (very nice, I am not a huge fan of reading, and being on the computer..).I'd say this is the best recource available for after effects to date. If you found The creating motion graphics series to be annoying / time consuming, get this book, it renders it all down to an easier and faster learning experience.

WOW! where do i start? i am, by nature, a multimedia gu-ru. love everything about it! i 1st dipped into adobe premiere and then adobe photoshop. i was eagerly wanting to learn adobe "after effects" which alot say, is the KING of the adobe line up. just due to the fact that its just that, "AFTER EFFECTS." basicly the final touch of a multimedia project. keeping in mind i had NO after effects experiance what so ever. that may be a good guage for the review.i 1st purchased the "after effects 5.0 classroom in a book." i found that book to be somewhat complicated. that book assumed you (the user) knew too much already. i managed to complete the book BUT still somewhat confused with the software. i found i was clicking, right clicking and didnt realy know why i was doing it? my next book was "after effects in production" (trish & chris meyer) that book was awesome! but NOT for begginers. the lessons in that book helped BUT being rookie status it was STILL confusing at points.finally for xmas i received the "after effects 6 bible." FINALLY, 3rd time was a charm! within the 1st 2 chapters i knew i had found a winner! the book NEVER assumes you know too much. it starts right at the BASIC steps. we MUST learn to crawl before we can learn to walk. that is what i feel "classroom in a book" was missing. if your coming in blind folded this book is the way to go! it is written just perfectly for learning this software. the author shares humor throughout the book and at times you feel like your in a classroom. HIGHLY RECOMEND for anyone in the market for learning A.E.! i can honestly say withought this book i may have NEVER learned A.E. i may have gave up in frustration. it is a complex program, anyone who has ever opened up the interface can atest to that. this book makes the complexity become clear! im now doing things i only thought was possible in hollywood studios.my recomendation if learning A.E. and in this EXACT order.1. complete THIS book (after effects 6 bible)2. your cookin after that book next do (classroom in a book)3. finally, icing on the cake with (after effects in production)you will then be well on your way to becoming an A.E master. it takes time. dont give up! THANKS A.E. bible teamsean s. trail, bc canada

As soon as you open up any chapter of the book, you'll feel like one of the authors pops up out of it, sits down next to you, and starts a sumptuous private session specially for you, seamlessly and enthusiastically tapping around your key board like a flamboyant percussionist. You never have to be worried a bit about the seeming finickiness of the program. This teacher never seems to forget his pains-taking beginner days. Not only does he give you a complete sense of how After Effects works from scratch, but he inspires you to expand your imagination, play with the program freely and cut open your own way. It really takes you out to the scene! You know what's wonderful? He does all these things sipping coffee, chewing gum, joking to break you up, and, now and then, sighing in admiration of the program. Get the book. You'll find a life-time teacher, and a precious, mind-evoking friend. It's guaranteed!

After Effects is a very powerful and complex program, and for a beginner, such as myself, it is quite intimidating at first. The After Effects Bible not only provided clear explanations and tutorials that allowed me to get started, but it also enableld me harness more of the programs potential. Most importantly, it motivated me to "think outside the box" and to use the program in new ways. If you are going to use After Effects then you really must read this book.