Building a Simple 3D Head with FreeForm CS5
Dan Gies has put together this detailed video that demonstrates some techniques used to build and rig a 3D head using the FreeForm plugin included with After Effects CS5.
He also reviews setting up expression controls to drive nested compositions like eye blinks and head rotations and creating pupils that follow a null object like a "Look At" point.
2D to 3D Stereo Conversion: Mocha Pro + FreeForm
Martin Brennand (Imagineer Systems) shows how to convert 2D film to stereoscopic 3D. Mocha Pro is used for the roto and clean plating, Freeform Pro is used for the extrusion. This technique works with FreeForm as well as FreeForm Pro.
Create a Highly Detailed Digital Terrain Scan
Ran Ben Avraham (ran-mograph.blogspot.ca) shows how to create a 3D futuristic terrain scanner using FreeForm. Step-by-step, he creates monochromatic displacement maps and uses them to extrude the 3D mountain-like shapes.
FreeForm Image Fit 4:3 to 16:9
Ben Griggs prepared this tutorial based on a concept by Jack Tunecliffe of Java Post Production.
He shows how to stretch a 4:3 image progressively towards a 16:9 image, retaining the proper aspect ratio in the center of the image.
FreeForm: the Displacement Map Feature
Dustin Klein explains the displacement mapping feature, and shows how it adds depth to a layer. He shows how the displacement map is a greyscale image that tells the plugin to change the shape of your layer in 3D. It forms a detailed imprint on your layer, pushing it into negative or positive space.
Terrain Fly Over with FreeForm
Ben Griggs has prepared a tutorial for digieffects FreeForm. He simulates a terrain fly over. Great tut, unfortunately the project files are no longer available on the digieffects site. You can easily create and use your own files.
FreeForm Mylenium Edition: Part 1
The Mylenium Edition for FreeForm and FreeForm Pro was created by Lutz Albrecht (mylenium.de). Chris Heuer (FreeFall FX) shows how to customize these effects in minutes. You will learn how to change the text in the file to the text, logo or shape of your choice. Works in CS5 and CS6.
FreeForm Mylenium Edition: Part 2
Part 2 digs deeper into this amazing set. Chris analyzes the more complex projects in the series like the Melting Ice effect and the Flowing Lava effect. Works in CS5 and CS6.
3D from a 2D Image
Tudor "Ted" Jelescu shows how to create 3D / 2.5D movement from a 2D image using displacement maps in Adobe After Effects. He uses similar techniques as Mathew Fuller's "Advanced 2.5D Animation in AE" tutorial to pull depth from 2D images.
How to Use digieffects Freeform: Part 1
This series of tuts shows how to create a billowing flag.Explains the Mesh feature, which has control points that can be clicked and moved, like in PhotoShop or Illustrator, similar to the puppet points in the puppet tool. Each point can be manipulated in the X, Y, Z, or X_Y_Z space.
How to Use digieffects Freeform: Part 2
Part 2 shows how to manipulate points on the mesh to make the flag look like its moving in the wind. You’ll add a light and default camera to the composition, to add a nice gradation to the flag. Goes through the effect controls and explains the mesh controls, and 3D in 2D space.
How to Use digieffects Freeform: Part 3
Part 3 shows how to create a greyscale image for a displacement map in PhotoShop. Also explains grid control colors, which can be modified, and how to hide the grid. Explains what is a displacement map, which is similar to a bump map.
How to Use digieffects Freeform: Part 4
Part 4: Now for the magic. The billowing effect of the flag is explained. We see how the displacement map is applied to the flag.
Money Makes the World Go Round
Ran Ben Avraham (ran-mograph.blogspot.ca) shows a cool way to create your own financial show opening sequence. He uses FreeForm, Trapcode Particular, and Depth of Field using a custom build depth map and the Lens Blur plug-in.
FreeForm: Liquid Pour Tutorial
In this tutorial, Mark Christiansen shows us how to make liquid pour in After Effects using FreeForm. The movement is created using the mesh and displacement map features, which can be animated over time. This lets you simulate the natural liquid movement.
The Parallel Worlds of 3D in After Effect
Chris and Trish Meyer posted CMG Hidden Gems: Chapter 16 – Parallel Worlds on PVC. It includes Digieffects FreeForm for CS5.It's not a tutorial, but a review of the feature.
3D Paper Crumple with Freeform
Rob Birnholz posted this great paper crumple tut on aetuts+. Rob uses the example of creating a paper crumple transition to show off the Digieffects plugin Freeform AE. A very practical and powerful use of the plugin.
FreeForm: Flowing Cloth Tutorial
In this tutorial, Mark Christiansen shows us how to make cloth blowing in the wind in After Effects with FreeForm. The movement is created using the mesh and displacement map features, which can be animated over time. The result: billowing movement.
Create a Filmstrip in After Effects: Part 1
Chris Heuer will be creating one of the most desired effects in After Effects, a 3D filmstrip. He'll use the Mesh Warp feature in FreeForm. He’ll use pre-comps and a few tricks to create moving 3D film that can take any shape. This will focus on creating a filmstrip from a single clip of footage and making it look like it’s moving.
Create a Filmstrip in After Effects: Part 2
In this tutorial, Chris Heuer will be creating one of the most desired effects in After Effects, a 3D filmstrip. This tutorial will push us a bit further using the Mesh Warp feature in digieffects FreeForm AE. Part 2.
Create a Filmstrip in After Effects: Part 3
In this tutorial, Chris Heuer will be creating one of the most desired effects in After Effects, a 3D filmstrip. This tutorial will push us a bit further using the Mesh Warp feature in digieffects FreeForm AE. Part 3.
Create a 3D staircase with FreeForm
Mark Christiansen shows us how to use displacement mapping to create a 3D staircase in After Effects using digieffects FreeForm for CS5. Works for CS6+ as well.
FreeForm AE - Metal Man: Part 1
Chris Heuer will be digging into Displacement Mapping. We’ll learn more about how it works by creating a detailed displacement map that will turn a Photoshop still image into 3 plates of metal riveted together with amazing 3D details. We then create the look of text being stamped into the metal from behind.
FreeForm AE Metal Man: Part 2
Chris adds a little punch to our displacement mapping by combining it with Freeform’s other main feature, Mesh Warping. By adding Mesh Warp, our stamped in effect will do a little more damage by creasing and buckling the entire sheet of metal.
FreeForm AE Metal Man: Part 3
Chris creates two custom displacement maps and applies them to two instances of FreeForm AE. This will give us the ability to give a different surface treatment to each of the FreeForm layers. The final result will look like brushed metal sheets, which have a duller finish, held together by shiny, almost chrome like, welds (which have beautiful 3D relief).
