In this massive 2 part tutorial inspired by the work of Pierre Michel, Alex Verlan shows us how to create the dramatic slow motion rain drops falling scene entirely within After Effects.
Preview
RSS readers: click post title to view preview video at AETUTS.
Download
PreviewRequirements:
Trapcode Particular (download the trial version here)
Trapcode 3D Form (download the trial version here)
Trapcode Shine (download the trial version here)
Optional:
Trapcode Horizon (download the trial version here)
Twitch (download the trial version here)
T_Distorto from Foundry Tinderbox 1 collection (download the trial version here)
In this tutorial I will show you how to create a dramatic scene with slowmotion rain drops falling from the sky. We'll construct 3D looking drop element inside After Effects with Trapcode Form plugin. Also we will create rotation scene inside the rain drops mass without using 3D. In part 1 we will focus on creating the first scene.
Step 1
I will be using After Effect CS4 for this tutorial. Don't worry, everything I am creating can be done in the other CS, or even earlier versions. So let's get started with After Effect by creating new composition for our drop element. I create composition by clicking Composition->New Composition. Make it 300*300 square pixels 3 seconds long, name it as 'drop'.

Step 2
Create new solid clicking by Layer->New->Solid. Color doesn't matter. Make it comp size (300*300).

Step 3
With solid layer selected, apply Trapcode Form plugin. Effect->Trapcode->Form.

Step 4
The cool feature of Form is sphere base form. Expand-down menu 'Base Form' and select 'Sphere - Layered'.

Step 5
Change plugin settings as shown in the images below. For particle color I used this one: #4B666F. Don't forget to change transfer mode to 'Screen'.


Then you should get results similar to my:

Step 6
Now let's make some color corrections. Apply Curves to the solid with Form by clicking Effect->Color Correction->Curves. Make adjustments on RGB, Red and Blue channel, as in the image below:

Step 7
Create new Adjustment layer above solid with Form. Layer->New->Adjustment layer.

Step 8
Apply to adjustment layer Curves ( Effect->Color correction->Curves) and make adjustments.

Step 9
Apply to adjustment layer Tint ( Effect->Color correction->Tint). Set amount to 80%.

Step 10
Apply to adjustment layer levels ( Effect->Color correction->Levels). Change input black value to 26. So now our perfect looped water drop is ready.

Step 11
Next, download from http://www.sxc.hu/photo/623114 Skyscrapers and also Sky photo from http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1121796


Step 12
Now open up Photoshop. Open our photo with Skyscrapers (File->Open).

Step 13
Make double click on background layer, this make it simple layer from background layer.

Step 14
Grab Quick Selection Tool(press W). Change brush size to 20px. Holding Left mouse button, select sky 'sectors' around skyscrapers. You can change brush size to smaller if you select smaller areas.

Step 15
Press Refine edges button. Set settings like in the image below.

Step 16
Select Layer->New->Layer via Cut

Step 17
Delete top layer (with the crop sky). Select this layer and delete it.

Step 18
Now with Burn tool and Dodge tool Make the side areas darker and central areas brighter. Something like in the image below.

Step 19
Now we ready to go to the After Effects. Save image as Skyscraper.psd file (File->Save as).

Step 20
Now, when all the elements are ready, let's create new composition in After Effect. Click on Composition->New composition. Name it as 'Scene-1', use preset 'HDVHDTV 720 25', set 15 seconds long.

Step 21
Keep all stuff organize. Create some folders for yours compositions, images, footage etc. You can create folders by clicking on file icon at the bottom of the project window.

Step 22
Select Images folder, after that select File->Import->File. Browse your Skyscraper.psd and Sky.jpg" (http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1121796) files, press Open. For Skyscraper.psd file choose import as footage.

Step 23
Select Skyscraper.psd in the project window and place it in the timeline.

Step 24
Switch on 3D switch to Skyscraper.psd layer.

Step 25
With layer selected press 'P' to reveal position 'Skyscrapers.psd' options.

Step 26
Click on the position stopwatch to create keyframe. Set this values for X,Y,Z: at 0sec - 640,460,-800; at 10sec - 640,460,-50; at 14:16sec - 640,460,11. Select first keyframe and with keyframe selected press F9 button. This make it 'Easy-Easy' keyframe type and skyscrapers will start move slowly at the beginning. Check out animation with RAM preview (press numpad 0).

Step 27
Let's improve a little our skyscrapers look. First, apply Simple choker effect (Effect->Matte->Simple choker).Set Choke Matte to 0.9px.

Step 28
Apply Tint (Effect->Color Correction->Tint). Set amount to 80%.

Step 29
Apply Levels (Effect->Color Correction->Levels). Change values of RGB, Red, Green channels as shown below.


Step 30
Apply Brightness & Contrast (Effect->Color Correction->Brightness & Contrast). Click on Brightness and Contrast stopwatches, set following amounts for this parameters: at 0sec - Contrast = 5; at 2:04 - Brightness = -30; at 4:21 - Brightness = 0, Contrast = 17.

Step 31
Apply Glow (Effect->Stylize->Glow). Set parameters as shown below. Sounds like poetry :)

Step 32
Select our Sky.jpg" photo in the project window and drag it to the timeline below Skyscrapers layer. Turn on 3D switch for this layer.

Step 33
Make adjustments as shown below. First press 'P' after that hold down shift button press "S", this reveal Position and Scale property options. Change Scale to 198, adjust position.

Step 34
Take Pick Whip from Sky layer and parent it to Skyscraper layer. Check your animation with RAM preview (press numpad 0).

Step 35
Press 'End' button, Current Time Indicator automatically moves to the end of composition. After that grab Pen tool and draw mask shape on the Sky layer as shown below. Change your mask settings.

Step 36
Apply Levels to Sky layer (Effect->Color Correction->Levels). Change Blue channel settings.

Step 37
Create new solid (Layer->New->Solid). Name it 'FlashClouds'. Make it comp size. I used color: #56565C. Place it above Sky layer. Change Blending mode to 'Add' and turn on 3D swith for this layer.

Step 38
Go to the end of composition by pressing 'End' button. Take Pick Whip and parent 'FlashClouds' layer to the 'Sky' layer. Press 'S' and scale it down to 50 %.

Step 39
With Ellipse Tool or Pen tool draw some mask shapes on FlashClouds layer as shown below.

Step 40
With FlashClouds layer selected press 'M' twice, this reveal all masks properties. Holding down 'Alt' click on the Mask Opacity stopwatch and write some expressions with random() command. This make mask opacity changes between numbers that we want. You can use my values, or write your own.

Step 41
Press 'T', click on the opacity stopwatch. You can use your own keyframes, depend on your soundtrack and sound fx. Check your animation with RAM preview.

Step 42
Now apply 'Roughen Edges' effect to the FlashClouds layer (Effect->Stylize->Roughen Edges). Set settings as shown below.

Step 43
Apply 'Fast Blur' effect to the FlashClouds layer (Effect->Blur & Sharpen->Fast Blur). Set amount to 20,00.

Step 44
Create new solid (Layer->New->Solid). Name it 'Shine1', color - white.

Step 45
Turn on 3D switch for this layer. Press 'End', go to the end of composition, take pick whip and parent 'Shine1' layer to the Sky layer. After that, take Pen Tool and draw two mask shapes on this layer. Adjust settings as shown below.

Step 46
Now apply 'Roughen Edges' (Effect->Stylize->Roughen Edges).

Step 47
Apply 'Shine' effect (Effect->Trapcode->Shine). Adjust settings.

Step 48
Duplicate 'Shine1' layer by clicking Edit->Duplicate. And rename it: 'Shine2'.

Step 49
For 'Shine2' layer change settings as shown below. Also change parent from 'Sky' layer to 'Shine1' layer (with pick whip). Check your animation with RAM preview(hit 0 numpad).

Step 50
Now put 'drop' composition from the project window to the timeline. Switch off layer visibility (turn off eyeball).

Step 51
Create new solid (Layer->New->Solid). Color doesn't matter. Make it comp size, name it as - 'Fill fast rain'. Place it below Skyscraper layer.

Step 52
Apply Particular (Effect->Trapcode->Particular).

Step 53
Go to the 'Options' of the Particular and in pop-up window change prerun value to 100%.

Step 54
Make Particular adjustments as shown below.



Step 55
You can noticed that particles need more time for fill all space. If you want fix it you must make your composition time longer, and start you work area from 3-4 seconds.

Step 56
Duplicate 'Fast fill rain' layer (Edit->Duplicate). Rename it by hiting 'Enter' button - 'Fast fill rain2'. Place it above Skyscraper.psd layer.

Step 57
Change adjustments of Particular in this layer as shown below.



Step 58
Duplicate 'Fast fill rain2' layer (Edit->Duplicate). Rename it by hiting 'Enter' button - 'Fast fill rain3'.

Step 59
Change settings of Particular as shown below.


Step 60
Solo 'Fast fill rain layer'. Now let's adjust emitter position. Set Current Time Indicator on 5sec, click on emitter position stopwatch. I'm set following: at 5sec - X=565,Y=15; at 10sec - X=615, Y= -75.

Step 61
Solo 'Fast fill rain layer2'. With Current Time Indicator staying on 5sec, click on emitter position stopwatch. I'm set following: at 5sec - X=588,Y=88; at 10sec - X=626, Y=150.

Step 62
Now move your Current Time Indicator to 9:23sec in the timeline. Holding down 'Ctrl' button select our three rain layers. After that hit 'T' button and click on the 'Opacity' stopwatch. This will make keyframe. Move Current Time Indicator to 10 sec and set opacity value to 0% for three layers. After that temporary switch off rain layers visibility by clicking on the layers eyeballs.

Step 63
Let's create our slow motion rain drops layers. Create new solid (Layer->New->Solid). Name it 'Rain slow BG', make it comp size. Place it below 'Fill fast rain2' layer.

Step 64
Apply Trapcode Particular to this layer (Effect->Trapcode->Particular). Repeat Step 53 for Particular, change 'Prerun' value to 100% in the 'Options' of Particular.

Step 65
Make adjustments of Particular for this layer as shown below.


Step 66
Apply 'Fast Blur' after 'Particular' for this layer (Effect->Blur & Sharpen->Fast Blur). Set amount to 3.0.

Step 67
Now we create layer with middle-size particles. Duplicate 'Rain slow BG' (Edit->Duplicate) and rename it to 'Pain slow MID'.

Step 68
I think this slow particles will appear from 10 sec (or you can change time, of course, depend on your music track). So, move your Current Time Indicator to 10 sec. Now we can construct our scene. Switch off 'Fast Blur' effect of this layer for a moment (click on 'fx' near plugin name).

Step 69
Make adjustments of 'Particular' as shown below.


Step 70
Move your Current Time Indicator to 9:24sec and click on the stopwatch 'Wind Z' value. After that move Time Indicator to 10:00sec and change 'Wind Z' value to -200. You can also adjust size of the particles on your taste.

Step 71
Now switch on 'Fast Blur' effect and change 'Blurriness' amount to 1,5.

Step 72
Apply 'Glow' effect to this layer. Change settings as shown below, this will soft our drops a little bit. Place 'Glow' above 'Fast Blur' effect.

Step 73
Duplicate 'Rain slow MID' layer (Edit->Duplicate).

Step 74
I planing big drop falling down and covers camera lens at 14:18sec. So move Curent Time Indicator to 14:18sec at the timeline. Drag marker (click, hold and drag left mouse button, from the drag icon to this place).

Step 75
Select in the Effect panel 'Fast Blur' and delete (with layer selected hit 'Del' button). Temporary switch off 'Glow' effect.

Step 76
Following settings of 'Particular' work pretty well.


Step 77
Switch on 'Glow' effect and make adjustments. You must receive this thru the drop view like on the image below.


At 14:16 sec

Step 78
Move your Current Time Indicator to 9:23sec. Hold down 'Ctrl' button select 'Fill fast rain2' and all "slow rain layers". After that hit 'T' button to reveal 'Opacity' options.

Step 79
Unselect 'Fill fast rain2' layer (click on the layer with hold down 'Ctrl' button). Click on the 'Opacity' stopwatch 'Rain slow BIG' layer, set 0%. Move Time Indicator to 10:00sec, set 'Opacity' to 100%.

Step 80
Now we adjust 'Physics Time Factor' of 'Particular' and make cool transition effect between fast and slow rain layers. Move you Current Time Indicator to 9:00sec. Select 'Fill fast rain' layer. Go to the 'Particular' Physics settings (Particular->Physics submenu). Click on the stopwatch and set following settings: at 9:17sec amount = '1.0'; at 9:23 amount = '-1.0'; at 10:00 amount = '1.0'. Select last two keyframes and hit 'F9' button.

Step 81
Move your Time Indicator to 9:17sec. Select 'Physics Time Factor' keyframes and simply copy to others "fast rain layers" (select layers and choose Edit->Paste).

Step 82
So now make some finishes scene touches by adding Depth Of Field and few masks. First, let's make vignette. Create new solid (Layer->New->Solid). Name it - 'vignette', comp size, color 'black'. Place layer above 'Skyscraper'.

Step 83
So now make some finishes scene touches by adding Depth Of Field and few masks. First, let's make vignette. Create new solid (Layer->New->Solid). Name it - 'vignette', comp size, color 'black'. Place layer above 'Skyscraper'.

Step 84
Move your Current Time Indicator to the end of Composition (hit 'End'). Create new solid (Layer->New->Solid). Name it 'Skyscraper mask', comp size, color 'black'. Place it above 'Skyscraper' layer. After that switch on 3D box for this layer and parent it to 'Skyscraper' layer (with pick whip tool).

Step 85
Solo this layer and 'Skyscraper' layer. Hit 'S' and scale 'Skyscraper mask' layer up to 105%. After that shut off temporary visibility of 'Skyscraper mask'layer (click on the eyeball).

Step 86
With 'Skyscraper mask' layer selected grab the 'Pen Tool' and draw two mask shapes. Set setting as shown below.

Step 87
Now we create our Depth of Field map. Create new composition (Composition->New Composition). Name it 'DOF', use preset 'HDVHDTV 720 25', set 15 seconds long.

Step 88
Create two solids (Layer->New->Solid make twice): first - comp size, color white; second - comp size, color black.

Step 89
Select 'black solid' and grab 'Ellipse Tool'. Draw mask shape and set settings as shown below.

Step 90
Close 'DOF' composition. Go to the 'Scene-1' composition and place your 'DOF' composition to the timeline. Switch off visibility of composition (click once on the eyeball).

Step 91
Create Adjustment layer (Layer->New->Adjustment Layer). Name it 'Lens Blur', comp size. Place it below 'Shine' layers.

Step 92
Apply 'Lens Blur' (Effect->Blur & Sharpen->Lens Blur). Adjust settings.

Step 93
Download Defocus particles and import to your project (File->Import->File). Place it below 'Lens Blur' layer and change blending mode to 'Screen'.


Step 94
Now create another one Adjustment layer (Layer->New->Adjustment layer). Name it 'Global Flash'.

Step 95
I use Andrew Kramer's Twitch (Effect->Videocopilot->Twitch) for some flash, color, blur randomness. Just make some keyframes for 'Amount' where do you need it. If you don't have 'Twitch' you can use 'Exposure', 'Fast Blur' to make some similar effect. Now 'Scene-1' is complete!


Stay tuned for part 2 where we will build Scene-2
Plus Members
Source Files, Bonus Tutorials and
More for $9 a month for all Tuts+
sites in one subscription.











User Comments
( ADD YOURS )Andrea March 23rd
UOU!!
( )schönlign w. wunderbar March 23rd
wow… brilliant scene!
( )however it might be better to create a video tutorial about this…
Tiffany June 23rd
a video would be waaaayyy too long lol! But it would be a nice companion… maybe just in clips.
( )gannas March 23rd
Amazing
( )virtualzapp March 23rd
Hi Alex,
Really great, I love the way it is done with this rainy / drama atmoshpere reinforced with the audio track.
Well done, awaiting for part 2
Thx
( )-Zapp
;o)
Tarik March 23rd
greaaaaaaaaaaaaaat
( )illd March 23rd
Great work and nice techniques. Thank you!
( )Rafi March 23rd
hey! pretty crazy tutorial
will try it soon
( )lindstrm March 23rd
wow, nice :O
( )Dave March 23rd
That was stunning. Thank you for sharing. Where can I see more of your work?
( )versa March 23rd
here is some: http://www.vimeo.com/versa
( )jayen March 23rd
this is too good to be true
i have been waiting for a tut like this
thank you
( )dimib March 23rd
Man, this is a f***** great tutorial. Big thanks for that.
( )Satya Meka March 23rd
It’s really nice. I love it!
( )Craigsnedeker March 23rd
That’s out of this world!
( )maxdiamond March 23rd
way too cool man. incredible.
( )BogdanGC March 23rd
Great one! Would’ve been amazing if it was a video tut, cause the written one is a bit hard to follow.
( )nicolas March 23rd
enormous
( )Not very fan of the smoke at the end, but great great job
paul March 23rd
i always thought that the great andrew kramer rained supreem in the AE Scene and now i believe he finally met his match ! great work !
( )Studiox March 27th
I admit hes good, But not Andrew Kramer good. And John Dickinson would be a better match.
( )Sarah July 18th
Where did you get/purchase that cloud moving footage from the first segment in your video?
mcnosh March 23rd
Sweet, this is a breath taking video, great job… Can you do a video tut?
( )guilherme lima March 23rd
Very cool!!!!!!!!!
Please video tuto !!!!!!!!!!
( )mike March 23rd
i`m gonna cry ,dude.
( )u awesome
Diego SA March 23rd
I’m… speechless…
…
Wonderful job…
And I’m fan of Hans Zimmer!
Man, you rock!
( )Richard March 23rd
speechless, ive already seen the video of endresult elsewere, i was really wondering how this was created. One of the best of AEtuts !
( )Alexandre Broggio March 23rd
Muito bem feito e interessante efeito parabens mesmo
( )thady March 23rd
sick !!
( )Kadir March 23rd
This is so brilliant
( )Jhay March 23rd
Great!!
Thanks,
( )JHAY
joe23521 March 23rd
I am truly impressed…Now thinking of ways to rip this off
( )Ghost Digital March 23rd
Really beautiful. The Videocopilot Mr.Mecury tutorial and the VideoCopilot inky drops are a tad tacky for such a beatuiful peice. They weren’t needed. The ink drop doesn’t even mix well with the final composite. It would 1,000 times better without those added in. In my opinion. The main peice is really nice though.
( )Ghost Digital March 23rd
Oh and I agree you should have done a recorded tutorial. For something quite involved people would learn more. Especially when part is a direct copy of AK’s tutorial.
( )cris March 23rd
Well, good job but 95 steps to follow reading are a little too much…
( )A video tutorial should be prefered.
Pablo Mora March 23rd
Wonderful tutorial…….
( )Thanks
steve March 23rd
Very cool. If you have the time, can you please submit a video tutorial for this?
thanks!
( )卓 March 23rd
强大的Form 强大的Alex Verlan
( )Andre Prior March 23rd
Anybody know the name of the song from hans zimmer?
Tutorial is awesome but a video tut would be better. 95 Steps are a lot to great and video tut is easier to understand.
( )Jonne March 23rd
One word, Wow!
( )Adrien Peze March 23rd
Really beautiful! I love it!
Wonderful song too…
From France
( )yuri fedorov March 23rd
уже писал и напишу еще раз – СУПЕР! =)
и конечно отдельное спасибо за туториал
( )Johannes Film Studios March 23rd
Just in credible
( )greetz from belgium I hope that I will be so good like you one day
Billy March 23rd
Incredible tutorial….can’t wait to try it out. I’ve been looking for some tuts that incorporate Form. So few out there….and I’m clueless with this plug-in…but it can obviously do some great things!
What is the name of this song? Must know it!
( )Diego SA March 23rd
I wanna know the name too!
( )Rik Roukens March 23rd
Me too!
versa March 24th
OST Perl Harbor movie, Hanz Zimmer – Attack
( )Diego SA March 24th
Ah! Pearl Harbor!
Great movie, great movie…
Rik Roukens March 23rd
OMG just one word…. WOW
STUNNING!
( )Dan Pope March 23rd
I personally prefer the steps tool, it makes it easier to follow and you can listen to music whilst working! Love the tutorial but would love tutorials on how to do the first two shots, especially the one with the skyscrapers reflection??
( )Adam April 28th
The first part was a piece a filmed footage, And using Andrew Kramer’s tutorial: http://www.videocopilot.net/tutorials/water_drops/
The skyscraper cloud reflection.. I think it is just recorded footage.
If it was made with AE, I’d love to know how as well..
( )Rishteria March 23rd
SOOO incredible ^^
( )Алекс March 23rd
Привет Украина
ты из какого города?
По теме: очень клёво урок сделал.
( )Snorri3D March 23rd
This truly got the WOW effect!
( )Helcat March 23rd
hey saludos desde republica dominicana ….imprecionante tutorial me encanto estoy ancioso de ver ya la segunda parte …..!!!
( )Stefan March 23rd
Great tutorial but it’s a bit ridiculous to create a tutorial with 90+ steps with screenshots.. better record a video tutorial! However nice tutorial.
( )Harmony March 23rd
AMAZING!
Q: Is it possible to give every raindrop a random color ?
( )JohnM. March 23rd
WOW! I got chills…
( )Emin March 23rd
Thx, but I have a MacBook Pro man, not a Mac Pro. Wouldn’t it be better not using Custom Particles for the first and second Fill Fast Rain Layers? There moving fast anyway. I don’t know, but AE sucks my MBP right now, hehe.
Screencast would be good to. The scene is really breathtaking.
( )ban_dido_7 March 23rd
really nice effect , but 95 steps is too much…. a video tutorial would be highly appreciated
( )Pablo March 23rd
AE TUTS + mmmmmmmmm….
( )is becoming + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Thankyou
Adam April 25th
Agreed.
( )Jhay March 23rd
A duplicate description on Step 83.. but anyway, can’t wait for the next tutorial!
JHAY
( )DC March 23rd
This is the business.
( )forwardREF March 23rd
Супер, спасибо за урок, очень полезный.
Great, thanks for the lesson, very useful.
I like your lessons they are very advanced. Thank you very much for your work. Blessing to you.
( )Nestor2509 March 23rd
Awesome. Thank you so much for this.
( )LGFN March 23rd
I really don’t believe my own eyes!!!
It’s fanatic incredible!!!
Thanks so so so much!!!
( )Rafael Guerra March 23rd
This is so useful! I dunno if anyone noticed but the concept of the first steps (Form) can be adapted to create the nice famous sphere from Andrew Kramer´s Fringe Intro…Very nice.
( )2tone March 23rd
INCREDIBLE!!
( )Bob March 23rd
VIDEO TUTORIAL PLZ!!!
( )Oli March 23rd
BEST TUTORIAL EVER MADE !
( )E11World March 23rd
Just amazing.. wow!!
( )Thank you for sharing this. I look forward to part 2.
Brandon March 23rd
Wow still working on this just one question in your video why does it appear the raindrop litterly bounce off the ground instead of splash or just stay or something?
( )Shannon Wilkerson March 23rd
Awesome Pierre. I am a huge fan of your work and I am so glad you have shared some of your techniques with us. I am still wondering how you created the city scape animation in Polar. I decided just to build a 3D city in Cinema 4D. It is taking a long time and it does not look as good as yours but it is a start.
Shannon
( )Shannon Wilkerson March 23rd
Whoops. I thought this was a Pierre Michel tut my bad.
Thanks Alex.
( )sara October 24th
omg nube you go to the link download photoshop cs4 file cuzz photoshop cs4 and olnly photoshop cs4 dose 3d and that how he did the building download sky and skyscraper the sky it isnt 3d but the skyscraper you animate it in after effects with keyframes lol
you need after effects cs4 and photoshop cs4 in order to make this prject gosh!
( )Mauro March 23rd
thanks! how many hours/days take you to do this effect? it’s simply amazing!
( )informix March 23rd
wow! what amazing works. a few days ago, in videocopilot forum ,I saw the reel. I love it very much. Thanks Alex.
( )Juan T. Perez March 23rd
NO Words Just OMG
( )Tevo Gerrard March 23rd
very well made and very inspirational
whats the name of the song?
( )Rafael Braga March 23rd
tears in my eyes …
( )Sam March 23rd
this is with no doubt the best AE tut ever!
( )Dan March 23rd
Не думал что такое можно сделать в афтере, потрясающе! Очень круто!
( )/
It makes in AE. I can’t belive. Wonderful !
Jhay March 23rd
Part 2 please!!! can’t wait, I’m done with part 1 already.
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=59192613537&ref=nf
( )Ayhan Caamel May 2nd
Hi Jhay
I saw your video on facebook, and its very good…
I did an attempt myself but did not succeed in the end…
Could you please help me out with a couple of questions… I would really appreciate the help.
1) Do we have to turn off the DOF(Depth of field Composition) and Drop(Composition) in Scene 1 before rendering the video?
2) I purchased “twitch” plugin from video co-pilot, but the instructions in this tutorial about its use in the end are insufficient… did you use it ? and where did you put the keyframes for twitch?
I would really appreciate the answers from you or from anyone on this website.
Regards,
( )Ayhan.
VertigoSFX March 24th
Wow…this is…wow.
I’ve never seen something so awesome. And this isn’t even something from a Hollywood film…heck it is better.
I am going to have to tackle this tut…i’m still speechless.
( )lzx917 March 24th
very cool
( )but i want to see fire with water
wooga March 24th
cool. wonderful, wow, very nice
( )Mark March 24th
Great Tutorial!wonder what’s the tittle of this Hans Zimmer score..from what movie do you think?…
( )Zim March 24th
Long but seems to be really useful. Thanks for this tutorial!
( )John Dangerous March 24th
One of the best ae tuts I have ever seen and I think I have seen most.
( )Lufutu March 24th
Very amazing tut
– 2 years with After Effects, and best tut !
( )2tone March 24th
I´m trying to install trapcode shine 1.5 in my CS4 but i can´t, it seems that is only for CS3 and previous versions.
Do you know if 1.5 is the last version? or how to fix the problem in CS4?
thnxxx
( )2tone March 24th
All fixed
( )zuza March 24th
Very nice tutorial!!!
( )Tnx for sharing
Alka March 24th
wow amazing
( )ae has so much potential
Jackson March 24th
Great tutorial!
( )I am a fan of Pierre Michel too!
http://www.studiodaily.com/main/technique/casestudies/8355.html
Mudi March 24th
I ddnt this kind of amazing tutorial in my life wow! cant you make video tutorial for these? plzzz
( )biplav360 March 24th
gr8 tut dude….truly beautiful
( )JayTgirl April 11th
Cant believe how many people here seem to winge about no video tutorial.
We all are very lucky to have someone so talented to give their time to produce such a complex yet easy to follow tutorial in the first place.
Ive learnt much more now about how Particular Trapcode works whilst following these steps
Well done Alex.
( )herve May 21st
Completely agree. Video tutorial are not appropriate for long tutorial like this one. stop, pause, rewind…jeez no!
This step by steps tutorial is the best. Thanks Alex.
Stanley March 24th
0_o I m stunned like never before 0_o the only negative thing is that we need to use trapcode (which costs money which I dont have atm ^^)
( )anyway nice tut…
Billy March 24th
HOW CAN THE NAME OF THIS SONG STILL NOT BE KNOWN?????
SOMEONE….ANYONE….THE NAME OF THE SONG IS……???????
Thanks!
( )Diego SA March 24th
It has already been posted here.
( )The name is Attack from the Pearl Harbor Soundtrack, composed by Hans Zimmer
Billy March 24th
Thanks! Apparently I am blind. I looked and looked and didn’t see where it was posted. I appreciate the info!
Diego SA March 25th
Yes, there are too much comments here! It’s easier to get blind.
sara October 24th
um i think he used music track from pro scores off of video copilot you can download pro scores for free at another site:)
( )Nidhi March 24th
It’s really really great tutorial. Awesome, Wonderful, Incredible, Amazing
( )назар March 24th
фигасе!ну ты земляк загнул!молодца!
( )Rob Fiedler March 24th
Absolutely Terrific. Thank you
( )fb007 March 24th
cool!Thank you!
( )Trigger March 24th
Great tut!
The name of the song is Attack by Hans Zimmer, Pearl Harbor soundtrack.
( )Merewald Valletta March 24th
Absolutely stunning! Thank you so much for this tutorial!
( )McManus March 24th
Excellent work!!!
Nice techniques with nice idea with sensibility makes videos like this…
I’m glad to be in this forum
Felicitats!!!
( )theD March 24th
English used in this clip …. better without it.
( )Ink bleedings from copilot with no reference on it… stinks.
makos March 24th
Very cool!!!!!!!!!
Please video tuto !!!!!!!!!!
( )sara November 11th
I agree video tutorial comon!!!! we all would love to seee a video tut plzzz were begging tyou!
( )snyonz March 24th
Awesom!!
( )nice tut and nice sound^^
talha March 24th
Nice please upload video tut
( )Steve Goris March 24th
Damn, this is a fantastic tutorial. The videoclip and the sounds are very nice done.
( )morsje March 24th
plz video tutorial
( )jayen March 24th
i actually like your tut in pictures only because if you did it in video it would be really hard to follow because there are soooooo many steps
this way you can remember which step you are on and come back after a break
( )ksquareddesign March 24th
hmmm but honestly, I would understand it more, if it was a video. I understand what your saying: pausing the video and starting it, but its just s better way to follow along.
Great tut by the way!
( )Franky March 24th
This is insane.
Ps
( )I HATE TRAPCODE
AGUDO March 25th
woooooo!!
( )man! congrats!!
thanks’ you!!
jinggo March 25th
nice tutorial l..l.
( )PROUD to BE MALAYSIAN
metaphaze March 25th
AWESOME! Vdieo tut would be the icing on the cake!!!
( )Alex March 25th
Totally awesome effect! OMG!
( )Mudi March 25th
will you upload Project file? if not then please make video tutorial
i am your fan now :p keke
( )Edwardo March 25th
What music did you use for this? its so emotive and beautiful i would appreciate it if you could tell me the name of the song…
thanks
( )Diego SA March 25th
You’re the second person I tell the name of the song.
( )The name is Attack from the Pearl Harbor Soundtrack, composed by Hans Zimmer.
Eric Sneider June 1st
Hans Zimmer does some wonderful work.
Erik March 25th
I was so amazed when I saw this, today when I came home till now I was doing this tutorial, am just new to AE but it’s all very well written, I could understand everything! Good job and will follow part 2 aswell! Amazing job man!
( )pablo embry March 25th
that is wonderfull, greats tuts.
( )Erik March 25th
Here is my result: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftagLN36RL4
Thanks alot for this great tutorial! Will follow part two soon!
( )Shifter March 26th
Very Epic, it touched me…
( )And the tutorial is really great,
Good Work ^^
trak March 26th
thanks so much for sharing this.. awesome tut
( )Ron March 26th
Any body there can help me.
I am locked in step 54.
All work fine but in Particle -> Custom -> Time Sampling, but not when i select “Random – Loop” my rain disappears.
Sorry my bad english
( )versa March 27th
get shure you select the layer for your custom particles
( )Ron March 27th
Yes i have do that “7.drob”, and i can get i work if i select: Time Sampling -> Current Time, and if the time Indicator is in the 3 first seconds.
And i forgot to thank you for the best tuturial i ever have seen to AE.
versa March 27th
you must choose ‘Random Loop’. maybe increase particle size.
Kuzo May 23rd
The solid who contains particles must begin when the composition drop is visuable. I do the same error, I place the beginning of the particles before the all the others object.
Scuze my bad english
See ya
But very amazing tuto.
( )Erik March 26th
I have worked another few hours + few hours rendering on the scene, made it 1:10, added the flashes and thunder effects etc.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iFw_Ise9vQ
I say again this is a really awesome tutorial and tomorrow am gonna follow part 2. Just new to AE but this site really helps me understand things better and make beautifull stuff. It’s just so awesome I can’t stop watching what I have created with this tutorial haha
( )herve May 21st
Very nice. damn…I’m jealous that you have completed all the steps
( )manS March 27th
Wow that building in my country… just 5 KM from home…
( )Could you please tell me where is my home..?
manS March 27th
I definitely follow this tutorial when I free… TQ for the awesome tutorial….
( )djer March 27th
most amazing tut i’ve seen so far on this website
( )prathap March 28th
Thank you very much for sharing these valuable information to the public.fantastic tutorial…
( )Gabriel March 28th
Hey, that was one incredible sound track. Could I trouble you to ask where I can find it? Insane tutorial by the way.
( )Gabriel March 28th
Never mind, I found out from earlier posts. I would like to ask what is the font you used.
( )Cristian March 30th
Awesome, beautiful.
Thank you for your work…
( )Holden March 30th
Where did you purchase the cloud video that was used at the very beginning of the video? Thanks for sharing your creativity with us.
( )ritch March 30th
Great video and tutorial!
I am a Pierre Michel fan to
I have a question for everyone ok!
When i use a trapcode particular and form… my machine go slow and long to response. is not easy to explore for me with to much layers of particular and form.
this is my computer:
dell dimension dime 521
amd athlon 64×2 dual
core processor 3800+2.00 GHz
3,25 go RAM
for you guys ? to do a scene like this tutorial with some computer speed…
( )it is possible for me it will time to change the computer ?
delidumrul April 1st
Please video tutorial
)))))
( )Vienzzion April 2nd
Yes ! No More video tuts (whew) glad theres some text tuts. But any there should be an alternatives for those who want video tuts. YEAH! I’M A LOW Bandwidth users. poor me
( )skoville April 3rd
I love tuts using different programs. I went back and forth so much I think text is fine.
( )Any advice as to using proxies or pre renders to ease the load on my computer?
vic April 5th
hahahahaha. i likes. i really likes. i didn’t even realize how much of it was kinda common sense and of course trial and error. love the fact that its not a video tutorial for some reason. it’s like i’m forced to focus, plus i can save the screen grabs for the settings if i ever have a problem. i didn’t even know when i had reached the end of this part-it was that good. evil genius u are. lovin’ the ukraine a little bit more today. keep it up!!!
( )Chris April 5th
very good tutorial. I think I will make up a project and use this
( )jonathan April 6th
hey nice job
( )is there away to work in trapcode, by wireframe because
its slows down my mac.. i would be nice if anyone would reply
James April 8th
Great tutorial. Thanks!
( )coolboarder44 April 9th
Very nice tutorial and great video! I like that kinda ‘matrix’ effect with the water drop. The mood and colours really got me into the vid too! Whether you use a text tutorial or video tutorial doesn’t matter; the result is amazing!!!! Great selection of music too.
@ jonathan (2 posts up): Not sure exactly if there is a specific option within trapcode itself to enter wireframe mode, but why don’t you try lowering the resolution of the layer that you have applied trapcode to? It’s the little box to the right of the layer name with the diagonal stripe running through it. That might help with rendering and what not?
( )clancy30 April 10th
hey guys i have a problem.
( )when i get to fill layer and start duplicating and changing values it freezes my after effects any i deas why?
Christian K. April 12th
Hi guys, i have a little tip for you out there and maybe one for the “Master” Alex. =D
I think the Shine Layers are some kind of lifeless, so here is my idea.
I add an Wiggle Expression to both Shine Layers.
How to: Select both Shine Layers (CTRL+klick), press “T” to get the Opacity.
ALT click on the stopwatch and type in “wiggle(2,50)” (without “, try out many different numbers for the wiggle! i juse a 960×600 comp so 2,50 fits for me very well)
Sorry for my bad english…
( )Feedback would be nice
Abdullah Alhourani April 12th
Great, I like it, but I need this music how can I getting it, what the fime name?
( )Sunny April 14th
Really great video man, it be GREAT if you could make a video tutorial for this in parts and show how to do everything. Like beggining to end, because i thought you were going to show everything, but still great tutorial man! PLEASE MAKE A VID TUT though on everything, would be much appreciated!
( )CgBaran Tuts April 18th
Excellent tutorial
( )KillGuta April 20th
*tear* Great video!
( )elsasha April 21st
ñaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa es tooooooooooo hard
( )小喇叭 April 24th
I want to download this tutorials ^!^
( )sabri April 24th
Wow, what a great Tutorial!
Is it possible to blur the raindrops at end of life.
Like, if the rain comes from above – the clothest raindrops should be blurred?
Tanks
( )Sebastian April 25th
I have a big problem… my drop is kinda krappy…. it got 2 Areas…. one in the middle which is green…. and an outer one… until step 5 it works fine for me
but as soon as i add the curves my drop looks like crap…
( )heres a screenshot: http://imgur.com/EBuk.jpg
please help me to solbe this problem^^
Dan May 4th
hey, go to your drop comp –> effects –> form –> base form –> sphere layers
change to 1
should work out
( )Sebastian May 8th
Man i love you
Thanks Alot!!!
dj October 6th
ya this helped me too, thanks a lot!
Ashwin April 25th
Hello. I was wondering if anyone here could upload the burned picture of the patronas twin towers because I can’t seem to get it to work in my favor. I keep messing up. So if anyone still has the image of the burned patronas twin towers, I would appreciate if anyone could perhaps upload it.
Thank you.
PS: Tutorial is great. A job done well!
( )mads April 27th
Great Tutorial.
I really feel like i learned alot.
I can only join the others request here, to get it as a video, for me atleast, its easier to follow along a video, than from text based. Never the less, i just completed this one.
It is quite heavy to render, perhaps there should be alittle warning before you get to much into the tutorial
– ohh.. and there is a repitation with step 82 and 83. nothing big though
( )Adam April 28th
This is so amazing. Everything fits in perfectly.
Thanks.
Right, Another question on the music..
( )Anywhere I can get it for free?
petiii April 29th
hello, I send my work, the name is rain drops …
( )http://www.harnapictures.hexagon.sk/3d.html
tangshiwu April 30th
So Kool
( )Thijs May 4th
Damm i don’t get that thing in the beginning..
( )Just get a weird circle thing
sara November 11th
oh you need the plug-in trapcode form then you change plug-in settings to what circled iin red
( )Thijs May 4th
i use adobe after effects 7.0
( )Thijs May 4th
What is Ram Preview?
( )Thijs May 5th
I’m done
Thanks for this great tutorial but just some questions:
1. How do you use Ram Preview
2. Where can i get the trial version of twitch can’t find it on the site you give.
3. Is part 2 already on the internet?
4. I Don’t get ha drop thing on my camera…
Thanks for this great tutorial
-Thijs
( )ray May 7th
having problems with the trapcode shine effects/plugin….the lights emitted are reddish..how can i change it to white
( )jo May 14th
iam facing same prblm,iam used little tint
( )Alex July 8th
me too
fonz July 16th
go to the Colorize option, and change it 3 Colors to None
fantasmo May 7th
Which plugin can be used instead of “Trapcode Form”? Is there something similar already with AE CS4 or a little cheaper plugin?
( )Thank you…
SERAJ22 May 12th
wow I don’t know what to say !!
( )it’s great !!
rakesh May 12th
much better on video tutorial!
( )zee7 May 14th
great, this remind me sin city’s start scene, goOod job mate and huge thanks for sharing thi =)
( )Constantin Potorac May 14th
Incredible
( )Nabster May 15th
Stunning effect! Excellent! And the music goes very well with the clip. Great job overall, thanks for the tutorial!
( )Narendra.s.v May 17th
This is just incredible! I will soon learn AE to do this scene
( )Jason Saggers May 19th
If only I owned half of that software.
( )wockee May 20th
omfg you’re sick mate!! I’ve never seen such thing, really you stopped the time for like 1.30 min…
damn you amazed me with that, keep up the good work
hopefully I manage this to get the same result
thanks
( )herve May 21st
Thank you so much for making this tutorial. This is a lot of work you have done here.
I’m a newbie in AE and I learnt a lot doing this tutorial. There are some steps I have skipped..such as making the effect of the BIG drop at the end. It was not looking as realistic as yours.
I was trying to understand the trapcode particular effect. I have one question : what would be the settings to make the rain drops falling down like in the Pierre Michel video : view from the clouds.?
( )fsg2008 May 23rd
good,verygood!!!I like!!
( )andyb May 23rd
great tutorial man, i was always baffled by P.Michel’s work.
A little DOF would help in order to make the buildings look less like a miniature
good work!
( )total ass May 26th
unfortunately, your flash player sucks. Getj w player thx, I’ll try to watch it then
( )Daniel Norton May 26th
Hey For Number 67 i think you meant to write Rain. just letting you know .. awesome tutorial. i loved it. i added a little green screen of myself in there too.
( )sara November 11th
i wanna see! put it on youtube plzzzzzz :0
( )Emanuele May 28th
the best effect made with after effect I’ve ever seen
( )julio May 30th
just amazed.
this is the kind of stuff we are allways looking for.
thanks for sharing.
( )christian harb June 1st
Brilliant … keep up the good work
( )john June 6th
Awesome video!
i just want to know where did you get the very first scenes’ footage from (the one where the clouds move fast)? or where can i get some footage similar as i am working on a film and want this kind of cloud thing happening?
thanks
( )draino June 8th
i cant even change a parameter without waiting for 15 minutes between each change im not sure what i have on i have fast preview off and i have render at half.
( )whats taking so long?
Anon June 16th
Well done sir !!!
( )Thanks for the tut ..!!!
Medy June 16th
OH, what to say ? it’s a fantastic work it’s genius…
( )thank you for given us this chance to learn secrets of this amazing softwar. thank you
Theo Dem June 22nd
Hi! first of all , really great stuff here , truly inspirational ! I followed your steps with some minor changes because i was working in 1080p with a different photo and the result is Amazing . Thank you dude … But , there seems to be a problem in witch i need some help , my drops (some of them in the back) seem to disappear , or appear from nothing… i tried to prologue the particle life but nothing ( i don’t know anything really about trapcode particular) Any pointers ? The scene in witch I’m working will be part of a short neo-noire movie that i’m making and I would definitely put a BIG thank-you note at the end. you rule
( )Tiffany June 23rd
What a moving preview. Truly beautiful.
( )Yourick June 23rd
This is simply the best tutorial on the net.. this THE best tutorial ive ever seen.
great job !
you are awesome !
( )Rainer June 28th
Hi all,
i have a big problem with the coordinates.
My coordinates for the position of the layer in
3D space are total different.
Whats going wrong?
( )lmdang June 29th
Wunderbar!!!
( )TMK July 5th
I love this tut… But, is there anyone else experiencing AE freezing after the random loop time sampling??? AE won’t even let me open my comp anymore, should i just throw it out?
( )Eric Kristin July 10th
Obrigado por compatilhar seus conhecimentos…
( )todos estão de parabéns!
grande abraço!
Abdullah A. Sarraj July 12th
Wow.. The final project really Wow .. I can not describe how i feel really .. good tutorial
and give us more ..
My Imagination Had a lot of ideas after i saw this
.. Thank u guys ..
( )fonz July 16th
Yo I dont get step 95, you suddenly duplicate the flash layer and have a bunch of keyframes which i do not have. care to help ?
( )Devil's July 24th
HI all…..
I did it but i can’t see my fast rain…..
ANYONE HELP ME PLZ, Where i was wrong..
PLZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ hElppppppppppppppppp…
( )Jonny134 October 9th
Im haveing the same problem, besides at Step 54 my computer dyes… i have 4g ram 3g processor…
( )modernKnight July 25th
@Devil’s
Make sure that when you changed the wind values for the particles, you put the Y value as 127 and the Z value as -900.
If you put those two into X and Y it will push the particles off the screen.
( )Umer July 26th
HI, I am totally new to after affects and as much as this movie motivates me to learn it. That much I hate to stay I wouldn’t learn it, because it has too many options. So its only good for people who are seeking it as a career not as a hobby. I might stay with flash, photoshop, and dreamwear. I wish there was some place all people of different skills could work together for free. Like think about it. If on some web designing project An artist a photoshoper works on art and designing, whereas Coder code it make it the most dynamic web. And in the mean while Animator using flash and afteraffects creates such a awesome introduction video with sound producer that it all become a piece of art.
( )adrianw July 29th
GREAT TUT> BUT Is it just my mac (specs – 750 gb harddrive 6 g ram) that it takes about 10 mins to even change a simple effect when building this project. plz send me feedback so i know if you have a simlar mac with same specs if ou mac movinh fast or do i have a virus that slows down my mac.
thanxxxxx
( )qmz August 13th
震撼!牛!!!!!!
( )Motzary August 20th
Hi,
I have a question about number 54. There i need to set it to custom particle, but in Particular 2.0 i cant choose that option, so i dont get the fast rain? Can anyone help me with a sollution, i cant figure it out myself:(
Hopefully i get help:D
Thanks
( )micheal de vries September 23rd
Ive got the same problem with step 54 about the custom option.
( )xoxo0 August 28th
yet anither great tutorial…cool !!
thx and bravo
++
( )syed September 1st
hi,
( )i have a question it would be great if anyone could help me with step 54 thats the option button. i dont get those feilds and options after clicking on option button…
hopefully some1 has a solution for it
thanks
hugbugrocker September 7th
wow great tutorial!!!!!!! i just cant find the name of the music anywhere
i had to make a equirectangular image because i didnt use any of ur stuff as i wanted to make mine different.!
( )jujubi September 14th
hi ae u r great, u giving life with after effects
( )Person September 19th
wtf is he saying on step 77!!! what “drop view” if hes talking about the drop comp thats not it… he needs to learn better English i can barley understand what hes saying in 1/2 this
( )micheal de vries September 23rd
please can anyone help me
im stuck at step 54.
I want to select “custom” at particle type but it seems that it isnt listed on my particle type list.
ive reseted a few times and ive checked the adjustments. I still get the same result.
Im using AE CS4
Thanks in advance
( )Harry (Scotland) September 24th
I’m trying to help develop a community video and I only just discovered After Effects and tried this project to help make the community video extra special, but I just can’t achieve the desired results, so I wonder if anyone can help. I can send a copy of the file I created if someone is willing to tell me where I went wrong.
( )Zumie September 24th
I can need some help, i’m stuck at step 5, when i have chosen Sphere – Layered, I don’t have Particles in Z, but only Sphere Layers?
thanks in advance
( )Jonny134 October 9th
At Step 54 my computer dyes… pls someone help me, i have 4gb ram 3g triple core processor…i cant believe it cant handdle it….
( )D Weston October 12th
Hi there -
I’m creating a video for a non-profit charity in Canada, and elements of this video would be amazing in something we’re putting together, but it’s only a few days away and I’m not sure I have the time to do the tutorial from scratch.
Is there anyone who would be willing to share their Project file for this?
It’s for a good cause – I would send you a copy of the completed video, with full credit – it will be shown at a fundraiser with about 400 people at it – and this is PURELY at a non-profit occasion, i.e. not redistributed anywhere. A one-time thing.
The help would be much appreciated.
( )D Weston October 12th
Oh, if anyone is interested in helping, as mentioned in the above message
( )you can email me at damian.weston@gmail.com
biik October 17th
whats the name of the song
( )ramesh October 26th
one of the best tutorial online
( )kickash October 27th
EVERYONE WHO IS STUCK AT STEP 54!!!!
Particular 2.0 does not call it custom. It has been renamed to sprite!!!!! lol in 3.0 it will be ROOT BEER!!!!!!!! lol jk jk
( )Marto motion November 3rd
tks! for share this!
( )C.T.Daniel November 9th
is not much easy to make a video tutorial?
( )