Adobe After Effects as an Editing Tool

Through this course the participants will gain adequate knowledge of how Adobe After Effects can be used as an Editing tool. The course will explore the use of this tool to combine footage together, colour correction, stop motion, using 3D world, Masking, lighting, green screen, amongst other features of the program, as well as introducing certain third party plug-ins.

This is a 24 hrs guided learning course.  Students need to invest further hours in the course, which will include private study and home assignments.

Lessons are held as indicated on the prospectus and website.

Learning Outcome 1 :  Outline the main layout, interface and basic features of Adobe After Effects

Unit Content

• Detailed look at the layout and interface of Adobe After Effects
• Understanding the Timeline, key frames, Layers and other features of Adobe After Effects  – Use of Masking, motion blur, use of Easy Ease and more utilities that the program offers to create a finer and more professional look to the work

Learning Outcome 2; Use software tools to edit and enhance edited work

Unit Content

• Adding sounds or music to a piece of moving image
• Evaluating and using the correct way to add footage, stop motion, images, illustrations and other accepted file formats to the timeline
• Trimming, combining, creating different compositions and layers to create a moving image piece
• Adding effects, colour corrections, green screen usage, and other features that Adobe After Effects offers
• Third Party Plugins
• Evaluating finished moving image, and applying the right final polish (Based on this structure this was moved to LO 2 so that LO 3 is limited only to the rendering aspect)

Learning Outcome 3; Choose the correct rendering options for different formats when producing a moving image piece  

Unit Content

• Looking at different ways in which moving image is used in : Internet, TV, HD, Ipod, Ipad, mobiles and other multimedia devices
• Using and setting the right options for rendering the Work and the right File Format

Learning Outcome 4; Appraise own work and that produced by others using Adobe After Effects 

Unit Content

• Problem solving techniques
• Self Evaluation, as well as obtaining opinions and feedback from other class mates, and about one’s work
• Learning how to critique and what to look out for when doing so

The following are the suggested pre-requisites and/or entry requirements needed:

Entry Requirements:

• Computer Knowledge
• Mac orientation
• Good level of spoken and written English

An MCAST Certificate of Attendance will be issued to all students attending for more than 80% of lectures.

There are no summative assessments in this course.

There are no additional costs or special materials/equipment to bring