Online. 4 sessions: Wednesdays, May 1-22, 6:30-9:30 pm

After Effects is the leading software for producing cutting-edge motion graphics and visual effects. This course will take us from navigating the interface, importing or creating your own assets and objects, to the basics of animating those objects. Then we will dive into learning about compositing, green screen removal, and the basics of visual effects. iMacs provided; students with PC laptops are welcome.

Session 1 – General Intro

• Introductions and tour of user interface setup
• Assets & keyframes (your first animation!)
• Shape Layers
• File-saving structure

Homework: Create or collect 2-5 assets/objects in your own style

Session 2 – Motion Design Intro

• Principles of animation
• Keyframes: easing and interpolation
• Masks & mattes

Homework: Create a 5 second animation using your assets and at least one animation principle

Session 3 – AE Expanded

• Comps, precomps, & expressions
• Effects panel
• 2.5D & green screen removal

Homework: Create a 5 second animation that uses effects or expressions

Session 4 – VFX Intro

• Motion tracking for visual effects
• Compositing assets
• Complex masking/object removal

NOTE: Participation in this online course requires that you use the free Zoom cloud-based video conferencing service. For optimal performance it is recommended that you install Zoom on your computer rather than running it from a web browser. We’ll e-mail you a course reminder and Zoom link a few days prior to the first session. Click here for a Zoom tutorial.

Tuition: $245 regular | $195 member | $155 low-income

Originally from Boston, MA, Neil Tuli has worked in the film and animation industries across the country since 2011. Starting on set for the films Ted and American Hustle, he spent several years freelancing as both an editor and motion designer before moving to Los Angeles and into production management. Neil then spent five years in strategy helping studios—including Illumination and Netflix—invest in animation technology for feature films. More recently, Neil moved to the Twin Cities with his family and wrote a SAG-signatory film he is currently directing.

Class Registration Guidelines & Cancellation Policy

• Space is assigned on a first-come basis. Registrations must include payment in full. Registrations are accepted after registration deadlines if space is available.
• If minimum enrollment has not been reached by 7 days prior to the start date of a class, FilmNorth may cancel it, in which case registrants will immediately be notified and receive a full refund within 2 business days. A check will be issued for registrations that were paid in cash. In lieu of a refund, students have the option of applying their tuition to another class scheduled in the same calendar year.
• For those needing to cancel a registration at least 7 days prior to the first class session, 100% of the tuition will be refunded minus a $25 administrative fee. For registration cancellations received less than 7 days prior to the first class session, 50% of the tuition will be refunded minus a $25 administrative fee. As of 5:00 pm the day prior to the first class session, no refunds or credits/exchanges will be given (Friday at 5:00 pm for Sunday classes). 
• Tuition is not prorated for missed class sessions.
• By registering for this FilmNorth class you are agreeing to our Community Values Statement.