Video Copilot Show: SUPERHERO LANDING!
Education
Introduction
Welcome back to another exciting edition of the Video Copilot blog show! In this episode, Andrew Kramer takes us on an adventurous journey as he demonstrates how to create a thrilling superhero landing sequence using various innovative techniques.
Setting the Scene
To kick things off, we wanted to introduce our main character, Sam, perched atop a realistic rooftop. Instead of filming on location with safety harnesses, we devised a creative solution. A small green screen platform was set up for Sam to jump down from, which allowed us to animate the illusion of his head dropping just past the ledge.
Now that we had our jump, the next step involved constructing a digital rooftop in After Effects using Element 3D. This required crafting several rooftop assets, including air conditioning units, pipes, and vents. With this asset kit ready, we could position objects throughout the scene, experimenting with different camera movements for added dynamism.
To enhance the realism of our 3D environment, we added sticker decals that not only provided extra detail but also helped visualize the scale of our creations. Additionally, we implemented a simple auxiliary animation to rotate the fan blades, ensuring that all fans moved simultaneously.
One clever shot featured Sam crossing the rooftop. With limited green screen material, we shot Sam walking toward the camera, then turning away, which allowed us to edit the background to create the illusion of a straight-line walk. By intertwining a 3D scene with various background images, we created an immersive world that felt expansive.
High-Flying Action
The next segment included Sam falling through the air. To capture this moment effectively, we filmed Sam’s feet on a green screen, using a leaf blower to simulate wind for authenticity. The footage was combined with a digitally created skyline, enhancing the sensation of speed as Sam plummets toward the city.
We also ventured into an elevator scene, crafting basic assets from 3D primitives, pipes, and components from our Motion Design 2-pack. Instead of building a massive elevator shaft, we designed a single component that could be replicated multiple times—an efficient workflow that allowed for quick iterations across the entire scene.
Pre-visualization was crucial for this sequence. We established various shots of the elevator descending to ensure that they fit cohesively during the compositing stage. Utilizing a World Position Pass, which is akin to a Z-depth pass, enabled us to place live-action smoke elements accurately in 3D space, taking camera movement into account.
Creative Challenges
Originally, the elevator scene wasn't part of our plan. After showing the footage of Sam leaping off the building to Andrew's daughter, who questioned why he didn't just take the elevator, inspiration struck. What started as a simple shot of a malfunctioning elevator spiraled into six complex visual effect shots, leading to the need for destruction elements and sound design to enhance the scene.
For the epic landing, we experimented with various approaches, capturing Sam's jumps with different levels of stiffness and intensity to create the perfect landing effect. While Bruce Willis, Chris Evans, and Robert Downey Jr. were unavailable, we made it work with alternative talent.
To achieve the destruction effect, significant effort went into creating a simulation of a road breaking apart using 3D tools like Thinking Particles in 3ds Max. Post-production involved compositing elements in After Effects with additional smoke and dust effects.
In yet another riveting layer, we chose to shoot this sequence on a dolly track, which necessitated 3D camera tracking. This added complexity paid off, resulting in a stunning final product where the camera moved fluidly through the shattered debris.
Andrew left us with this thought: "Don’t limit yourself—there's always room for creativity. You can reverse a clip to portray a superhero taking off!"
Thank you for joining us for this exhilarating journey into superhero landings. Be sure to check out Video Copilot for project files and tutorials related to this exciting sequence!
Keywords
- Andrew Kramer
- Video Copilot
- superhero landing
- After Effects
- Element 3D
- green screen
- pre-visualization
- World Position Pass
- camera movement
- destruction effects
FAQ
Q: What is Video Copilot?
A: Video Copilot is a website that offers tutorials, plugins, and resources for motion graphics and visual effects.
Q: What software is used for creating the superhero landing?
A: The main software used is After Effects, along with Element 3D and 3ds Max for 3D modeling.
Q: What techniques are involved in creating the rooftop environment?
A: Techniques include creating rooftop assets, using stickers for detail, and implementing camera movements to enhance the dynamism of the scene.
Q: How was the falling scene filmed?
A: Sam’s feet were filmed on a green screen while using a leaf blower to simulate wind, combined with CG city buildings.
Q: What is a World Position Pass?
A: A World Position Pass is a technique used to place live-action elements accurately in 3D space, aiding in compositing.
