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In the tutorials section, the authors break down the process of creating broadcast-quality motion graphics into a dozen step-by-step tutorials. Each tutorial focuses on or introduces a particular feature, and often builds on features that were introduced in a previous tutorial. The enclosed CD-ROM includes all 12 project and media files (and the final rendered movies), giving the reader the chance to build the project from scratch or carefully dissect a project that's already built.
Case Studies, a far smaller section of the book (but equal in value to the rest), explores, breaks down, and dissects After Effects projects that are on the air or on the Web, including work from such studios as Belief, ATTIK, and Curious Pictures. While less step-by-step oriented, one gets the chance to learn why each project was handled the way it was, rather than how.
As an added bonus, the CD-ROM includes numerous free plug-ins from such vendors as Pinnacle, Media 100, Boris, Trapcode, and the Foundry for both Mac and Windows versions of After Effects. There's also plenty of bonus material to read and sift through in the form of PDF files--additional tutorials, tips and tricks, and project templates.
After Effects in Production is a must-have book for any user who intends to grow into a serious designer, or for the serious designer who simply intends to keep on growing. --Mike Caputo
