Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
• BlackMagic Decklink HDMI
• NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560
Complete GPU specifications for Element 3D are available at
https://www.
videocopilot.net/assets/public/misc/GPUs.pdf
.
Software
Element 3D is a plugin for Adobe After Effects. We'll use CS6 under the Creative
Cloud license for the purposes of this topic. Additionally, you will need a 3D
modeling program. There are plenty of paid ones (such as Maya, 3D Studio Max,
Lightwave, and Cinema 4D). However, if budget is a concern, you can use a free
3D program called Blender, which is used by many professionals.
We'll also be using the Jet Strike and Flight Kit for Element 3D later in this topic.
These kits are among many that are available for Element 3D; they include many
models and compositing elements to help you with your 3D animations. If you
don't have these expansion packs, don't worry; the principals are important,
not the specifics.
Introduction to the interface
So, let's dive in! Start up After Effects and create a new HD 1080p30 (29.97)
composition (it only needs to be a couple of seconds long). Then add a black solid
layer and apply the Element plugin to that layer (
Effect
|
Video Copilot
|
Element
).
Now you'll want to open your effect controls and hit the
Scene Setup
button. This will
open the Element 3D interface. The following screenshot shows you the location of the
Scene Setup
button within the AEX interface:
