Dupy Animations Tutorial: Designing a Simple News Studio in After Effects

Introduction

• Tutorial on creating a news studio in Adobe After Effects without third-party software or plugins.
• Suitable for post-production environments.
• Recommends VX software for live broadcasts.
• Focus on using After Effects for designing a simple virtual set.

Setting Up the Composition

• Open After Effects and create a new composition:
  • Size: 1920x1080
  • Name: "Main"
• Show rulers and guides to help in design.

Designing the News Desk

• Use the Pen Tool to create a simple desk shape:
  • Start with a shape layer.
  • Adjust the stroke and curvature to fit design needs.
  • Make it 3D and adjust extrusion depth (e.g., 350 for desk, 20 for details).
• Duplicate shapes to build desk layers and adjust colors.

Adding 3D Elements and Camera

• Enable 3D for layers and use geometry options.
• Create a camera and a null object:
  • Parent the camera to the null object for easier control.
  • Rename null object for organization.

Lighting Setup

• Add multiple lights to the scene:
  • Four main lights around the desk for shadow and depth.
  • Adjust intensity and position for desired effect.

Incorporating Image Elements

• Add an anchor’s picture:
  • Make the image 3D and position it on the desk.
  • Adjust light interaction and opacity for realism.

Enhancing the Scene

• Create walls and a floor:
  • Use solid layers for walls; adjust position and scale.
  • Apply gradient effects for wall textures.
• Add a video or image as a backdrop:
  • Create a separate composition for the TV screen.
  • Insert video/image and create a border with solid layers.
  • Apply grid effects for added detail.

Final Touches

• Adjust camera angles and zoom with null object controls.
• Refine the lighting and shading for a more realistic look.

Conclusion

• This tutorial provides a base for a small virtual news set in After Effects.
• For more complex designs, consider using 3D software like Cinema 4D.
• Encourages shooting news readers against a green screen for integration.

Tips

• Experiment with lighting and angles to enhance realism.
• Keep composition organized with clear layer naming and grouping.
• Utilize After Effects’ built-in tools creatively to mimic 3D environments.