Standing at the crossroads

dholt wrote on 11/20/2003, 9:08 AM
I've reached a point where I'm confused about my next step and could use some advice.

I recently purchased Particle Illusion 3.0, After Affects Production Bundle 5.5, SpiceMaster 2.0 and PhotoShop Elements 2.0. Plus I have Acid 4.0.

I've been using Vegas for 6 months and have much more to learn. I'm finding I just don't have the time to learn all of these programs (or do I)? The learning curve with After Effects being really steep. I shoot Weddings and Music video's right now but want to get into Christian movie, music video's and documentaries. I love using some cool special effects. Every other program also takes time away from learning more about Vegas and playing with it and maybe I really don't need to learn AE's. I'm sure future versions of Vegas will allow for greater video and audio effects. I'm not 20 and got a late start at this so do I bite the bullet and learn everything or concentrate on a few things? I'm standing at the cross roads, thanks for the advice.

Comments

Rogueone wrote on 11/20/2003, 9:14 AM
If you're looking for good special effects, I'd recommend AlamDV2. I tried After Effects, and as you say, steep learning curve! I even loaded someone else's AE file into it, but I couldn't make heads or tales from it. Anyways, AlamDV2 can be found at fxhome.com. AlamDV3 is in the making, and right now new buyers of 2 get a free upgrade to 3 on its release. Alam is also a friendly interface, so it works well in conjunction with a professional video program. (Like Vegas) Is this helpful at all, or more confusing?

Rogue One
BrianStanding wrote on 11/20/2003, 9:27 AM
If you're interested in doing primarily documentary-style work with occasional special effects, I'd just focus on learning your primary tool -- which will likely be your editing software, in this case, Vegas.

You've already purchased a good effects/composting software bundle, no need to throw it out. Teach yourself to use the software for the special effects you need when you need it. For a program like After Effects, you don't need to master every aspect of the program (I wonder if anyone even can!), just focus on those things that interest you.

The Adobe "Classroom in a Book" for After Effects is an excellent primer and will get you started in AE without too much heavy lifting. If you really find AE 5.5 Prod Bundle too initimidating, you might want to take a look at the 4.1 version of the Classroom in a Book. The interface is the same, and 4.1 teaches you the basics. Once you get your head around the concept of compositing, things get easier.
johnmeyer wrote on 11/20/2003, 9:52 AM
Concentrate on making great video. Some of the best stuff I've ever done is cuts-only (well, almost). Let the special effects stuff follow, rather than lead, your efforts. You need to be aware, generally, of what all your fun stuff can do, but you can wait to master a particular effect until you really need that particular effect. Believe me, the software folks can churn out new, neat stuff, far faster than you can ever learn it. Focus on Vegas as the core application, and then learn the others as the need arises.
J_Mac wrote on 11/20/2003, 10:35 AM
Learn the general dynamics of how to use each program. Navigation, access to SE, general manipulation of effects, etc, so you don,t waste time relearning each. Then take and print screen shots of each, displaying the main items existing in each, i.e. library lists in Particle Illusion. Familiarize yourself with the contents so when you want that 'perfect' effect, you know where it is located and you don't fuddle browsing thru each. Learn and relearn V4, especially the scripting component, a powerful timesaver for us. The devil at the crossroads is not in the details, which is overwhelming, but the devil is wasting the concise application of limited time. Also refer to this forum often and learn from experts who want nothing more than for us rookies to be successful. Good Luck, John.
dholt wrote on 11/20/2003, 11:21 AM
Excellent feedback.
The devil at the crossroads is not in the details, which is overwhelming, but the devil is wasting the concise application of limited time. This comment says it all. That's what my email is all about, with limited time where do you spend that time. I rode the IT hampster wheel for awhile a few years ago and don't want to do that again.
I think that finding your way and deciding what you want and what is takes to get there (equipment, software, knowledge etc) is a good portion of the battle. Thanks to everyone.