The Visual Effects Arsenal: VFX Solutions for the Independent Filmmaker Bill Byrne 9781138474260

Build your VFX arsenal with quick-access, step-by-step instruction on how to create today's hottest digital VFX shots. This essential toolkit provides techniques for creating effects seen in movies such as 300, Spiderman 3, Predator and others, with lessons on how-to:
* splatter blood or digitally lop someone's arm off
* create a scene with actors running from an explosion
* create the "twin effect" (same actor, same location, 2 performances)
* produce space-ship dog fights

Organized in a 'cookbook' style, this allows you to reference a certain effect in the index and immediately access concise instructions to create that effect.

Techniques are demonstrated in each of the most popular software tools- After Effects, Final Cut Studio, Photoshop, and Combustion are all covered. Brilliant, 4-color presentation provides inspiration and stimulating visual guidance to the lessons presented, while the downloadable resources contain project media files enabling you to put concepts learned into immediate practice.

The attributes that make Bill Byrne a terrific teacher - his industry experience and encyclopedic knowledge of creating digital effects - also make his book an invaluable resource to filmmakers, editors, digital designers and anyone interested in visual effects. In addition to his easy to follow step-by-step tutorials, he provides readers with the relevant historical context and aesthetic background to assist in making sound design choices. Byrne's enthusiasm infuses The VFX Arsenal with an energy that makes it fun to read. I am sure this book will quickly establish itself as an essential tool in both academic and professional circles."
-- Andrea Moore Paldy, co-author, Exploring Motion Graphics