VFX Techniques: Creating Explosions with 3D Layers

Learn to destroy a building with a fireball, using an After Effects 3D environment, Maya dynamic simulations, and matte painted elements.

Visual effects (VFX) can add destruction to a scene without causing real-world damage. Learn to destroy a building with a fireball, using an After Effects 3D environment, Maya dynamic simulations, and matte painted elements. Author Lee Lanier shows you how to convert video footage into 3D layers, adapt stock footage effects, add and improve Maya particle and rigid body renders, and integrate static artwork to inflict realistic damage to an old-world castle.

Introduction

• Welcome
• Using the exercise files

1. Overview

• Breakdown of the final comp
• Setting up the project in After Effects

2. Setting Up a 2.5D Scene

• Stabilizing and shadowing the plate
• Creating a 3D camera and background sky
• Arranging background cards
• Reconstructing the castle walls
• Re-creating fog
• Lighting the cards
• Adding CG set dressing

3. Adding Effects Plates and Renders

• Integrating a fireball
• Working with 3D simulations
• Review of tower collapse in Maya
• Adding a CG blast
• Review of the blast in Maya

4. Combining CG and Video Debris

• Layering CG debris
• Adding simulated bricks
• Replicating wall destruction
• Layering larger pieces
• Processing video debris
• Adapting particle simulations
• Review of dust particles in Maya

5. Using Matte-Painted Elements

• Building an interior
• Creating wall damage
• Adding fake shadows
• Animating cracks
• Layering additional explosions
• Adding explosions to the walls
• Crafting extra debris

6. Adding the Final Touches

• Animating the camera
• Adding flares and grain

Conclusion

• Looking at the final project
• Next steps