Creating a "virtual room" in AE

[beenyweenies]

I'm new to the AE game and wanted to see if it's possible to create a virtual room like the one in this image.

http://www.cybmotion.com/projects/NBC_MRShow.jpg

Can AE do this sort of thing or do I have to resort to an external 3D program.

Many thanks in advance!

-B

Yes you can, it's not too hard but you do need a basic understanding of using After Effects' 3D capabilities to get good results. After effects has a 3D mode, but is limited to flat, 2D objects placed in 3D space. So to get the effect you're after, you will create a set of "cards," basically white solids, and arrange them in 3D space to make your room. To do this simply create the white solids and tick the 3d cube icon next to the layer's name in the timeline. This will give you a full set of x,y and z coords to work with. You can also create a camera in AE much as any other 3d program. Lastly, you can create lights in AE, but they will only react to objects marked as 3d (as outlined above). Once you have your "card" room built, place a light and then enable shadow casting. You will need to enable "cast shadows" for every 3d object that will do this. By spacing things out in 3d space you will get shadows, with control over things like shadow darkness etc. easily controlled in the properties of light itself.


Good luck.

[TheBearsTooth]

Thank you so much for taking the time out to respond to me. I really appreciate it.

I'm pretty comfortable with 3d space, and understand what you described. That makes sense. How would I get the blended look of the wall and floorspace like I referenced in my original post? Two ramp effects maybe?

Thanks again so much!

[scrimski]

Either that or by using lights. Or faking it with a gradient on a solid in the background.

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