After Effects Book at DVinfo.net

mdreyes23 · March 17th, 2002, 05:33 PM

I need some advice and recommendations on a great book for Adobe After Effects 5.5 Production Bundle. Something that covers from high-beginner to expert level, and has a bunch of tutorials.

I'm basically a beginner with After Effects but I'm a quick learner. I mainly just want something in-depth where I can learn a ton of features. This software seems amazing to me with the things you can do.

Originally I was going to go with "Creating Motion Graphics with after Effects" by Trish Meyer and Chris Meyer. And also their companion book "After Effects in Production". These books look really good and I have heard some good comments about them. But I'm worried because "Creating Motion Graphics with after Effects" book was done with after effects 4.x version. The "After Effects in Production" book seems to cover effects 4.x and 5.0 version...some only from production bundle version.

Can these books still be used with 5.5 production bundle? Or should I go with a book specifically where 5.5 production bundle is used?

I appreciate any comments...thanks fellas!

Chris Hurd · March 17th, 2002, 09:27 PM

The Meyers are *the* gurus for AE, but consider any of the Peachpit Press books as well: inexpensive and superb. See

http://www.peachpit.com/books/catalog/75469.html

and do a search for After Effects within this site... many excellent titles to be found.

mdreyes23 · March 17th, 2002, 10:14 PM

I have AE 5.5 production bundle. Can I still follow the Meyers' books with this version?

Is there any issue with compatibility. I've never used earlier versions of AE.

Meaning...can the latest version do all the things that the older versions can do...exactly?

Ken Tanaka · March 17th, 2002, 11:27 PM

I don't think there's a book covering 5.5 specifically but I think the Meyers' book will be useful to you nevertheless.

August 13th, 2002, 10:19 AM

Hello folks,
I did the Adobe after effects classroom in a book about 6 months ago and found it quite useful as an introduction to the majority of the basic features in after effects. Depending on how new you are to the program it may prove a useful resource.

Scott Silverman · February 9th, 2003, 03:09 AM

Hi!
I have AE 5 but really want this book because it sounds great:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...glance&s=books
Do you think it will be OK that I have 5 and the book is 5.5? Or will I run into too many issues? Thanks!

Robert Knecht Schmidt · February 9th, 2003, 03:17 AM

I don't think it will matter. There aren't any significant changes in the way After Effects works between 5.0 and 5.5 for 98% of the material covered in the book. What will drive you much more crazy--if you use a PC--is that all the screenshots and shortcut keys are given for the Mac platform.

I bought this book several years ago and today I rarely ever pick it up. (I remember writing a less-than-stellar review on Amazon.com and author Trish Meyer e-mailed me in a huff, tizzy at me for not raving over her book!) It won't teach you anything the more ubiquitous Classroom in a Book won't teach you.

Ken Tanaka · February 9th, 2003, 11:51 AM

You will be just fine with this book, Scott. I have this book and can confirm that, as Robert noted, you won't be missing anything in 5.5.

Scott Silverman · February 9th, 2003, 06:17 PM

Hi guys,
Thanks for the speedy replies. I have just one more question before I go and buy one of these books: do you think I would be better off buying "Classroom in a Book"? I was considering buying Classroom in a Book but then I switched over to the other one because most of the reviews on Amazon said that Classroom in a Book wasn't very beginner friendly, and I am definately a beginner in AE. Thanks!

Ken Tanaka · February 9th, 2003, 06:28 PM

Each person learns subjects in different ways, so I couldn't speculate which would be best for you.

Many people swear by the Adobe "Classroom in a Book" series. I've never thought they were that strong, emphasizing dance-steps rather than true understanding.

The Meyers' have become very big fish in the puddle of AE and have produced a 3-book set that's hard to beat in my view. To the (often problemmatic) extent that a book can be effective at providing understanding of a complex application like AE I think that the Meyers' have been successful.

Robert Knecht Schmidt · February 9th, 2003, 06:50 PM

I used to buy books like this until I came to recognize that I was amassing what would in short order become a library of expensive books about obsolete software.

Now when I want to learn some software I request the book from my local library. I have it in a few days, I can keep renewing it for a couple months until I've read it all, I'm not set down $30-$60 if I don't find the book useful, and best of all, I don't have it taunting me from my shelf the following year when "3D Studio Max R3" and "After Effects 4.1" don't sound so hot any more...

Ken Tanaka · February 9th, 2003, 07:08 PM

An excellent point and tip, Robert. I've actually vowed not to buy software-specific books any longer (except for very rare exceptions) for exactly that reason. Most such books have shelf lives comparable to loaves of bread and are little more than nearly plagiarized restatements of the product manuals featuring large print and thick leading to bloat the book's length.

I would, however, consider the Meyers' current AE books, particularly the 2nd edition of this book, such an exception. The general approach of the book reflects concepts and workflows in AE which have not significantly changed for years. The full-color illustrations alone are certainly worth a view.

Public library, eh? Not a bad idea!

Robert Knecht Schmidt · February 9th, 2003, 07:52 PM

What's new in the 2nd edition?

Ken Tanaka · February 9th, 2003, 10:54 PM

Since I only have the 1st, I can't really say with completeness. I've browsed the 2nd briefly and it appears that the majority of changes lie in the topics dealing with 3D.

Chris Mueller · December 22nd, 2003, 10:23 PM

I was wondering which book I should get in terms of learning After Effects 6.0. I'm not very experienced with it at all, but I have access to it, so I might as well learn it. I understand some stuff about keyframes and things like that from Premiere, but thats pretty much the extent to which I understand AE.

I've seen the Classroom in a Book series by Adobe for sale, as well as a few others on AE. I don't know which are the best for what I'm looking for, which is teaching me the basics. Which would you recommend?

Or, should I opt for a DVD Tutorial? I'd imagine those are more expensive.

March 17th, 2002, 05:33 PM	#1
mdreyes23 Registration Incomplete -- contact Admin. Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Virginia Posts: 108	Adobe After Effects 5.5 Book? I need some advice and recommendations on a great book for Adobe After Effects 5.5 Production Bundle. Something that covers from high-beginner to expert level, and has a bunch of tutorials. I'm basically a beginner with After Effects but I'm a quick learner. I mainly just want something in-depth where I can learn a ton of features. This software seems amazing to me with the things you can do. Originally I was going to go with "Creating Motion Graphics with after Effects" by Trish Meyer and Chris Meyer. And also their companion book "After Effects in Production". These books look really good and I have heard some good comments about them. But I'm worried because "Creating Motion Graphics with after Effects" book was done with after effects 4.x version. The "After Effects in Production" book seems to cover effects 4.x and 5.0 version...some only from production bundle version. Can these books still be used with 5.5 production bundle? Or should I go with a book specifically where 5.5 production bundle is used? I appreciate any comments...thanks fellas!

March 17th, 2002, 09:27 PM	#2
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,368 Images: 513	The Meyers are the gurus for AE, but consider any of the Peachpit Press books as well: inexpensive and superb. See http://www.peachpit.com/books/catalog/75469.html and do a search for After Effects within this site... many excellent titles to be found. __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

March 17th, 2002, 11:27 PM	#4
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	I don't think there's a book covering 5.5 specifically but I think the Meyers' book will be useful to you nevertheless. __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

August 13th, 2002, 10:19 AM	#5
cocobutt Posts: n/a	Adobe after effects classroom in a book Hello folks, I did the Adobe after effects classroom in a book about 6 months ago and found it quite useful as an introduction to the majority of the basic features in after effects. Depending on how new you are to the program it may prove a useful resource.

February 9th, 2003, 03:09 AM	#6
Scott Silverman Major Player Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Cupertino, California, USA Posts: 301	I have AE 5 but this book is for 5.5... Hi! I have AE 5 but really want this book because it sounds great: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...glance&s=books Do you think it will be OK that I have 5 and the book is 5.5? Or will I run into too many issues? Thanks! __________________ Scott Silverman Shining Star Digital Video Productions Bay Area, CA

March 17th, 2002, 10:14 PM	#3
mdreyes23 Registration Incomplete -- contact Admin. Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Virginia Posts: 108	I have AE 5.5 production bundle. Can I still follow the Meyers' books with this version? Is there any issue with compatibility. I've never used earlier versions of AE. Meaning...can the latest version do all the things that the older versions can do...exactly?

February 9th, 2003, 03:17 AM	#7
Robert Knecht Schmidt Wrangler Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 1,933	I don't think it will matter. There aren't any significant changes in the way After Effects works between 5.0 and 5.5 for 98% of the material covered in the book. What will drive you much more crazy--if you use a PC--is that all the screenshots and shortcut keys are given for the Mac platform. I bought this book several years ago and today I rarely ever pick it up. (I remember writing a less-than-stellar review on Amazon.com and author Trish Meyer e-mailed me in a huff, tizzy at me for not raving over her book!) It won't teach you anything the more ubiquitous Classroom in a Book won't teach you. __________________ All the best, Robert K S Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| The best in the business: DVinfo.net sponsors

February 9th, 2003, 11:51 AM	#8
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	You will be just fine with this book, Scott. I have this book and can confirm that, as Robert noted, you won't be missing anything in 5.5. __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

February 9th, 2003, 06:17 PM	#9
Scott Silverman Major Player Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Cupertino, California, USA Posts: 301	Hi guys, Thanks for the speedy replies. I have just one more question before I go and buy one of these books: do you think I would be better off buying "Classroom in a Book"? I was considering buying Classroom in a Book but then I switched over to the other one because most of the reviews on Amazon said that Classroom in a Book wasn't very beginner friendly, and I am definately a beginner in AE. Thanks! __________________ Scott Silverman Shining Star Digital Video Productions Bay Area, CA

February 9th, 2003, 06:28 PM	#10
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	Each person learns subjects in different ways, so I couldn't speculate which would be best for you. Many people swear by the Adobe "Classroom in a Book" series. I've never thought they were that strong, emphasizing dance-steps rather than true understanding. The Meyers' have become very big fish in the puddle of AE and have produced a 3-book set that's hard to beat in my view. To the (often problemmatic) extent that a book can be effective at providing understanding of a complex application like AE I think that the Meyers' have been successful. __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

February 9th, 2003, 06:50 PM	#11
Robert Knecht Schmidt Wrangler Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 1,933	I used to buy books like this until I came to recognize that I was amassing what would in short order become a library of expensive books about obsolete software. Now when I want to learn some software I request the book from my local library. I have it in a few days, I can keep renewing it for a couple months until I've read it all, I'm not set down $30-$60 if I don't find the book useful, and best of all, I don't have it taunting me from my shelf the following year when "3D Studio Max R3" and "After Effects 4.1" don't sound so hot any more... __________________ All the best, Robert K S Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| The best in the business: DVinfo.net sponsors

February 9th, 2003, 07:08 PM	#12
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	An excellent point and tip, Robert. I've actually vowed not to buy software-specific books any longer (except for very rare exceptions) for exactly that reason. Most such books have shelf lives comparable to loaves of bread and are little more than nearly plagiarized restatements of the product manuals featuring large print and thick leading to bloat the book's length. I would, however, consider the Meyers' current AE books, particularly the 2nd edition of this book, such an exception. The general approach of the book reflects concepts and workflows in AE which have not significantly changed for years. The full-color illustrations alone are certainly worth a view. Public library, eh? Not a bad idea! __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

February 9th, 2003, 07:52 PM	#13
Robert Knecht Schmidt Wrangler Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 1,933	What's new in the 2nd edition? __________________ All the best, Robert K S Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| The best in the business: DVinfo.net sponsors

February 9th, 2003, 10:54 PM	#14
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	Since I only have the 1st, I can't really say with completeness. I've browsed the 2nd briefly and it appears that the majority of changes lie in the topics dealing with 3D. __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

December 22nd, 2003, 10:23 PM	#15
Chris Mueller Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 49	Good book on AE I was wondering which book I should get in terms of learning After Effects 6.0. I'm not very experienced with it at all, but I have access to it, so I might as well learn it. I understand some stuff about keyframes and things like that from Premiere, but thats pretty much the extent to which I understand AE. I've seen the Classroom in a Book series by Adobe for sale, as well as a few others on AE. I don't know which are the best for what I'm looking for, which is teaching me the basics. Which would you recommend? Or, should I opt for a DVD Tutorial? I'd imagine those are more expensive.