Training and Certification

An Introduction to Motion 3 (Motion 101)

Designing and Animating Motion Graphics in Final Cut Studio

Course Description

This three-day, hands-on course will familiarize students with Motion, Apple's revolutionary software for motion graphics design. This comprehensive course covers working with Motion's Real-Time Design engine and interface, behavior-based animation, parameter behaviors, blend modes, advanced particle system design, advanced title animation, working with templates, chroma key techniques, masking methods, DVD motion menu design, tablet-driven gesture UI techniques, working with audio, keyframing, and integration.

Who Should Attend

This class is designed for students who are looking to learn more about creating motion graphics using Motion and who prefer hands-on, interactive instruction.

What You Will Learn

• Understanding behavior-based animation and templates
• Working with blend modes and chroma key techniques
• Advanced particle system design
• Masking methods
• Keyframing techniques
• Integration with Apple Professional Applications

Prerequisites

Students should have the following prerequisite knowledge prior to attending the course:

• Basic knowledge of Mac OS X
• Some knowledge of Final Cut Pro 6 is helpful

Course Outline

Day 1

Topic	Description
A Tour of Motion	Getting to know the interface, Some Windowing Hot Keys, Gestural Input, Importing Footage, Setting the Play Range, Zooming Options, Adding Layers, Cloning and Instancing, Applying Behaviors, Using the Motion Path Behaviors, Applying Filters, Soloing RAM Previews, Freezing Tracks, Deactivating Behaviors and Filters, Particle Simulations, Adding a Third Dimension and Autosave
Generators and Particle Presets	Applying Generators from the Library, Motion Blur-dependent Presets, Core Image Content, Working in the Inspector, Working with Gradients, Using Hotboxes and Sliders, Using the Displacement Filter, Using Image Wells, Rendering and Asset Management
Groups, Layers and Blend Modes	Building a Multi-Layered Composite, Navigating the Layers Tab, Working with Filters and Behaviors in the Layers Tab, Creating Text, Modifying Blend Modes, Nesting and Collapsing, and Working in Float Space
The Third Dimension	Converting from 2D to 3D, Getting Around in 3D, "First-person Shooter" Navigation, Arranging Layers with Depth, Mixing 2D and 3D Layers, Adding Lights, 3D Texture Properties, Adding Cameras, Applying an Animation Preset, Working with Behaviors in 3D, and a Quick Look at Particles
Using Templates	Using Motion's Templates, Accessing Template Elements, Creating Your Own Templates and Working iLIfe Content
Creating Text Effects	Formatting Text, Working with Text Parameters, Browsing Text Presets, Sequencing Test, Animating Text on a Path, Working with 3D Text, and Creating Custom Presets

Day 2

Topic	Description
Particles and Parameter Behaviors	Building Particles from a Movie Clip, Refining a Particle System, Adding Color, Changing Rotation and Spin, Changing Scale, Birth, Death, and Life, Using Parameter Behaviors, and MIDI Control
The Replicator	Replicating a Clip, Adjusting the Replicator Shape, Modifying Rows, and Applying the Sequence Replicator Behavior
Advanced Particle Design	Sprites, Multiple Particles, One Emitter, Emitter Shapes, Modifying Particle Behavior, Particle Proxies and RAM Previews, Blending, Particles in 3D Space, and Moving Particles with Simulation Behaviors
Keyframing	Setting Keys Manually, Record Animation Shortcut, Record Animation Modes, Working in the Keyframe Editor, Parameter Hotkeys, Working with Keyframes in the Timeline and Keyframing FIlters
Painting in Motion	Basic Painting, Write-on Effect, Customizing Brushes, Changing Stroke Properties over Life, Working with a Pen and Tablet, Applying Dynamics and Behaviors, and Creating 3D Effects with Paint Strokes

Day 3

Topic	Description
Keying and Shapes	Pulling a Key, Treating the Edges, Creating a Garbage Matte, Keyframing the Garbage Matte, and Rotoscoping with the B-spline Tool
Tracking and Matchmoving	Tracking Defined, the Two Trackers, Smoothing Footage, Matchmoving a Screen Insert, Hinting Features, Adding Glass to the Screen, and Tracking with Filter Center Points
Roundtripping, Nonlinear Editing and O-flow Retiming	Frame Blending vs. O-Flow, Sending from Final Cut Pro, Makers into Motion from Final Cut Pro, Working with the Content in Motion, Returning to Final Cut Pro, Motion Menus with DVD Studio Pro and Soundtrack Pro Integration
Audio and Markers	Mixing in Sound Effects, Multi-Channel Audio File Support, Using the Waveform Editor, Using the Keyframe Editor, Using the Timeline, Adding Markers and Driving Animation using Audio Behaviors