Preparing to Work

This project requires one composition, some video footage (provided), an Adobe Illustrator file (provided), and a few solid layers. You'll create a 3D title by extruding the Illustrator file with the Zaxwerks 3D Invigorator effect. The primary lighting effect will be created using native After Effects features; you can further enhance the lighting results with effects provided by the company Trapcode.

To prepare for this project, do the following:

1.	If you don't already have the Zaxwerks 3D Invigorator effect (Classic 3.0.9 version) installed into After Effects, you can install it with the CD provided with the Professional versions of After Effects or the Adobe Video Collection. If you have the Standard version of either product, you can install a trial version of 3D Invigorator from this book's DVD or from the company's Web site at www.zaxwerks.com. Once the effect is installed, a Zaxwerks submenu appears in the Effect menu in After Effects.
2.	Start with a new project, and save it as Ch16Lighting.
3.	Import the Alvarez&Cruz.mov file as footage from this chapter's folder on the book's DVD.
4.	Create a new composition named A&C Master using the Medium, 320x240 comp preset, with Duration 10:00 seconds.