Adobe After Effects Training: Advanced

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Take your visual effects and motion graphics skills to the next level with our advanced After Effects training course. Expand your knowledge and master advanced techniques that will help you achieve your creative vision. With hands-on training from our certified instructors, unleash your creativity and elevate your video content to new heights.

LOCATION

London
or Online

DURATION

3 days
10am – 4pm

LEVEL

Advanced

Cost

(ex VAT)

Company: £515
Self-funding: £435
Online: £395

Adobe After Effects Training: Advanced

LOCATION

London
or Online

DURATION

3 days
10am – 4pm

LEVEL

Advanced

Cost (ex VAT)

Company £515

Self-funding
£435

Online £395

Overview of the course

This advanced level After Effects training course is designed for experienced users who want to take their animation skills to the next level. Over three days, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the software’s advanced features, allowing you to create stunning visual effects and motion graphics for any project.

We’ll dive deep into topics such as expressions, complex animations, and 3D layers. You’ll learn how to use the advanced features of tools such as the graph editor and complex expressions to create sophisticated animations with ease. You’ll also get hands-on experience using advanced 3D camera techniques.

You’ll also learn how to use After Effects with other software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and Cinema 4D. We’ll show you how to import and export files between programs, and how to integrate them seamlessly.

Our Adobe Certified instructors will guide you through the course, helping you to master the software’s advanced tools and features. By the end of the course, you’ll have the knowledge and skills to create professional-grade visual effects and motion graphics for film, video, and the web. Whether you’re looking to take your career to the next level or simply want to improve your skill set, our advanced After Effects training course is the perfect way to achieve your goals.

Dates

Next Course Date: 18 December, 2023

This course runs over three consecutive days. The next available start dates are listed below.

Upcoming dates:

18 December, 2023

If the training dates listed here don’t suit your schedule, let us know and we can arrange a private / tailored training course for you where we can customise both the content and the dates of the course.

To find more about our Tailored Training courses, click here

Course outline

Here is what you will learn on this After Effects course in more detail. Click the topics to explore what is covered in each section.

Advanced Text Animation

Creating Kinetic Typography to add “character” to text animations
Working with 3D Text Extrusions
Orienting characters to the camera
Syncing text animations to audio beats

Advanced Expressions

Understanding how a syntax works
Creating a Trail Animation
Using variables to add logic to expressions
Working with Expressions Controllers
Customising some useful expressions
Further resources for expressions

Advanced Particles

Working with the more obscure features of particles in After Effects
Using third party plugins
3D Particle Effects

Playing with Time

Changing the speed of clips
Slowing motion with Time-remapping
Using the Timewarp Effect
Editing time with the Graph Editor

Working in Higher Bit Depths

An introduction to bit depths
Understanding the differences between 8, 16 and 32 bpc
Working with super-white
Creating neon glows
Fixing the “banding” problems with gradients

Colour Keying

Understanding different types of keying
Using KeyLight
Difference between Luma and Chroma keys
Creating a Garbage Matte
Refining a matte

Working with Track Mattes

Understanding the difference between Track Mattes and traditional Masks
Using an Alpha Matte to reveal parts of a layer
Using Luma Mattes to create a distortion effect and reveal layers
Applying styles to layers with mattes
Animating a track matte

Shape Layers

Working with Shape Layers
Creating custom shapes with the Pen tool
Customising the default behaviours of shape layers
Shape layer animators / operators
Creating a line animation with Trim Paths
Using the Repeater to create shapes and shape animations
Further explorations of Shape layers

Advanced 3D

Building 3D models from layered files
Creating a 3D room
Working better with cameras and lights
Shining lights through glasses and windows
Creating a shadow catcher
3D material properties

Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) Exam

What is the ACP Exam
What to expect on the exam
Preparation
Taking the exam (optional)

Work Samples

Here are a few examples of the kind of work you can expect to be able to create after completing this After Effects course. Click the thumbnails to see more.

Working with Selections

You will learn how to create accurate selections so that you can isolate a subject from the background.

Adjustment Layers

Instead of applying an adjustment to the entire image, you will learn how to do this selectively by using adjustment layers.

Retouching Skin

One of the most common uses of Photoshop is Skin Retouching. You will learn the best practices to ensure your image looks natural.

Working with Layers

Layers allow you to create complex compositions with endless possibilities. You will learn the ins and outs of how layers work.

Advanced Selections

Creating accurate selections mean that you can remove any background. Learn how to create perfect selections around hair and more.

Typography

Text is a crucial element in any design. Learn the foundations of typography and create a professional looking poster.

What's included?

Together with this course, you also get the following benefits at no extra cost.

Course Certification

At the end of your After Effects training, you will receive a certificate of completion which you can use to demonstrate your competence in using Adobe After Effects. Your certificate will be approved by one of our Adobe Certified Instructors

Lifetime Support

After your training, you will have access to our technical email and phone support for a lifetime (yes, you read that right). You can contact us with any technical questions related to what you have learned on your After Effects course.

Course Notes

As well as the training files you create during the course, you will also be given exercise files and notes that you can take away with you. Because, let’s admit, nobody enjoys going through a software manual that is hundreds of pages long.

Training Videos

After attending a classroom or online After Effects training course, you will have free access to our extensive online training video library for seven days. All of our online training videos are produced by our instructors in partnership with digidemy.com

Free Class Retake

Once you complete your After Effects course, you can come back and attend the same training session for free within 24 months. This is particularly useful to fill some gaps in your knowledge or just to refresh your skills and get a little more practice.

Course Recording

During the course, you will be able to record the training sessions so you can refer to it whenever you need to in the future. These recordings will be yours to keep forever and they will be an invaluable resource for your continued learning after the training.

As well as the certificate of completion that you will get at the end of your course, you will also have the option to take the official Adobe Certified Professional exam for an additional fee of £100. The ACP is the industry-recognised certification which proves that you have the in-demand and job-ready skills!

Offers

We want to provide you with the best possible Adobe After Effects training experience. That’s why we have a number of offers to make the whole training process more manageable.

Money-Back Guarantee

If you are not truly satisfied with your Adobe After Effects training course, neither are we. Let us know on the first day of the course and we will go the extra mile to make things right. If you are still not happy, we will refund 100% of your money.

Early Bird Discount

Book this course three months in advance and receive a 15% discount.

Group Bookings

If you book two people to attend the course on the same dates, you get a 5% discount. For three people the discount is 10% and for four or more people it is 15%.

Schools and Non-profits

If you work for an educational or non-profit organisation, you get a 15% discount.

Instalment Plans

We understand that it may not always be very easy to pay for your Adobe After Effects training upfront. That’s why we offer a payment plan, which allows you to spread the cost of your training over 3, 6 or 12 months with 3%, 5% or 10% interest.

Want to learn more than one software?

This After Effects course is also included in the following bundles. If you'd like to learn more than just After Effects, be sure to check out our bundles below.

Video Bundle

If you want to create high end videos, then this bundle is for you. It includes the After Effects and Premiere Pro training courses.

View Bundle

Motion Graphics Bundle

Want to learn how to create animated graphics? This bundle consists of After Effects, C4D, Photoshop and Illustrator.

View Bundle

Reviews

Watch what our students had to say about their experiences after attending this After Effects training course

FAQ

Couldn’t find the answer to you question? These might help.

Where does the classroom training take place?

Our address is: 3 Laybourne House, Admirals Way, London, E14 9UH.

We are located only a couple of minutes’ walk from both the Canary Wharf (Jubilee Line) and the South Quay DLR Stations.

What time does the course start / finish?

The course starts at 10am and runs until 4pm with a lunch break and a couple of short coffee breaks throughout the day.

How big are the classes?

We usually have between 4-6 students per class. So it is a very small group, which means you get a lot of individual help and attention.

What's the booking procedure?

When you decide which course and dates you would like to attend, you simply fill the contact form on this page, or get in touch with us by using the chat button. Upon receiving your request, we will raise an invoice and send it to you for payment.

Once we receive the payment, your place on the course gets confirmed and you receive the joining instructions.

When do I need to make the payment?

Payment needs to be made at least 10 days prior to the first day of your course. Until we receive your payment, your place on the course is not confirmed and if the course gets fully booked, we might ask you to wait until the next available date.

How can I pay for my course?

You can pay for your training course via BACS (direct bank transfer), by using any credit or debit card including VISA, Mastercard or AMEX. You can also pay by using PayPal.

Do I need to bring anything with me?

We provide the workstations, notepads, light snacks, biscuits, coffee, tea and chocolate (lots of it!) during the course, so you don’t need to bring anything along.

Can I use my own laptop on the training?

If you feel more comfortable using your own computer, you certainly can. Just make sure you let us know ahead of the course, so we can prepare a workstation for you to connect your laptop.

Can I use my own files during the course?

If you are attending a public scheduled training course with other students, then you would be following a pre-determined outline. This is to ensure that everyone benefits from the training. However, if you would like to use your own files during the course (perhaps you are working on a project that you’d like to use as a case study), check out our Tailored Training page.

How does the online training work?

Overview: Instead of travelling to our London studios, you can join the course remotely as an online student. You will be joining a classroom training session which takes place at one of our training centres with real instructors and students without leaving your home or office. You will have the opportunity to interact with your instructors during the live sessions, ask questions, follow demonstrations, hear and see your fellow students just like you would if you were physically here. It’s exactly like being in a classroom, without the cost of travel and accommodation. Plus the cost of the online training is lower than the traditional classroom training courses.

The platform: Our online courses run either on Zoom or Teams. During the training hours, you need to be in front of your computer and follow your instructor’s monitor as the demonstrations take place. You will then practice what you’ve learned on your own computer. Along the way, you will be able to interact with your instructor, ask questions as well as take part in discussions during the training. If you get stuck, your instructor can take control of your mouse and show you the right way of completing a specific task.

Prerequisites: Almost all modern computers nowadays will have sufficient technology for the live training courses. However, to ensure you get the most out of your online training experience, there are a few things to keep in mind. In order to attend one of the InDesign courses as an online student, you need to have a decent broadband connection (a connection that’s good enough for a traditional HD video call will suffice). You will also need a pair of headphones or speakers as well as a microphone. Although not compulsory, you are advised to have a dual-monitor setup. Ideally, you would be following your instructor from one monitor and use the other monitor to practice the tools you are taught. As an alternative, you can use a single monitor and switch between the online session and your software. You will need to have either the full version of the software you are learning or we can send you a link to download a free trial for a limited period.

Can I postpone my booking to another date?

Yes – as long as you give us 10 days’ notice, you can postpone your course to another date without any charges. For full details on cancelation and postponing, please refer to our T&Cs.

Still unsure? Use the contact form below to get in touch.

Book / Enquire

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Related Courses

You might want to check out some of our other related courses from the links below

Ready to take your After Effects skills to the highest level? Our advanced-level training course is designed to help you push the boundaries of what’s possible with this powerful tool.Read More

Led by experienced industry professionals, this course is tailored for those who already have a solid foundation in After Effects and are looking to refine their skills and develop their abilities in areas like motion graphics, visual effects, and compositing. We offer both in-person and online learning options to cater to your preferred learning style.

The advanced course covers a wide range of topics, including advanced compositing techniques, advanced animation, 3D design, motion graphics, and visual effects. You’ll learn how to work with complex shapes, advanced expressions, and scripts, and how to use advanced techniques to create complex compositions and animations.

You’ll also learn how to work with advanced effects like particle systems, 3D camera tracking, and advanced colour correction techniques. In addition, we’ll explore advanced motion graphics techniques, including creating advanced typography and using expressions to automate repetitive tasks.

Throughout the course, you’ll have the opportunity to work on a range of practical projects that will enable you to apply the concepts and techniques you’ve learned. By the end of the course, you’ll have the skills and knowledge to create truly stunning visual effects and animations that will set you apart from the competition.

Our course is designed to cater to both in-person and online learners, ensuring that no matter what your preferred learning style may be, you will receive the same level of high-quality instruction from our expert trainers. In-person courses take place at our modern, state-of-the-art training facility located in the heart of London’s Canary Wharf. Our online courses, on the other hand, allow you to attend class from anywhere in the world, at any time that suits you. Docklands Media stands out from the competition because of our practical, hands-on approach to learning. Our courses are designed to give you the skills you need to succeed in the industry, and we provide a supportive learning environment where you can ask questions, get feedback, and learn from others. Our experienced instructors bring their practical experience and knowledge to the classroom, providing personalized guidance and support to help you get the most out of your training.

If you’re ready to take your After Effects skills to the highest level, our advanced-level training course is the perfect choice. With a focus on real-world applications and practical skills, this course will provide you with the tools and techniques you need to succeed in the industry. Sign up today and take the next step towards building your skills and creating amazing visual content.