Visual effects (VFX) are everywhere, from the biggest summer blockbusters, to quiet indie features, to commercials intended for the web. They allow filmmakers to create believable other-worldly creatures, or to create effects so subtle, we never register that we’re being deceived.
Projects
Learn real-world VFX techniques by tackling these project-based tutorials.
-
VFX with C4D: Tank Crash
Join Joe Herman as he creates a fun shot of a tank crashing through a concrete wall on a New York City street.
Motion Tracking: Adding Text to Footage
Learn the different methods of adding 3D text using the Motion Tracker in Cinema 4D. You will learn how to add text to a patch of grass in the park (3D manual tracking), Manhattan rooftops (3D track full solve), motorcycle street scene (nodal pan track) and the brick wall (2D planar track).
Live-Action Object Fly Through
Follow along with indie-film director and VFX artist Eric Demeusy as he flies a camera through the rotting torso of a zombie using PF Track, Cinema 4D, and After Effects.
Cineware and Cinema 4D Lite In Production: Swordfish
Production company Swordfish demonstrate the use of CINEMA 4D Lite and Cineware with Adobe Creative Cloud to create a set extension, digital matte and motion graphics element. This series uses footage from the Danny Way documentary Waiting for Lightning courtesy Bandito Brothers.
Reference
Want to take an in-depth look at some of Cinema 4D’s visual effects tools? Look no further.
-
Motion Tracking & Object Tracking inside Cinema 4D
A complete guided introduction to the discipline of “Matchmoving” (Camera Tracking and Object tracking), from start to finish.
Cloth Simulation
Learn the ins and outs of Cinema 4D’s cloth simulation system with Technical Director Donovan Keith as he creates a number of mini-projects with VFX uses.
Introduction to Projection Man
The combination of CINEMA 4D’s Projection Man along with Adobe Photoshop give you all the tools you need to create film-quality matte paintings. This playlist will give you an introduction to the Projection Man and walk you through the process of creating a moving shot of an ancient castle.
Presentations
While you won’t be able to follow these videos step-by-step, watching top-artists break-down their work can prove truly inspiring.
Particle Effects and Fluid Simulation - Siggraph 2015 Rewind
Discover how Cinema 4D integrates with X-Particles, Turbulence FD and Octane to offer a powerful simulation and rendering pipeline. Casey Hupke and Brandon Parvini demonstrate liquid and fluid effects using X-Particles and Turbulence FD in live presentations from Siggraph 2015. You’ll also gain insight into nodal texturing and GPU rendering with Octane, and Sketch and Toon techniques and render optimizations.
Cinema 4D R17 in Real-World Production - Siggraph 2015 Rewind
Watch presentations recorded live from the MAXON CINEMA 4D booth at SIGGRAPH 2015 in Los Angeles, CA.
Siggraph 2014 Rewind
Watch presentations recorded live from the MAXON CINEMA 4D booth at SIGGRAPH 2014 in Vancouver, Canada
NAB 2014 Rewind
Watch presentations recorded live from the MAXON CINEMA 4D booth at NAB 2014 in Las Vegas, NV
Siggraph 2013 Rewind
Presentations recorded live from the MAXON booth at Siggraph 2013 in Anaheim, California - July 23-25, 2013