I’m often asked what I use to create my projects and I thought it would be useful to share a list of software, hardware and other resources that I find helpful and recommend. I’ll be adding to this page as I try out new tools, so it might be a good idea to bookmark it for future reference.
Recommended VFX Software That I Use
Adobe After Effects – This is my go to software and use it daily. Although there are a few alternatives like Apple Motion, FXHome, Nuke, etc, I like After Effects because of the large, generous community that supports it with 1000s of plugins, scripts and training resources. I recently switched to Creative Cloud to take advantage of the new features such as CINEMA 4D Lite. I also still have a copy of After Effects CS5.5 on my hard drive for backwards compatability. Go here to find out more about After Effects.
Trapcode Suite – Again, a piece of software that I use almost daily. If you want to create cool looking motion graphics and visual effects, then this is a must buy. This suite of 10 After Effects plugins includes Trapcode Particular and Trapcode Form, both of which create stunning effects often seen in feature films or commercials. If you only have the cash for 1 suite of After Effects plugins, this is a no brainer.
Magic Bullet Suite – There’s no faster way to get a cinematic and professional look to your footage, than using this suite of 6 color grading products. I use Magic Bullet Looks constantly because of the easy to use interface and fantastic looking results. Download the trial version and see for yourself.
Video Copilot Element 3D – I’m constantly amazed at what I can create with this 3D After Effects plugin. The speed at which you can create and render 3D projects inside of After Effects is stunning. I prefer to use it instead of a ray traced 3D program because you can work in more or less real time without waiting for the rendered result. It’s great to be able to tweak an animation or a texture and see the result immediately. For the power and flexibility that this plugin gives you it is seriously under-priced. Again, another no-brainer purchase to add to your After Effects toolkit. Click here to get a discount off the regular price!
Element 3D Design Bundle – Even though Element 3D ships with a nice collection of 3D models and materials to get started; I upgraded to the 3D Design Bundle, which gives you another 200 models and materials to play around with. Click here to get a discount off the regular price!
Video Copilot Action Essentials II – If you’re looking for footage for your next action movie – then this is all you need – explosions, smoke, bullets, fire, glass shatters all wrapped in one HD or 2K version DVD. I’ve used this footage a lot and has been a great investment. Click here to get a discount off the regular price!
Optical Flares + Pro Presets Bundle – Another Video Copilot product that I use constantly to add light effects to projects. The Pro Presets Bundle, gives you a much larger choice of lens flares to use in your projects. Click here to get a discount off the regular price!
Red Giant Keying Suite – Even though After Effects comes complete with it’s own set of keying tools, I use the Red Giant Keying Suite a lot. The 3 products in the suite work together to give excellent, seamless composites. If you ever have a tricky keying or composite project, give the Keying Suite a go – it might just get you out of a spot.