Mei Yee and I filmed a simple video in class to create special effects.
After finishing, we returned to the classroom and started to follow the tutorial video step by step.
Below are all the layers and keyframes I used to create the energy ball.
fig 1.1 Layers of Making Energy Ball
During the process of making the energy ball, I found that some effects in the video did not exist in my After Effect, so I consulted Mr. Martin and learned that I needed to download it from the Video Copilot website. After downloading, I found that there was a problem with the installation, so I asked Mr. Martin to help me solve it and find the Plug-ins File.
After completing the production of the Energy Ball, I put it in the video we shot, dragged the Energy Ball into composition2 and converted its blend mode to screen.
I tried to use Mocha AE for tracking, but the effect was not good, so I manually adjusted the keyframes to make it more vivid.
fig 1.2 Adjusting the Keyframe
Here is the video of me after I finished.
Next, we started to make the PPT. Follow the PPT given by Mr Martin and fill it out step by step.
Once we determined the overall theme of the story, from decadence to gaining hope, we enriched the overall story and made a storyboard.
fig 1.3 First Version Storyboard
Mr Martin gave us feedback that the overall direction of the story was OK, but the background was a bit messy and ugly, especially the green background was ugly.
After that, we fixed this problem and made a new storyboard. And we finished the shooting. Mei Yee was mainly responsible for the appearance, and I was mainly responsible for adjusting the camera position. Mr Martin said that this storyboard looked good and let us continue with the production.
fig 1.4 Last Version Storyboard
Next, I imported all the videos into PR and cropped each clip first. Then I selected the sixth clip as a reference for color correction. I adjusted each clip to be close to the reference range. Then I started to make color grading. I made two kinds of color grading, one is desaturation (black and white) to highlight the character's initial decadence. As the energy is gained, the world gradually becomes colorful. The grading selected for the second half is warmish. Below is the process of my color correction and color grading.
fig 1.5 Process of Making Color Correction & Grading
Next, I created the energy ball effect in After Effects. I followed the steps in the video step by step. Here is the energy ball I created:
fig 1.6 Layers of Making Energy Ball & Outcome of Energy Ball
Next, Mei Yee made the sky replacement Visual Effect. Mr Martin gave us feedback that the sky looked too fake and not real at all. Also, the last clip looked too abrupt, why did the protagonist suddenly disappear? Then, I decided to replace the sky and delete the last clip.
I searched for real sky materials on YouTube, downloaded them, imported them into the file, and replaced the previous sky. Mr Martin gave me feedback that the color of this part seemed a bit inconsistent with the previous ones, and an adjustment layer should be added to make the color the same as the previous clip, all warmish.
fig 1.7 Adjusting Process
Next, I exported the repaired video to PR to add music. I added fade-in and fade-out at the beginning and end of the music. I also added a fade-to-black ending effect at the end of the video.
fig 1.8 Process of Adding Music
SUBMISSION
FINAL VIDEO
FEEDBACK
Week 10: When making the vfx trailer video, Mr Martin said that the vfx was OK. Mr Martin looked at our story and said that it was relatively simple, but OK.
Week 11: Mr Martin said that our storyboard was fine overall, but some backgrounds looked too messy and unclean, especially the green background was too ugly.
Week 12: Mr Martin looked at our newly made storyboard and said that it looked pretty good.
Week 14: Mr Martin said that there was no problem overall, but it was strange that the protagonist suddenly disappeared at the end. The sky at the end looked too fake, and it could be changed to a more realistic one. Now this looks like animation.
REFLECTION
Experience
Throughout this VFX final project, I collaborated closely with my classmate Mei Yee to conceptualize, shoot, and edit a short video revolving around the theme of “from despair to hope.” We began with a simple classroom shoot, during which I was mainly responsible for handling the camera, while Angel acted on screen. After filming, we followed an online tutorial to create a visual effect – the energy ball – using Adobe After Effects. I encountered some technical issues with missing plug-ins, which I resolved after consulting Mr. Martin and downloading necessary assets from Video Copilot.
After successfully creating the energy ball effect, I integrated it into the composition, adjusted the blending mode, and manually fine-tuned the keyframes due to Mocha AE tracking errors. In post-production, I led the color correction and grading work in Premiere Pro, applying a desaturated black-and-white tone for the beginning and transitioning into a warm tone to reflect emotional change. Later, I also contributed to sky replacement in AE and finalized the music and transitions for the final video.
Observation
During the production process, I realized that creating visual effects goes far beyond simply following a tutorial. Many unpredictable issues such as missing effects, incompatible plug-ins, and imperfect tracking arose, which required troubleshooting and problem-solving. From Mr. Martin’s feedback, I learned that background choice and color consistency are crucial for maintaining visual harmony and realism. For example, our initial use of a green background was criticized for being “ugly” and distracting, which taught us to pay more attention to setting and environment during planning. Similarly, Mr. Martin pointed out that the sky replacement looked fake and disconnected from the rest of the video, which helped me better understand the importance of blending effects naturally.
Finding
This project enhanced my confidence and technical skills in both After Effects and Premiere Pro. I learned how to approach VFX creation methodically: from following tutorials, handling technical issues, adapting feedback, to making visual decisions based on storytelling. More importantly, I realized that post-production is not only about technical accuracy but also about visual coherence and emotional tone. The transition from desaturation to warm tones visually supported our story theme, and I now understand how color grading can convey narrative transformation. Additionally, receiving iterative feedback from Mr. Martin taught me to view feedback as a valuable guide rather than criticism. Overall, this project deepened my appreciation for the role of VFX and color design in storytelling, and it made me more aware of the importance of polish and consistency in professional video work.
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