With each new version of Adobe After Effects comes even more to learn as the program evolves.  Even if you've been working with AE for years, there is always something new to discover.  If you're new to After Effects, you may find yourself completely overwhelmed by this complex program.

 

That's where Adobe After Effects CS5 - Visual Effects and Compositing - Studio Techniques by Mark Christiansen comes into play.  Chapter by chapter, Christiansen leads AE users by the hand showing them how to recreate the visual effects that large studios use.  Filled with color illustrations, you can see on the page exactly how the visual effect should appear on your computer screen as you apply the techniques given for each lesson.

 

The DVD that accompanies the book includes step by step instructions using the video discussed in the book so you can learn the visual effects in a very hands on way.  Also included are more than a dozen trial versions of add-on software to make AE CS5 even more powerful.   These add-ons do everything from advanced color correction to working with and adding effects to 3D footage.

By working through the book, chapter by chapter, you will learn everything you need to know about creating effects on film just like a professional.  This could lead to a career change if you so desired, as After Effects mastery is in high demand; both in the film industry and in commercial production houses.  Even if you don't change jobs, you will know After Effects CS5 as well as any professional in the business.  Just think of the home movies you can make then.