Case Study: After Effects Rigging with a Segmented Puppet

Interested in creating animations in After Effects?  This video tutorial shows you a real-world case study of a complex character rig in AE.  Learn how to modify elements and create realistic motion.

If you’re an After Effects newbie you may want to turn back now – this tutorial is not for the faint of heart!  Video production company e.d. Films is taking you along as they create an animated short using Photoshop, After Effects, Premiere Pro and Pro Tools.  In this tutorial you’ll see how one of the main characters in their project, Rocket Randee, is animated using complex rigging in After Effects.

Although the After Effects rigging in this example is quite complex, the great thing about this tutorial is that Daniel from e.d. Films has provided the project file for you to experiment with.  The key to creating and understanding complex character rigging in After Effects is getting your hands dirty with an actual project.  You’ll see how to control the movement of the puppet elements, from walking and motion down to more minute details like controlling breathing.

Anyone interested in rigging in After Effects will be well served to check out the tutorial and download the corresponding project file.  Dissect the structure of the puppet, seeing how the different layers work with one another (nulls, childs, parents) to create organic looking movement.  Thanks for sharing Daniel!

Check out e.d. Films to download the project file.