After Effects - Make Pictures Talk
Howto & Style
Introduction
In this tutorial, we will explore how to make photographs appear to talk using Adobe After Effects. This method automates the process, saving you time compared to manual methods in other software like Sony Vegas. Follow along as we walk through the straightforward steps needed to create this cool effect.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Create a New Project
Start by opening Adobe After Effects and creating a new project. You can do this by navigating to File > New > New Project. You should now see your After Effects workspace.
2. Import Assets
Next, find a suitable photograph to use. For demonstration purposes, we will use a JPEG image. Drag this photo into the project window. Along with the photo, you'll need an audio file (preferably in WAV format, as MP3s can cause issues in After Effects).
3. Set Up Your Composition
Drag the imported JPEG image down into the timeline to create a new composition. Rename this layer to "face" by selecting it and hitting Enter. Duplicate the layer by pressing Ctrl + D, and rename the new layer to "mouth."
4. Create a Black Solid Layer
To create the talking effect, you need to add a black solid layer. Go to Layer > New > Solid, ensure it's black, and hit OK. Position this black solid layer between the "mouth" and "face" layers in the timeline.
5. Masking the Mouth
Select the "mouth" layer, choose the Pen Tool, and mask the area where the mouth is supposed to move. Take care not to get too close to the edges of the photo. After you create the mask, use the Selection Tool to adjust the position of the black solid layer to fit behind the mouth area correctly. You can also scale and rotate the solid to fit better if needed.
6. Import and Set Up Your Audio
Drag your audio file into the composition above all other layers. If your composition is too short, adjust the duration by going to Composition > Composition Settings and setting the duration to match the length of your audio.
7. Convert Audio to Keyframes
Select your audio layer, right-click, and choose Keyframe Assistant > Convert Audio to Keyframes. This creates a new null object with keyframes according to the audio waveform.
8. Link Mouth Movement to Audio
Open the Audio Amplitude settings, focus on the Both Channels, and note the slider with keyframes. Then open the position of the "mouth" layer by hitting P, hold Alt, and click the stopwatch next to position. Use the pick whip tool to link the position to the slider in the audio amplitude.
9. Customize the Expressions
To refine the mouth movement, adjust the expression. After slider, add * 10 to scale the movement. If the movement seems too pronounced, you can modify this value to lower numbers such as 5 or even 2 to achieve subtler lip movements.
10. Preview Your Results
Finally, preview your work. If necessary, you can go back and tweak the black solid for better alignment and scale. With some creativity, you can also add elements like teeth behind the mouth for enhanced realism.
Conclusion
Automating mouth movement in After Effects opens up a variety of creative possibilities. Don't hesitate to experiment by adding additional features, backgrounds, or effects. Share your projects, ask questions, and continue to refine your After Effects skills!
Keyword
After Effects, pictures talk, audio waveform, keyframe, mouth movement, masking, project setup, automation, creative editing.
FAQ
Q1: What type of audio file should I use with After Effects?
A1: It's recommended to use WAV files, as MP3 files can cause issues in After Effects.
Q2: How do I create a black solid layer in After Effects?
A2: You can create a black solid layer by navigating to Layer > New > Solid, then selecting the color black before clicking OK.
Q3: How do I make the mouth movement less exaggerated?
A3: You can adjust the expression linked to the audio amplitude by changing the multiplier value; for instance, reduce it from 10 to 5 or 2 for subtler movements.
Q4: Can I add more creative elements behind the mouth?
A4: Absolutely! You can use Photoshop to create additional layers, such as teeth, and incorporate them into your After Effects project for added realism.