Compositing with Multi-channel OpenEXR Files in After Effects

Learn how to take advantage of ILM's OpenEXR file format

A common format in visual effects and animation, OpenEXR files are able to contain an unlimited number of channel layers

So a common workflow is to put all the different CG lighting passes into one EXR sequence

We're going to take an OpenEXR file of an alien creature and set up all different render passes hidden inside as separate layers

Then we'll use those layers to do a multi-pass CG composite with complete control over the look of the alien as we integrate him into his alien planet background

We'll go on to add and adjust the ground shadow, learn how to make an edge blur from scratch, and perform a final color grade that will make the image really pop

By the end of this After Effects training, you'll have created a feature-film-quality, multi-pass CG composite using the power of OpenEXR files

Software required After Effects CC