How To Create The Modern Family Frame Canvas Transition in After Effects

×
WHERE SHOULD WE SEND
THE FREE TUTORIAL FILES?

Recreating the Modern Family Frame Canvas Transition Effect with After Effects

In this tutorial, we will show you how to create the frame canvas transition effect seen in the television series, Modern Family, using Adobe After Effects and Mocha AE. Follow these steps to achieve this seamless transition effect.

**Step 1: Prepare Your Footage**
Download the exact footage provided in the tutorial or use your own. Import your footage into Adobe After Effects and create a new composition.

**Step 2: Create a New Composition**
Create a new composition by dragging your footage into the composition icon. Ensure the composition settings match your footage's resolution and frame rate.

**Step 3: Sequence Layers**
Sequence your layers by overlapping the frames where you want the transition to occur. This will help create a smooth transition effect between the scenes.

**Step 4: Use a Green Screen (Optional)**
If you have a green screen with tracking points, it will make the process easier. Key out the green screen using the Keylight effect in After Effects by going to **Effect** > **Keying** > **Keylight (1.2)**.

**Step 5: Track Your Footage with Mocha AE**
  1. Select your footage layer and go to **Animation** > **Track in Mocha AE**.
  2. In Mocha AE, draw a spline around the area you want to track (the frame or canvas).
  3. Track the motion by clicking on the **Track Forward** button.
  4. Once the tracking is complete, save and close Mocha AE.
  5. Back in After Effects, apply the tracking data to a new null object by going to **Edit** > **Paste Mocha Track Data**.


**Step 6: Apply the Effect**
  1. Create a new solid layer and apply the desired effect (e.g., a blur or distortion) to the solid layer.
  2. Parent the solid layer to the null object containing the Mocha AE tracking data.
  3. Adjust the timing and duration of the effect to match the transition between frames.


**Step 7: Fine-Tune the Transition**
Adjust the opacity and blending modes of the layers to ensure a seamless transition. Use masks to refine the edges and make the transition smoother.

**Step 8: Render and Export**
Once you are satisfied with the transition effect, render and export your composition. Ensure the settings are optimized for the best quality output.

For a detailed, step-by-step guide on creating the frame canvas transition effect from Modern Family using Adobe After Effects and Mocha AE, watch the full video tutorial.

RELATED PORFOLIO