Making the Shimmer Effect from 'Annihilation' with After Effects
In this tutorial, we will teach you how to recreate the shimmer effect of the force field from the movie "Annihilation" using Adobe After Effects.
**Step 1: Import Your Footage**
Begin by importing your footage into a new composition in After Effects. You can use your own footage or download the footage used in this tutorial to follow along.
Begin by importing your footage into a new composition in After Effects. You can use your own footage or download the footage used in this tutorial to follow along.
**Step 2: Track the Motion**
Track the motion of your footage to ensure the shield effect stays consistent with the movement in your scene. Analyze and track the scene fully before adding the shield.
Track the motion of your footage to ensure the shield effect stays consistent with the movement in your scene. Analyze and track the scene fully before adding the shield.
**Step 3: Create an Adjustment Layer**
Create a new adjustment layer for adjusting the sky. Use the pen tool to mask around the sky and apply feathering to blend the effect smoothly.
Create a new adjustment layer for adjusting the sky. Use the pen tool to mask around the sky and apply feathering to blend the effect smoothly.
**Step 4: Darken the Sky**
To make your shield more visible, darken the sky using the color correction curves effect. Adjust the curves until the sky is sufficiently darkened.
To make your shield more visible, darken the sky using the color correction curves effect. Adjust the curves until the sky is sufficiently darkened.
**Step 5: Adjust Colors**
Customize the color of your shield and the sky until you achieve the desired effect. Play around with different settings to get the perfect look for your footage.
Customize the color of your shield and the sky until you achieve the desired effect. Play around with different settings to get the perfect look for your footage.
For a detailed step-by-step guide on recreating this shimmer effect, watch the full video tutorial.