Recreating the Stranger Things Upside Down Sky Effect with After Effects
In this tutorial, we will show you how to create the upside down red sky effect with the shadow monster from Stranger Things using Adobe After Effects. Follow these steps to achieve this eerie and impressive visual effect.
**Step 1: Prepare Your Footage**
Start by importing the footage used in this tutorial into Adobe After Effects. If you prefer, shoot your own footage and then import it. Create a new project and drag your files into After Effects.
Start by importing the footage used in this tutorial into Adobe After Effects. If you prefer, shoot your own footage and then import it. Create a new project and drag your files into After Effects.
**Step 2: Track Motion**
Track the motion in your footage. Use the motion tracking tools in After Effects to ensure that the effect stays in place even if there is movement in the scene.
Track the motion in your footage. Use the motion tracking tools in After Effects to ensure that the effect stays in place even if there is movement in the scene.
**Step 3: Apply Color Correction**
Use the "Colorama" effect to achieve the red sky effect. Select a preset palette that matches the look of the Stranger Things Upside Down world. Adjust the settings to get the desired color tone and intensity.
Use the "Colorama" effect to achieve the red sky effect. Select a preset palette that matches the look of the Stranger Things Upside Down world. Adjust the settings to get the desired color tone and intensity.
**Step 4: Masking**
If your scene has a lot of movement, carefully mask the areas to prevent the effect from leaking. Go through the entire video and refine the mask as needed.
If your scene has a lot of movement, carefully mask the areas to prevent the effect from leaking. Go through the entire video and refine the mask as needed.
**Step 5: Add Lightning Effects**
Create lightning effects to enhance the spooky atmosphere. Use the "Advanced Lightning" effect in After Effects. Adjust the settings to give your lightning variation and make it look realistic.
Create lightning effects to enhance the spooky atmosphere. Use the "Advanced Lightning" effect in After Effects. Adjust the settings to give your lightning variation and make it look realistic.
**Step 6: Add Shadow Monster**
Import the shadow monster footage or create your own using shape layers and animation. Position it in the sky and animate it to match the movement and perspective of your scene.
Import the shadow monster footage or create your own using shape layers and animation. Position it in the sky and animate it to match the movement and perspective of your scene.
**Step 7: Fine-Tune the Effect**
Adjust the opacity, blending modes, and other settings to integrate all elements seamlessly. Add final touches such as additional color grading, shadows, and highlights to enhance the overall look.
Adjust the opacity, blending modes, and other settings to integrate all elements seamlessly. Add final touches such as additional color grading, shadows, and highlights to enhance the overall look.
For a detailed, step-by-step guide on creating the Stranger Things Upside Down sky effect with Adobe After Effects, watch the full video tutorial.