To use the Element 3D plug-in, create a new layer in your scene and apply the Element effect to it. While it is limited in terms of what you can do with it (compared to a full 3D software package like 3dsMax or Cinema 4D), it has enough functionality to allow you to create awesome 3D integration effects very easily. Element 3D is a plug-in that lets you set up and animate 3D objects directly in After Effects without the need for an external 3D program.
We will use the Element 3D plug-in by videocopilot to add a 3D blob into the scene and animate it so it looks like I am actually interacting with it. It is a simple static shot (camera was on a tripod) and I just pretend to try to touch it and then when it floats away I chase after it. Here is a very simple clip of me pretending to interact with a floating alien object. This tutorial will show you how :) Base Footage If you do not need all the featured offered by a fully fledged 3D program, you can also create cool 3D integration effects using the Element 3D plug-in by videocopilot.
In my 5 part 3D integration VFX series I showed you how to plan, shoot, track, render and composite 3D elements into your scene using After Effects and 3dsMax.
