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NOVEMBER 14, 2003 Line Wrap
Step 12: Duplicate the 3D Stroke layer. Place the duplicate layer above the Text layer in the Timeline. Rename the Stroke layers so you can tell them apart (for example, the uppermost layer can be called Stroke Front, and the lower can be called Stroke Back).  Step 13: Twirl down the Camera property for the layer. You will see that there are several views you can look at your shape from. The orthographic views allow you to see your shape from a variety of viewpoints to see exactly how the object is warped in 3D space. In the next image, we are again looking at the DMN logo, but this time from the Top View.  If we wanted to place an object in the middle of this shape, the logical way to do this would be to split the circle in half. We can do this with the Z Clip values. Step 14: For the moment turn off visibility for the Stroke Front layer. Open the Effect Controls Panel for the Stroke Back layer. If you set the Z Clip Front value to 345, you see that this will split the twisted shape in two.   For your logo, you may need to adjust this value to get the interaction with your text layer just right. Step 15: Turn back on visibility for the Stroke Front layer and open the Effect Controls Panel for this layer. If the Z Clip Front value removes pixels from the front of your shape, then the Z Clip Back removes pixels from the back of the object. Set the Z Clip Back amount for this layer to 345 – the same amount as the Z Clip Front value from the other layer. This should create an overlap between the two layers that is seamless.  Make a RAM Preview and view the results of your 3D interaction. For added flava use Trapcode’s Starglow effect for a glowing line. Be aware though that because of the glow is using the shape of the object, and because the object is sliced in half, where the two strokes overlap, you will be able to see the split.  However, if your stroke is moving fast enough, it may not be noticed by the viewers at home. Experiment with Trapcode 3D Stroke and see what other complex shapes you can come up with.  When not working deep in the labs of the DMN Central Division testing the latest and greatest software/hardware products Stephen Schleicher can be found at the local university teaching a few courses on video and web production. He can be reached at schleicher@mindspring.com. You can also visit him on the web at www.mindspring.com/~schleicherRelated sites: • Animation Artist • Animation Supplement • AV Video • Content Mastering • Corporate Media News • Creative Mac • Design Supplement • Digital Animators • Digital Media Designer • Digital Post Production • Digital Producer • Digital Video Editing • Hollywood Industry • Mac Supplement • Production Supplement • Siggraph News • The WWUG Related forums: [an error occurred while processing this directive] 
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