Flash Designers: push Flash to the next level with After Effects' robust toolset. CS5 delivers more complete integration of these two powerhouse applications-so you can expand your multimedia horizons. Flash + After Effects gives you a working understanding of the AE toolset and professional techniques that raise the design bar for web, HD broadcast, or CD/DVD delivery. The companion web site contains project media for hands-on practice of essential production skills, including:

- Working with live video in Flash and the After Effects timeline
- Using alpha channels for keying and enhancing interactivity
- Integrating new CS5 features including the Roto Brush and Code Snippets
- Exporting layered After Effects compositions for Flash
- Building interactive 3D environments with video, cameras, and lights
- Enhancing character animation using IK and Puppet Tools
- Exporting video in HD and for the Web

You also get a video primer, render and file optimization techniques, and publishing and streaming guidelines.

User Level : Intermediate to Advanced Flash Designers

Chapter 1 : Getting Started in After Effects
Chapter 2 : From Flash to After Effects
Chapter 3 : From After Effects to Flash
Chapter 4 : Interactive Video
Chapter 5 : Alpha Channels
Chapter 6 : Type in Motion
Chapter 7 : The Third Dimension
Chapter 8 : Character Animation
Chapter 9 : Visual Effects
Chapter 10 : Optimization and Encoding

Chris Jackson is a computer graphics designer and professor at Rochester Institute of Technology. He Lectures, designs, and serves as consultant for worldwide corporations and nonprofit organizations. Professionally, Chris' work has received over 25 national and international awards for online ommunications. Chris publishes and presents his research at Adobe MAX and ACM SIGGRAPH. He is the author of Flash Cinematice Techniques (Focal Press) and co-author of Flash 3D:Animation, Interactivity, and Games (Focal Press)