BREAD & BUTTER FX: WRITE-ON
There are effects which are basic to the toolbox of every motion designer.
This series shows how they're accomplished using After Effects for Windows or Mac.
Today we present the write-on effect in a solid tutorial by vvincefantasy on YouTube. Vince uses the stroke effect, rather than After Effects' built-in Write-on effect. The result is the same but this method is much more versatile. You're working with the pen tool and it's so much easier to see and adjust your lines. If you've ever used Write-on you'll see the difference.
Enjoy.
GOT WHAT IT TAKES TO BE AN INDIE DIRECTOR?
Directing low budget independent films often calls into play traits and skills outside and apart from being a good director. Working with what you've got (which often isn't much) requires greater flexibility and willingness to adapt.
Here's a good list of some out of the box traits a successful indie director should possess.

DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR? SOUND DESIGN AND THE FOLEY ARTIST
Today we take a look…uh, listen to the subtler side of film.
The part you don't notice is missing until you notice it's missing.
Here's a tour-de-force of what YouTube has to offer on sound design.
Listen up, y'all!
Track Stars: The Unseen Heroes of Movie Sound
Leslie Bloom – Foley Artist
Foley Artist Gary Hecker
The Foley Fartist (Sure, laugh. He makes a good living.)
LOTR Sound Design – Part 1
LOTR Sound Design – Part 2
LOTR Sound Design – Part 3
Wall-E Sound Design – Part 1
Wall-E Sound Design – Part 2
Indiana Jones Sound Design – Part 1
Indiana Jones Sound Design – Part 2
Ben Burtt on Lightsaber Sound Design
2012 VIMEO FILM FESTIVAL WINNERS
Set some time aside, and prepare yourself for some incredible work by this year's winning filmmakers.
Grand Prize – Symmetry by Everynone
http://vimeo.com/22564317
Remix Category – Rear Window Timelapse by Jeff Desom
http://vimeo.com/37120554
Animation Category – Umbra (HD – 2010) by Malcomb Sutherland
http://vimeo.com/14844291
Music Video Category – Manchester Orchestra – "Simple Math" by DANIELS
http://vimeo.com/22379296
Documentary Category – Amar (all great achievements require time) by Pilgrim Films
http://vimeo.com/19890458
Captured Category – SWEATSHOPPE Video Painting Europe by SWEATSHOPPE
http://vimeo.com/39765217
Experimental Category – Prie Dieu by Cokau
http://vimeo.com/36864714
Fashion Category – Mulberry 'Skirt' by Academy Plus (A+)
http://vimeo.com/32564476
Narrative Category – Blinky by Ruairi Robinson
http://vimeo.com/21216091
Action Sports Category – DARK SIDE OF THE LENS by Astray Films
http://vimeo.com/14074949
Advertising Category – K-Swiss – Kenny Powers MFCEO by Caviar
http://vimeo.com/43423014
Series Category – Often Awesome The Series by All Aces Media
http://vimeo.com/35311255
Motion Graphics Category – A History Of The Title Sequence by jurjen versteeg
http://vimeo.com/26278283
VIDEO COPILOT: PROCEDURAL CRUMBLE
I've hardly posted anything hands-on technical, and this one's definitely not beginner's material. But it's too cool not to share.
Warning: This is not for the faint of art.
Here's master animator and educator, Andrew Kramer, showing how to pull off a dazzling effect.
Andrew's been posting tutorials on his site since January 2005. I've followed him since July 2007. He's definitely gone from holding your hand to 'this is just how's it's done.'
But if you're into it and want to get to the point where you're actually following all his nesting and precomposing (hey, be glad there's no expressions in this) just pull up the tutorial page at Video Copilot, start at the beginning and work your way through them. Eventually you'll understand everything he's talking about.
For now, be amazed.

BOARDWALK EMPIRE SEASON 1 VFX BREAKDOWNS
What's real? What's not?
This is not only an incredible look at how it's done, but how much can be done. Some serious study material for anyone learning visual effects. That Brainstorm Digital took the time to assemble this is a real gift to us all.
Thank you.
And if you're like us and just can't get enough, here's Season 2's breakdown reel.

