Course Descriptions

Bring your vision to life with blockbuster visual effects and compelling motion graphics.Adobe® After Effects® CS3 Professional software features comprehensive compositing and tight integration with Adobe’s world-class design applications. Take your inspiration to new heights with innovative new features like Shape Layers, the Puppet tool, Brainstorm, and Clip Notes— all while enjoying an uninterrupted, streamlined workflow. Jump-start projects with hundreds of fully customizable animation presets and templates, or start from scratch and move efficiently between After Effects CS3 and other key applications like Adobe Premiere® Pro CS3 and Encore® CS3, without rendering.

Our two-day introductory class introduces you to the essentials for this powerful application. The course topics include:

• Basic Animation
• Advanced Animation
• Layer Control
• Creating Transparency
• Type and Music
• Parenting and Nesting
• Expressions and Time Games
• 3D Space
• Track and Key
• Paint and Clone
• New Features in CS3

The primary coursebook for this class is After Effects Apprentice by Trish and Chris Meyer. In addition, we introduce you to our favorite resources, including books, references and online materials.

Bring your vision to life with blockbuster visual effects and compelling motion graphics. Adobe® After Effects® CS3 Professional software features comprehensive compositing and tight integration with Adobe's world-class design applications. Take your inspiration to new heights
with innovative new features like Shape Layers, the Puppet tool, Brainstorm, and Clip Notes-all while enjoying an uninterrupted, streamlined workflow. Jump-start projects with hundreds of fully customizable animation presets and templates, or start from scratch and move efficiently
between After Effects CS3 and other key applications like Adobe Premiere® Pro CS3 and Encore® CS3, without rendering.

This two-day intermediate class will take you beyond the basics by focusing on industry standard best-practices for creating motion graphics. The course topics include:

• Modes, Masks & Mattes
  • Blending Modes
  • All About Masking
  • All About Track Mattes
  • Stencils and the "T"
• 3D in After Effects
  • 3D Space
  • Cameras
  • Lighting in 3D
• Building Hierarchies
  • Parenting Skills
  • Nesting Compositions
  • Precomposing
  • Collapsing Transformations
• Text Animation
• Effects and Presets
  • Applying and Using Effects
  • Effects Roundup
  • Compound Effects
  • Presets and Variations

Prerequisite: After Effects Level 1 (or comparable experience)

Bring your vision to life with blockbuster visual effects and compelling motion graphics. Adobe® After Effects® CS3 Professional software features comprehensive compositing and tight integration with Adobe's world-class design applications. Take your inspiration to new heights
with innovative new features like Shape Layers, the Puppet tool, Brainstorm, and Clip Notes-all while enjoying an uninterrupted, streamlined workflow. Jump-start projects with hundreds of fully customizable animation presets and templates, or start from scratch and move efficiently
between After Effects CS3 and other key applications like Adobe Premiere® Pro CS3 and Encore® CS3, without rendering.

This two-day advanced class will help you achieve better results from this comprehensive application. The course topics include:

• Color and Keying
  • Color Management
  • Keying
• Time and Tracking
  • Frame Rate Manipulation
  • Motion and Stabilization
  • Motion Tracking
• Drawing, Painting and Puppetry
  • Shape Layers
  • Paint and Clone
  • Vector Paint
  • The Puppet Tools
• Expressions
• Exporting and Rendering
  • Rendering Queue
  • Advanced Rendering
  • Prerendering and Proxies
• Where to Go from Here

Prerequisites:
After Effects Level 1 (or comparable experience)
After Effects Level 2 (or comparable experience)

Adobe ColdFusion MX 7 application server provides one of the fastest ways to build and deploy powerful internet applications. This three-day introductory class will teach you the fundamentals of building applications in ColdFusion. The course topics include:

• Course Overview
• Introducing ColdFusion
• Publishing Database Content
• Building Forms with ColdFusion
• Building Search Interfaces
• Building a Drill-Down Interface
• Inserting New Data
• Updating Data
• Reusing Templates
• Securing an Application

We use the Adobe Authorized Fast Track to ColdFusion MX 7 as the text for this class. In addition, we discuss available ColdFusion resources, including books, websites and other related materials.

Adobe ColdFusion MX 7 is a powerful application server. Learning the basics of CFML (ColdFusion Markup Language) is fairly straightforward. However, tapping the full power of this application requires a deeper understanding of the program. This three-day advanced class focuses on moving beyond the basics to building robust, scalable applications. The course topics include:

• Introducing the Course
• Configuring Your Application
• Manipulating Lists and Queries
• Manipulating Data with Arrays and Structures
• Building ColdFusion Components
• Handling Errors and Exceptions
• Leveraging Code Reuse
• Creating Flash Forms
• Scaling Applications
• Interfacing with External Systems
• Using XML

We use the Adobe Authorized Advanced ColdFusion MX 7 Development as the text for this class.

Prerequisite: ColdFusion (Fast Track to ColdFusion MX 7) (or comparable experience)

Adobe ColdFusion 8 application server provides one of the fastest ways to build and deploy powerful internet applications. This three-day introductory class will teach you the fundamentals of building applications in ColdFusion. The course topics include:

• Course Overview
• Introducing ColdFusion
• Publishing Database Content
• Building Forms with ColdFusion
• Building Search Interfaces
• Building a Drill-Down Interface
• Inserting New Data
• Updating Data
• Reusing Templates
• Securing an Application

We use the Adobe Authorized Fast Track to ColdFusion 8 as the text for this class. In addition, we discuss available ColdFusion resources, including books, websites and other related materials.

Adobe ColdFusion 8 is a powerful application server. Learning the basics of CFML (ColdFusion Markup Language) is fairly straightforward. However, tapping the full power of this application requires a deeper understanding of the program. This three-day advanced class focuses on moving beyond the basics to building robust, scalable applications. The course topics include:

• Introducing the Course
• Configuring Your Application
• Manipulating Lists and Queries
• Manipulating Data with Arrays and Structures
• Building ColdFusion Components
• Handling Errors and Exceptions
• Leveraging Code Reuse
• Creating Flash Forms
• Scaling Applications
• Interfacing with External Systems
• Using XML

We use the Adobe Authorized Advanced ColdFusion 8 Development as the text for this class.

Prerequisite: ColdFusion (Fast Track to ColdFusion MX 7) (or comparable experience)

Adobe Dreamweaver is the application of choice for professional web development. Whether you prefer working in the sophisticated WYSIWYG editor or the robust code editor, Dreamweaver streamlines your development work. Our two-day introductory class covers the essentials you need to know to get started. The course topics include:

• Overview of the Dreamweaver Interface
• Defining a Dreamweaver Site
• Importing Content
• Structuring a Document
• Formatting with Cascading Style Sheets
• Working with Graphics
• Building Navigation
• Testing, Maintenance and Uploading

In addition, we introduce you to our favorite Dreamweaver resources.

Adobe Dreamweaver is the application of choice for professional web development. You know the basics but you want to make the most of this powerful application. Our two-day advanced class will help you leverage more from Dreamweaver. The course topics include:

• Using CSS for Page Layout
• Dreamweaver Libraries and Templates
• Going Beyond HTML
• Dreamweaver and Application Servers
• Building Forms in Dreamweaver
• Dreamweaver and Conribute
• Customizing Dreamweaver

Prerequisite: Dreamweaver (Level 1) (or comparable experience)

Adobe Dreamweaver is the application of choice for professional web development. Our three-day comprehensive class includes everything from our Dreamweaver Level 1 and Dreameaver Level 2 courses. The course topics include:

• Overview of the Dreamweaver Interface
• Defining a Dreamweaver Site
• Importing Content
• Structuring a Document
• Formatting with Cascading Style Sheets
• Working with Graphics
• Building Navigation
• Testing, Maintenance and Uploading
• Using CSS for Page Layout
• Dreamweaver Libraries and Templates
• Going Beyond HTML
• Dreamweaver and Application Servers
• Building Forms in Dreamweaver
• Dreamweaver and Conribute
• Customizing Dreamweaver

An Overview of Final Cut Pro 5

This one-day hands-on course introduces students to the primary feature set and basic interface of Final Cut Pro. In this course, you learn to perform basic editing functions while familiarizing yourself with the user interface. You learn to mark and edit clips in the timeline as well as trimming and other editing features. This course is designed for the beginner looking to learn the basics of Final Cut Pro. Course topics include:

• Working with the Interface
• Marking and Editing
• Drag-and-Drop Editing
• Marking in the Timeline
• Trimming Edit Points
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An Introduction to Final Cut Pro 5

This three-day hands-on course introduces students to the primary feature set and basic interface of Final Cut Pro. In this course, you learn to perform basic editing functions while familiarizing yourself with the user interface. Topics include basic setup, adjusting and customizing preferences and settings, capturing video and audio, various editing and trimming techniques, ripple, roll, slip and slide tools, audio editing and audio creation, finishing and final output. Course topics include:

• Working with the Interface
• Marking and Editing
• Drag-and-Drop Editing
• Marking in the Timeline
• Trimming Edit Points
• Adjusting Edit Points
• Other Editing Options
• Browser Basics and Project Customization
• Capturing Footage
• Applying Transitions
• Mixing Audio Tracks
• Changing Motion Properties
• Applying Filters
• Multicam Editing
• Adding Titles and Graphics
• Finishing and Outputting

A Comprehensive Study of Final Cut Pro 5

This five day hands-on course introduces you to the primary feature set and interface of Final Cut Pro 5. This course covers the same material as the 3 day Final Cut Pro 101 class, but with more detailed examples and additional lab time provided by extending the class to five days. Course topics include:

• Working with the Interface
• Marking and Editing
• Drag-and-Drop Editing
• Marking in the Timeline
• Trimming Edit Points
• Adjusting Edit Points
• Other Editing Options
• Browser Basics and Project Customization
• Capturing Footage
• Applying Transitions
• Mixing Audio Tracks
• Changing Motion Properties
• Applying Filters
• Multicam Editing
• Adding Titles and Graphics
• Finishing and Outputting

In addition, the following topics are addressed:

• An Introduction to LiveType
• Final Cut Studio Workflows:
• Overview of SoundTrack Pro, Motion 2, DVD Studio Pro, and Compressor 2
• "Round-Trip-Editing"
• Integration with other tools

Advanced Editing Techniques in Final Cut Pro 5

This three-day course provides the most extensive must-know professional techniques for cutting dialogue scenes, action scenes, fight and chase scenes, documentaries, comedy, music videos, multi-camera projects, and more. This course also covers audio finishing, managing clips and media, as well as working with film. Course topics include:

• Editing Dialogue
• Editing Complex Dialogue
• Editing Action
• Chases and Flights
• Editing Comedy
• Editing Documentaries
• Documenting an Event
• Music Videos
• Multicamera Editing
• Sound Editing
• Audio Finishing
• Advanced Clip Management
• Managing Media
• Transcoding and Outputting Video
• Working with Film Source

Advanced Color & Finishing in Final Cut Pro 5

This three-day course delivers a comprehensive training in real-world color correction and effects techniques, including motion and filter effects, keying and compositing, animated titles, scene-to-scene color matching, and correcting for broadcast specifications. Working with several real-world projects, you will learn how to properly read video scopes, adjust contrast, fix color balance to achieve broadcast quality video. Course topics include:

• Motion Effects
• Opacity and Transfer Modes
• Using Filters
• Animating Effects
• Travel Mattes and Masks
• Nesting Sequences
• Variable Speed
• Adding Text
• Keying
• Evaluating Video Images
• Controlling Contrast
• Learning to See and Manipulate Color
• Color Balancing a Scene
• Color Correcting for Scene Continuity: Matching Two Clips
• Secondary Color Correction

An Introduction to Final Cut Express HD

This three-day hands-on course introduces students to the primary feature set and basic interface of Final Cut Express HD. In this course, you learn to perform basic editing functions while familiarizing yourself with the user interface. Topics include basic setup, adjusting and customizing preferences and settings, capturing video and audio, various editing and trimming techniques, ripple and roll tools, audio editing and audio creation, finishing and final output. Course topics include:

• Covering the Basics
• Editing DV
• Working with a Project
• Working in the Timeline
• Working in the Viewer
• Making Edits
• Editing to the Timeline
• Other Editing Options
• Trimming an Edit Point
• Fine-Tuning Edit Points
• Master Clips, Subclips, and Markers
• Capturing Digital Video

Final Cut Pro for Avid Editors

This two-day hands-on course introduces students to the primary feature set and interface of Final Cut Pro. Using Avid editing terminology and references as stepping stones, this course translates the students’ existing editing talents to the FCP skill set. In this cours,e students will learn Final Cut Pro editing operations: capturing, sound editing, creating bins and sequences, as well as Final Cut Pro’s extensive effects package, real time color correcting and numerous tips and keyboard shortcuts for everything in between. Course topics include:

• Projects and Interface
• Translating Basic Editing Skills
• Settings and Preferences
• Trimming and Moving
• Advanced Editing
• Editing Sound
• Transitions and Effects
• Motion Effects
• Title Tool and Generators
• Finishing Your Project
• Logging and Capturing
• Multiple Projects, Multiple Sequences, and Nesting
• Modifying Clips and Using Generators
• Multiple Graphic Interfaces for Effects
• Composite Modes
• Importing
• Render Management
• Exporting
• Output Mastering

Adobe CS3 Flash Professional is the industry standard application for adding animation and interactivity to web pages. Our introductory class will teach you what you need to get started using this application. The course topics include:

• Getting Acquainted
• Working with Graphics
• Creating and Editing Symbols
• Working with Text
• Adding Animation
• Creating Interactive Files
• ActionScript Basics
• Using Components
• Working with Sound and Video
• Loading and Optimizing Flash Content
• Publishing Flash Documents

In addition, we introduce you to our favorite Flash resources.

Adobe Flash is the industry standard application for adding animation and interactivity to web pages. ActionScript 3.0, the underlying programming language of Flash, has undergone a complete overhaul in Flash CS3 Professional. Our Flash ActionScript 3.0 class will help you make the most of the improvements in the language. The course topics include:

• ActionScript Overview
• Core Language Fundamentals
• Properties, Methods, and Events
• The Display List
• Timeline Control
• Object Oriented Programming
• Motion
• Drawing with Vectors
• Drawing with Pixels
• Text
• Sound
• Video
• Loading Assets
• XML and E4X
• Programming Design and Resources

Prerequisite: Flash (Level 1) (or comparable experience)

Adobe Flash is the industry standard application for adding animation and interactivity to web pages. In this two-day advanced class, learn the professional techniques you need to go beyond the basics. The course topics include:

• Architecting a Flash Application
• Graphics, Filters and Blends
• Working with XML Data
• Creating Reusable Flash Objects
• Animating with ActionScript
• Advanced ActionScript Animation Techniques
• Styling and Skinning Components

Prerequisites:
Flash (Level 1) (or comparable experience)
Flash (Level 2) (or comparable experience)

Adobe Flash fundamentally changed the look of the web. Today, Flash Video is quickly becoming the de facto standard for distributing video on the web. In this two-day class, learn what you need to know to get your video on the web. The course topics include:

• Course Overview
• Introducing Flash Video
• Building a Component Based Media Player
• Encoding Flash Video
• Delivery Flash Video
• Reviewing ActionScript
• Building a Custom Media Player
• Flash Video Effects
• User Experience
• Cue Points and Accessibility
• Using Live Video

Prerequisites:
Flash (Level 1) (or comparable experience)
Flash (Level 2) (or comparable experience)

This 5-day course provides you not only with what you need to know about Adobe® Flex® 2 for developing Rich Internet Applications, but also with the hands-on practice that will turn your knowledge to know-how. Integrating the content of the separate Flex 2: Developing Rich Client Applications and Flex 2: Data and Communications courses, this 5-day learning experience will equip you to:

• Retrieve data via HTTP requests, web services, Java objects, or ColdFusion components
• Use the Flex Data Services Data Management Service to manage and use data, including ActionScript data models
• Sort, filter and use data collected into ArrayCollections
• Leverage the power of ECMAScript for XML (E4X)
• Create forms while validating user data entry and uploading files from client to server
• Use the Flex Data Services Message Service to push data to UI components populated with a dataProvider
• Build the entire FStop application, implementing best practices

In addition, we introduce you to the available Flex resources.

This course is designed for application developers who want to bring the power of Rich Internet Applications to their web applications. To gain the most from this class, you should:

• Be familiar with an object oriented programming language such as Java or C++.
• Be familiar with XML terminology.

Flex 2: Developing Rich Internet Client Applications provides experienced application developers with hands-on, practical experience using Flex. This three day course introduces developers to all the primary features of Flex they'll need to know in order to build a fully functional, well architected front end for a Rich Internet Application (RIA).

Course topics include:

• Introducing Adobe Flex 2
• Getting Started with Flex Builder 2
• Learning Flex Fundamentals
• Handling Events
• Using Simple Controls
• Laying Out an Application with Containers
• Laying out an Application Using Constraint-Based Layout
• Using View States for Application Design
• Creating Application Navigation
• Customizing the Application
• Using MXML and ActionScript Data Models
• Exchanging Data Between Components Using Custom Events
• Retrieving XML Data with HTTPService
• Looping Through Data Using a Repeater
• Displaying Data Using the DataGrid

In addition, we introduce you to the available Flex resources.

This course is designed for application developers who want to bring the power of Rich Internet Applications to their web applications. To gain the most from this class, you should:

• Be familiar with an object oriented programming language such as Java or C++.
• Be familiar with XML terminology.

Flex 2: Data and Communications provides experienced application developers with hands-on, practical experience connecting their Flex front ends to remote, dynamic data using Flex Data Services. This two day course instructs developers how to connect with remote data using web services and Flex Data Services' features allowing communication with a Java backend. In addition, skills will be learned how to manipulate and format the returned data.

Course topics include:

• Accessing Web Services
• Introduction to Flex Data Services
• Using ColdFusion Components as Remote Object Services
• Using Java Classes as Remote Object Services
• Validating and Formatting Data
• Manipulating Complex Data
• Using the Flex Message Service
• Using the Flex Data Management Service
• Providing XML to Controls with E4X
• Uploading Files to a Server

In addition, we introduce you to the available Flex resources.

This course is designed for application developers who want to connect their Flex front ends to dynamic data. To gain the most from this class, you should:

• Have attended the Flex 2: Rich Client Applications course
• Have equivalent knowledge of the topics covered in Flex 2: Rich Client Applications

Adobe® Illustrator® CS3 software allows you to create sophisticated artwork for virtually any medium. Industry-standard drawing tools, flexible color controls, and professional type controls help you capture your ideas and experiment freely, while timesaving features such as easier-toaccess options let you work quickly and intuitively. Improved performance and tight integration with other Adobe applications also help you produce extraordinary graphics for print, web and interactive, and mobile and motion designs.

The topics explored in this two-day course include:

• Getting to Know the Work Area
• Selections and Shapes
• Transforming Objects
• Drawing with the Pen Tool
• Color and Painting
• Working with Type
• Working with Layers
• Blending Shapes and Colors

In addition, we introduce you to our favorite resources, including books, references and online materials.

Adobe® Illustrator® CS3 software allows you to create sophisticated artwork for virtually any medium. Industry-standard drawing tools, flexible color controls, and professional type controls help you capture your ideas and experiment freely, while timesaving features such as easier-toaccess options let you work quickly and intuitively. Improved performance and tight integration with other Adobe applications also help you produce extraordinary graphics for print, web and interactive, and mobile and motion designs.

The topics explored in this two-day course include:

• Working with Symbols
• Working with Brushes and Scribbles
• Applying Appearance Attributes, Graphic Styles, and Effects
• Using the 3D Effect
• Combining Illustrator CS2 Graphics with the Creative Suite
• Printing Artwork and Producing Color Separations
• Working with Adobe Bridge and Version Cue

In addition, we introduce you to our favorite resources, including books, references and online materials.

Prerequisite: Illustrator 1 (or comparable experience)

Adobe Photoshop is the industry standard application for professional image manipulation. Our two-day introductory class will get you up-to-speed quickly. The course topics include:

• An Overview of the Workspace and the Photoshop Tools
• Project Planning and Workflow
• Basic Photo Correction
• Photo Retouching and Restoration
• All About Selections
• Working with Photoshop Layers
• Masking Techniques and Channels

In addition, we introduce you to our favorite resources, including books, references and online materials. Each student will receive a copy of Adobe Photoshop CS3 Classroom in a Book in addition to the customized material we provide for the class.

Adobe Photoshop is the industry standard application for professional image manipulation. Our two-day intermediate class will help you go beyond the basics. The course topics include:

• Photoshop and Typographic Design
• Vector Drawing Tools & Techniques
• Advanced Layers Techniques
• Compositing
• Photoshop, ImageReady & the Web
• Color Management
• Photoshop and VersionCue

The textbook for this class is Adobe Photoshop CS3 Classroom in a Book. In addition, we provide customized material designed to supplement and extend your learning experience.

Prerequisite: Photoshop 1 (or comparable experience)

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Prerequisites:
Photoshop (Level 1) (or comparable experience)
Photoshop (Level 2) (or comparable experience)

What separates the average Adobe Photoshop user from the true professional? Advanced compositing techniques. This two-day advanced class will introduce you to the methodologies used by professional users. The course topics include:

• Selection Strategies & the Power of the Pen Tool
• Layers and Masking
• Advanced Layers Techniques
• Advanced Selection Techniques
• Preserving Fine Detail and the Extract Filter
• Using a Multi-Pass Technique
• Dealing with Translucency
• Blue Screen and Green Screen Techniques
• Advanced Compositing Considerations
• Photography for Compositing
• Photorealistic Compositing
• Creative Compositing

In addition to customized material, we use Photoshop Masking & Compositing by Katrin Eismann as the text for this class.

Prerequisites:
Photoshop (Level 1) (or comparable experience)
Photoshop (Level 2) (or comparable experience)

The Cascading Style Sheet (CSS) language has become an indispensable tool not only in website development but for any development involving XML documents. CSS offers many potential advantages including more maintainable web sites, less code (which translates into smaller pages and faster page loads), search engine optimization and cleaners seperation in the data and presentation elements of design. The problem has been limited CSS support in the major browsers. With the most recent browser releases, CSS is more widely supported than ever. If you're ready to take you web development knowledge to the next level, CSS may be for you.

This two-day class includes the following content:

• A Fundamental Understanding of CSS
• CSS Selectors including ID, Class, Grouped and Descendant
• The Cascade and Inheritance
  
• CSS for Page Layout
  
• Color and Background Images
  
• CSS and Type
  
• Tables are not Dead!
  
• Styling for Specific Medium (inlcuding Print)
• Our Favorite CSS Resources
  
• Tips, Trick and Techniques
  
• Browser support, hacks and filters
  
• CSS Authoring Tools
  
  • Text Editors
  • Dreamweaver
  • TopStyle
  • Eclipse
    

Prerequisite: Dreamweaver (Level 1) (or comparable experience)