Experience the Magical World of STRANGER THINGS

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Recreating the Text Fly Through
   1. Opening Apple Motion
   2. Selecting the Final Cut Title
   3. Adjusting Frame Rate and Duration
   4. Customizing the Text
   5. Applying the Benguiat Font
3. Flying Through the Text
   1. Using Scaling vs. 3D Camera
   2. Creating a Group and Adding a Camera
   3. Setting Up Zooming with Parameter Behaviors
   4. Adjusting Parameters for a Smooth Zoom
   5. Changing the Size of the Object
4. Zooming Through the Text
   1. Adding an Image Mask
   2. Using the Clone Layer
   3. Applying Changes to the Clone Layer
   4. Aligning the Clone Layer with the Text
   5. Fixing Jagged Edges with Best Render Settings
5. Conclusion

Recreating the Text Fly Through from Stranger Things Season 4 intro

Introduction

The intro of Stranger Things Season 4 features a captivating text fly-through effect that has become iconic among fans. In this tutorial, we will learn how to recreate this effect using Apple Motion and Final Cut Pro. Whether you're a filmmaker, a video editor, or simply a fan of Stranger Things, this step-by-step guide will help you bring the magic of the show to your own videos.

Recreating the Text Fly Through

1. Opening Apple Motion

To begin, open Apple Motion on your computer. If the project browser does not appear, you can press Command + Option + N to bring it up.

2. Selecting the Final Cut Title

In the project browser, select the "Final Cut Title" option. This will allow us to apply the text fly-through effect in Final Cut Pro if we decide to use it later.

3. Adjusting Frame Rate and Duration

Set the frame rate to 23.98, which is the frame rate at which Stranger Things was filmed. Leave the duration at 10 seconds.

4. Customizing the Text

Delete the default text layer and use the text tool to create your own text. For example, we can use "Subscriber Things" as our text. With the text selected, go to the inspector and adjust the scale to make it larger. Center the text by resetting the parameters in the alignment section.

5. Applying the Benguiat Font

For a font similar to the Stranger Things font, you can download "Benguiat" from the internet. Apply the font to your text layer to closely resemble the show's typography.

Flying Through the Text

1. Using Scaling vs. 3D Camera

There are two options for flying through the text: scaling and using a 3D camera. While scaling may seem like a straightforward approach, it can lead to messy results and computer performance issues. We will opt for a safer alternative - using a 3D camera.

2. Creating a Group and Adding a Camera

Right-click on the original title background and create a group. Position the group to have the title background underneath everything. Next, add a camera from the "Add Object" menu. Keep the layers as 2D for now.

3. Setting Up Zooming with Parameter Behaviors

Using the rectangle tool, create a rectangle around the letter you want to zoom in on (e.g., the letter "e"). Rename the rectangle as the "framer" and move it into the 3D group. With the camera selected, go to behaviors, choose the camera option, and select "framing."

4. Adjusting Parameters for a Smooth Zoom

To make the zooming effect smoother, modify a few parameters. Change the orientation to "orient to final" for better results. Increase the position transition to 100% to slow down the zoom. Change the transition setting to "ease both" for a smooth start and end.

5. Changing the Size of the Object

If the zoom isn't sufficient, adjust the size of the object by decreasing its size in the geometry settings. This will allow the camera to fit inside the letter and create a more immersive effect.

Zooming Through the Text

1. Adding an Image Mask

To see the background behind the text as we zoom through, right-click on the title background and select "Add Image Mask." Drag the Subscriber Things text into the image mask. You should start seeing the desired results.

2. Using the Clone Layer

Since the text in the original layer fades out, we need a clone layer to preserve any changes we make. Press 'K' to create a clone layer that will mirror the changes in the Subscriber Things text layer. This will allow us to apply effects such as fading out the text while still maintaining the ability to fly through it.

3. Applying Changes to the Clone Layer

Make changes to the clone layer to achieve the desired effect. For example, you can fade out the clone layer over time by adding a keyframe and reducing the opacity. This will create a smooth fade-out effect while retaining the ability to fly through the text.

4. Aligning the Clone Layer with the Text

To ensure that the clone layer stays aligned with the Subscriber Things text layer, select the clone layer, go to behaviors, choose basic motion, and select "align to." Drag the Subscriber Things text layer into the alignment well. This will ensure that both layers move together when adjusted.

5. Fixing Jagged Edges with Best Render Settings

To improve the appearance of the text edges, adjust the render settings. Set the render quality to "best" instead of the default "normal." This will smoothen the edges and allow for a seamless zooming experience through the text.

Conclusion

Recreating the text fly-through effect from Stranger Things Season 4 is a captivating way to add intrigue and style to your videos. By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you can achieve a professional and visually stunning effect using Apple Motion and Final Cut Pro. Experiment with different texts, fonts, and camera movements to make your videos truly unique. With this knowledge, you can create memorable intros, promos, and more that capture the essence of Stranger Things.

Highlights

• Learn how to recreate the text fly-through effect from Stranger Things Season 4.
• Use Apple Motion and Final Cut Pro to achieve a professional and visually stunning effect.
• Choose between scaling or using a 3D camera for a safer and more efficient workflow.
• Customize your text with various fonts and sizes to match the Stranger Things style.
• Create smooth zooming effects using parameter behaviors and adjust settings for optimal results.
• Add an image mask to see the background behind the text as you zoom through it.
• Use clone layers to apply effects and modifications without losing the ability to fly through the text.
• Fix jagged edges by adjusting the render settings to achieve a polished look.
• Experiment with different texts, fonts, and camera movements to create unique and captivating intros or promos.
• Envato Elements offers a vast library of assets, including fonts, stock footage, music, templates, and more, to enhance your video editing projects.

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different font for the text fly-through effect? A: Yes, you can use any font of your choice. However, we recommend using the Benguiat font to closely match the Stranger Things font.

Q: Can I adjust the speed of the zooming effect? A: Yes, you can adjust the speed of the zooming effect by modifying the position transition time. Increase the percentage for a slower zoom and decrease it for a faster zoom.

Q: Are there any limitations to using scaling for the text fly-through effect? A: Scaling can lead to messy results, particularly when zooming in too much or dealing with very large text. It may also cause performance issues on your computer. Using a 3D camera is a safer and more efficient alternative.

Q: Can I change the background behind the text during the fly-through effect? A: Yes, you can change the background by adjusting the image mask. This allows you to reveal different backgrounds or footage as you zoom through the text.

Q: How can I further enhance my video editing library? A: Envato Elements offers a vast collection of assets, including fonts, stock footage, music, and templates, to level up your video editing projects. With a subscription, you can access over 55 million assets and enjoy a simple licensing system.

Note: The above FAQ is for illustrative purposes and may not reflect the exact questions and answers in the article.