Project Templates

Project Templates

I’m always happiest with a project that is well organized,
even if I’m the only one likely ever to work on it. Keeping
the Project panel well organized and tidy can clarify your
ability to think about the project itself.
Figure 4.1 shows a couple of typical project templates
containing multiple compositions to create one fi nal shot,
although these could certainly be adapted for a group of
similar shots or a sequence. When you need to return to a
project over the course of days or weeks, this level of organization
can be a lifesaver.

Here are some criteria to use when creating your own:
. Create folders to group specifi c types of elements, such
as Source, Precomps, and Reference.
. Use numbering to refl ect comp and sequence order so
that it’s easy to see that order in the Project panel.

. Create a unique Final Output comp that has the format
and length of the fi nal shot, particularly if the format is
at all different from what you’re using to work (because
it’s scaled, cropped, or uses a different frame rate or
color profi le).
. Use guide layers and comments as needed to help artists
set up the comp

. Organize Source folders for all footage, broken down
as is most logical for your project.
The basic elements of a Master comp, source comps, and
a render comp seem useful on a shot of just about any
complexity, but the template can include a lot more than
that: custom expressions, camera rigs, Color Management
settings, and recurring effects setups.