Marlon "Pep" McDowell
After Effects Gallery
Adobe After Effects is the industry standard for visual effects, motion graphics, and advanced video editing. It plays a crucial role in my workflow, with nearly 75% of my time dedicated to working within the program. Below is a gallery showcasing some of my projects, each with a brief overview of the techniques used.
Abrupt Title Drop
In 2019, I collaborated with a team of video producers on Betta Late Than Never, serving as Director of Photography, editor, and motion graphics artist. My initial concept for the title sequence involved placing a large fishbowl on a lawn, but I opted for a more subtle yet dynamic approach.
To bring the title to life, I used a 3D plugin within After Effects to create a strong visual impact when it landed. To enhance the effect, I integrated a practical element by recreating the "For Sale" sign in 3D and masking out the original. When the title dropped, the sign reacted naturally by bouncing out of the ground to emphasize the impact.
For added realism, I incorporated stock footage of dirt and smoke, adjusting the colors to blend seamlessly with the scene. While I often use Maxon Red Giant Trapcode Particular for particle effects, I found that well-selected stock assets achieved the desired look efficiently. To further integrate the title with the environment, I placed stock images of grass around its base.
Beyond crafting the visuals, I also edited the project to ensure a cohesive narrative flow and refine the pacing to enhance the story. This project was a great opportunity to merge cinematography, editing, and motion design to create a visually compelling and immersive experience.
Painted Concrete Caution Title
I directed, shot, and edited this project, which was designed as a trailer and ad to raise awareness for self-defense seminars. My goal was to not only engage the audience but also leave them with a compelling question that encouraged them to seek more information and ultimately sign up.
One of the most impactful shots I captured was of a police officer placing an evidence marker near a spent shell casing. This visual was the perfect setup to pose a critical question: What really happens after you rightfully protect yourself from harm? Do you go to jail? Do you run? The shot reinforced the importance of these seminars by prompting viewers to consider the legal and personal consequences of self-defense.
To enhance this message visually, I used a 3D tracker in After Effects to create a camera and then integrated the text "WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?" into the scene, matching its perspective to the ground. Rather than using the bare pavement as a texture, I extracted the painted portion of the parking line to achieve the right shade of yellow—a deliberate choice to evoke urgency and caution. I then refined the text with a subtle glow to ensure it stood out and captured the audience's attention.
This project was an opportunity to combine cinematography, editing, and motion design to create a thought-provoking and visually striking piece that resonated with viewers.
Floating Balloon Title
For this music video, my goal was to visually enhance the song’s themes and emotions through storytelling. The artist, Ashten, entrusted me to direct and edit the video for her song Shiiine, which celebrates both dreaming big and appreciating the present moment.
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One key scene portrays her real-life role as a mother, capturing the aftermath of a child’s birthday party. The kitchen is in a whimsical state of chaos, and she is left to clean it up. Originally, I shot this moment as an extended one-take leading into the first verse. At the time, I hadn’t planned for a title sequence, but when Ashten gave me a dramatic hand swing during the performance, I saw an opportunity to enhance the shot with a creative visual element.
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I designed a 3D balloon that she slaps to the ground, reinforcing the playful yet cinematic tone of the scene. Using Blender and Adobe Photoshop, I created the 3D model and texture, then integrated it into After Effects with a 3D camera tracker. I carefully adjusted the animation to ensure realistic movement, matched the lighting to the scene, and fine-tuned the motion frame by frame. To complete the effect, I added a shadow from Ashten’s swing and used masking to seamlessly place the balloon behind the counter.
This project was a perfect blend of direction, editing, and motion design, allowing me to bring an extra layer of storytelling to an already powerful song.
Back to the Future Light Speed Effect
When I first heard this song, the futuristic beat immediately stood out. The artist, Drip Wave, had a bold fashion-forward look, and we had this sleek, three-wheeled motorcycle that added to the high-energy aesthetic. My creative vision started forming right away.
I’ve always appreciated the classic music video style where an artist performs alongside their friends and entourage, but I wanted to add my own PEP Element to make it stand out. I directed the artist to simulate driving the vehicle while delivering the lyrics, creating a dynamic and engaging performance.
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To enhance the futuristic vibe, I decided to mask out the background. This was a challenging process since the video was shot in just two hours without time for detailed lighting setups. The similar exposure and colors between the subjects and background made keying difficult, so I manually masked the footage frame by frame, using various techniques to maintain a clean cutout.
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I then added a camera shake effect in After Effects to give the scene more intensity. To push the sci-fi aesthetic further, I created 3D motion graphics featuring flying lightsabers and fiery energy particles. Drawing inspiration from Back to the Future, I used a mix of vibrant colors to enhance the scene. By placing these 3D elements in both the foreground and background and integrating a 3D camera for added depth, I was able to recreate and refine this effect throughout the video.
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This project was an exciting challenge that combined directing, editing, and motion graphics to create a visually striking and immersive experience.
