Does anybody know how to create the bullet waves trailing behind the bullet in the matrix? (when there in bullet time) I tried doing it in 3d studio max but it's extremely time consuming and hard. I managed to model a bullet and travel the path I want it to, but I don't know how to make that ripple effect or how to apply it.help! I don't know much about 3d animation programs, so I was wondering if there's an easier way? Mesh Grid in AE maybe? ANY suggestions are welcome. The shot I have in mind is a side view, plain and simple, but I was also thinking if I can eventually figure out how to do that, I can maybe eventually add pans around the character and possibly get the camera to pass through the wave on one side and out the other? (Does that sound too far fetched to accomplish?)

i spent a long morning trying to do just that with only FCP and a bullet smoke trail as a displacement map. to put it mildly it didn't work. i think they probably used Maya or a similar 3d package (max would work) and created spreading ripple shapes behind the bullet, then they overlaid those in a compositor (AE or Shake probably) with complicated displacement settings.

i'd keep fooling around with max - i bet it can do it.

Yeah, You can achieve this effect easy in max or maya..

In fact, do a search for something like 'bullet time 3d tutorial' and im sure you find tons of information on even how to model it in max.

this kid did it on Final Cut 2.0 and i think the way he did was had a ripple effect on one video layer, and had it pan so the middle of the ripple followed the bullet and then used a garbage matte to get ride of the ripple in front and above and below the bullet to make it look like the ripple was only following the bullet's trail.

If you have to do this, there's a few different ways. The most complex method that gives the best results is to model ripples (basically many squashed torii aligned on an axis) and use your 3D program to generate reflections based on the imagery in the shot. Composite these into your shot, reduce the opacity a little, and use the mattes like you describe to make it "follow" the bullet.

Of course, the big difference between an amateur and professional production is that you likely don't have computer-controlled cameras. As a result, the bullet and ripple motion is not going to perfectly match the background shot - the perspective will probably be slightly off, etc.

You could also try using the ripples as a displacement map in After Effects, but this gives less of a "Matrix" appearance than the other method.

The third possibility is to invent your own bullet-style effect. How about a directional blur behind the bullet's path, tapering off like a comet tail? That may look good.

you could also, make a stop motion movie using glad wrap over a green screen, and edit the green out. or use a ulead prog like ulead cool 3d 3.5.... they have a better one at there site. it, combined with there movie editing software, can be imported rite to film, and the 3d desighn is easy as pie!.... you just drwa it and it becomes 3d.... i used it to make a lil anim. but i didnt have the pro 3d software so i couldnt import it!- yeah...... not sure if this hlps!