Research note
aFTERDEPTH
A tutorial on creating the AFTERDEPTH effect with your footage.
Core tools
Adobe After Effects, Red Giant Depth Generator, and Topaz Video AI.
Optional source creation
GPT Image 2 and Seedance 2 Mini can be used to create footage before the depth workflow begins.
Already have footage? Begin with step 03.
Create a source image
Use any image generation model you prefer to create a black and white image with a visual quality similar to a depth pass. Images with a clear perspective, or a strong separation between the main subject and the background, tend to produce the best results.
Animate the source image
Use Seedance 2 Mini to turn the image into an eight second clip. In the prompt, ask for “subtle movement” with impossibly slow, linear motion.
Generate the depth pass
Import the footage into After Effects and apply Red Giant Depth Generator. In my tests, 720p footage produced depth maps with less flicker than 1080p footage. Begin at 720p; the video will be upscaled later.
Compile the sequence and reduce flicker
Open the PNG sequence in After Effects and apply the Echo effect to smooth flicker introduced during depth generation. Export the result as an MP4.
Try exporting the MP4 at a high bitrate to reduce compression artifacts.
Upscale and slow the video
At this point, you should have the original footage and a generated depth pass at 720p. In Topaz Video AI, apply the following output settings.
- Resolution
- 2×
- Slow motion
- 2×
- Frames per second
- 30
P.S. I’m using an older version of Topaz Video AI. If you’re using a newer version, some settings may look different.
After Effects comp
Set the original footage layer’s track matte to the depth pass and choose Luma Matte. Place a black solid beneath the footage to fill the background.
Colorama FX
Experiment with the contrast curves, then add the Colorama effect to paint the image with any gradient you choose.