Video Copilot /

Video Copilot is an internet based visual effects developer, specializing in Adobe After Effects. They publish VFX tutorials, sell film and video post-production products, and maintain a blog dedicated to the visual effects community. Founded by Andrew Kramer in 2005, they are currently headquartered in Lake Elsinore, California.HistoryVideo Copilot is the brainchild of Andrew Kramer. Kramer discovered a passion for filmmaking, and in particular VFX with Adobe After Effects, after finding a trial version of the software in the magazine Mac Addict, now known as MacLife. After making the transition to the full version, Kramer self taught himself how to use it from the age of 16. In a video interview, Kramer stated that he “played around and tinkered with the software” until he gained a firm grasp on it, going from simple motion graphics to full blown sky replacements.He started Video Copilot in 2005 with the idea that he could make a little bit of money in between his freelance visual effects projects by selling design products and project templates. Video Copilot got off the ground by providing free After Effects tutorials through the online creative community, Creative Cow. Subsequently, through a Creative Cow DVD program, Video Copilot published and distributed its first product, “Serious Effects and Compositing” for After Effects 7. It was a huge success due to it being the first product to delve into VFX training that others had left untouched, such as green screen chroma key.Video Copilot has since published over 100 free tutorials on its own website, alongside offering several products designed to enhance a VFX artist’s capability to do his or her job. The freely available After Effects tutorials work to generate interest in the program, thereby creating new customers for their products.