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Using the BCC Noise Map 2 Filter in After Effects

We are going to use the BCC Noise Map 2 filter in After Effects to generate a naturally animating cloud filled sky. To start we'll create a new comp with a 2 second duration. In this comp we'll create a new solid layer, and onto the new solid we'll apply the BCC Noise Map 2 filter, which is in the BCC Generators category.

This filter and the Turbulence filter share the same core algorithms and many of the same controls, however they are designed for different uses. The Noise Map is designed as a generator, which replaced the media onto which the filter was applied whereas the Turbulence filter is designed to augment the clip to which it was applied.

So, with the filter applied to this solid layer, we'll select the preset titled "Layered Flowing Clouds" from the filter preset manager and PTR to see how straight out of the box this is close to the look that we are trying to achieve. On top of this we will add a tinting layer. To do that create a new solid layer and set the color of this layer to the following values: R=75, G=84, B=178. The result should be a slightly violet shade of blue. Now change the apply mode of this new layer to Screen and PTR to see the result - we are now seeing something that resembles the cloudy backdrop that we are aiming for.

Let's go to the filter controls, where we are going to make a couple of changes to the "cloud" animation. Twirl down the Animation group and set the Flow Rate to 20. Set the Flow Direction to 0. Set the Morph Rate to 2. In the After Effects scale controls, unlock the xy parameters and set the x parameter to 148 percent. Now make a final preview to RAM and the result you should be seeing is one of clouds that flow across a blue sky.