Foundation ActionScript 3.0 Image Effects

Foundation ActionScript 3.0 Image Effects discusses the ins and outs of graphical manipulation through code of all the different elements available in a Flash project, from vectors to bitmaps to videos, from animated text effects to dynamic video filters. Flash 8 introduced a vast array of image features, such as blend modes and filters as well as ActionScript's powerful BitmapData object, and this book covers all those effects in their CS4 form, as well as the graphical options that are available, such as the Pixel Bender Toolkit. It also details the many possible effects that can be achieved and the associated practical applications, with a focus on strong object-oriented programming methodologies to make the code more modular and reusable across projects.

• Gives detailed information on all of the image manipulation abilities of Flash CS4
• Covers complex technology, such as the Pixel Bender Toolkit
• There is no other book like it, covering the same topics in as much depth

• Practice image manipulation using modular, object-oriented techniques
• Includes a comprehensive library of image effects classes
• Explore the bitmap manipulation classes in depth
• Applicable to most if not all of the Flash "disciplines"
• Provides a multitude of practical examples, not just theory
• Learn the Pixel Bender language

This book is a great resource for any reader with an intermediate-to-advanced knowledge of ActionScript developing Flash games, applications and interfaces, animations or Websites, as the effects detailed are applicable across multiple disciplines. If you understand the best practices object-oriented programming syntax and know how to manipulate a Flash movie beyond the basics, you will be able to pick up the book and apply its lessons in your own work, as it clearly points out how the effects discussed have practical applications for amateurs and professionals alike.

Flash has long been famous for its spectacular graphical capabilities, and the first question of any Flash beginner is “how do I copy the effects on my favorite site?” Flash CS4 will be released Q4 2008, and includes a host of new graphical features, such as native 3D and enhanced video.

This book describes how to manipulate those along with many other existing graphical effects using code. The book focuses purely on graphical manipulation in Flash, and includes Adobe’s new Pixel Bender technology for complex but incredibly fast image manipulation.

After studying theatre in London, then working for several years as an actor in the US, Todd was introduced to Flash in 2000 and was quickly taken by how it allowed for both stunning creativity and programmatic logic application&emdash;a truly left-brain, right brain approach to production&emdash;and has not looked back. He now freelances as a Flash developer in New York City, creating both silly animations and utilitarian applications. His personal work and experimentation can be found at his website, www.27Bobs.com.