How to Create Shadow of Moving Object in Video

In this tutorial we will guide you on how to create a shadow in a video using Adobe After Effects.
The footage that we will be working on for this tutorial can be downloaded from the following link:
In order to create a moving shadow, we will first have to extract the object from the background. In this case, since the footage has a green screen backdrop, this would be fairly simple to do.
So let's get started.

Step 1 -- Applying the Key Light Video Effect
For that, we will move to the Effects and Presets panel and search for the "Key Light" video effect. Once located, drag and drop the effect on the video layer.

Step 2 -- Configuring the Key Light Filter
Next, we will move to the effect control panel and pick up the color picker next to the "Screen Color" option. Over here, the color picker tool will capture the background color and remove it, so once you have picked up the tool, simply click on the background.

Step 3 -- Duplicating the object
Now let's move on to how we can create a shadow in video. First, we will duplicate the video layer. For that, we will select the video layer, move to the edit menu and click on the Duplicate option.

Step 4 -- Flipping and Filling the Object Layer
Next, we will select the original layer, move to the Effects and Presets panel and search for the flip video effect. Once located, simply drag and drop the effect on the video layer.
Next, we will move to the Effects and Presets panel once more and search for the Fill video effect. Once located, simply drag this effect to the original video layer as well.

Step 5 -- Filling the object with black color
Next, we will move to the fill effect section in the effect control panel and replace the default red color with a solid black fill.

Step 6 -- Changing the position of the duplicated layer
Once done, we will change the position of this layer. The basic idea is that the object on this layer should be right beneath the object in the layer above.

Step 7 -- The Gaussian Blur Filter
Next, we will move to the Effects and Presets panel once more and search for the Gaussian Blur video effect. Once located, we will drag and drop the effect on the original layer.

Step 8 -- Configuring the Gaussian Blur filter
Next, we will configure the Blurriness of the Gaussian Blur effect to 49.5. After that, let's reduce the opacity of the layer to 40%.

Step 9 -- Adding a white solid layer
Lastly, we will add a white solid layer. For that right click in the layer panel, move to New and click on the Solid option. Over here, you can open up the color picker window and choose white color for the fill.
Once done, simply click on Ok and the new solid layer will be created.

Step 10 -- Moving the solid layer at the bottom
With that done, drag the newly created solid layer at the bottom. This is because we had removed the backdrop from the original layer in the start. The solid layer will act as the backdrop here.
With that done, you can render the sequence and see how the shadow looks like.
And that's how you can create a shadow in video using Adobe After Effects.

[howtechmultimedia]

❗ Subscribe To Our Main YouTube Channel

[furiscafynn]

This is INCREDIBLE!! I was just trying to make a round shadow splooge on the floor, this is a million times better!!!

[clairecarton]

All the thumbs for you. Been searching for a simple solution for this for a long time. I was about to dive into cinema 4d thank god you saved me.

[michaelbright]

Although it's more like a reflection than a shadow, but ur tut is informative and straightforward. Thnx man!

[kikster]

I didn't realize it was so simple, thanks a bunch!

[cajschloerike]

Very clear English and good understandable but no answer for my question but thanks dude

[montgal]

GREAT TUTORIAL. This is just what I was looking for. Thank you so very much. Look forward to seeing more videos.

[matthewkemuel]

great tutorial... But how about if it's on external scene and you have to match the shadow from the sun direction?

[adamjensen]

dude you sort of sound like ben shapiro, anyway thankyou for the informative and succinct tutorial, very helpful!

[NasTySnipingPC]

but isn t that more a tinted reflection than a shadow?

[JayBaggio]

wow that was amazing, super well explained, thanks a lot!!

[MrSmith]

Yay I did something and it worked, Thanks Mate =)

[ProtoIndoEuropean]

How do I make the following effect?: I want to film myself moving away from the camera, but I want an effect where my shadow stays on the wall and moves by itself like in dracula of bram stoker movie, how to do this?

[QueenofHearts]

This is great! More of a reflection than a shadow, though. How do you make a shadow that's cast out in front or behind a character walking?

[fuchsschule]

very helpful, thanks. WHY EXACTLY 49.5 tho??

[Payainc]

My after effects doesn't have flip effect, how can i get it?

[gregs]

That was helpful. I was using lights and I hate them.

[FirstAmendmentNow]

That's all good and fine but I used Final Cut Pro 2.0 back in 2002 and when we wanted to add a shadow we just selected a check box in a "create shadow" option in the program . So easy we just manipulated the angle of the shadow ...here you have to jump through hoops and do all kinds of things to get a shadow...i don't get why that is .. it should be a standard tool/ effect

[danielaceruti]

Thanks for the tutorial, it doesn't work in white bg ?

[TheDevilday]

I have a question, how would you use this when animating, E.g this is done by having one file and duplicating it then reversing the image, but what if I have different layers for different parts of the body. When they overlap you can see that the shadow colors dont match. Does anyone know were am coming from with this.