[ Video Designer : Shinya Murakami ]Operating MIDI Protocol with Orbital2 in Combination with Other Software!

As a video designer, I create visuals for pachinko machines, game PVs, and anime compositing. My main tools are After Effects, Cinema 4D, 3D-Coat, and Photoshop.
Recently, I worked on segments for the TV anime Pop Team Epic.

In university, while researching image processing, I also joined a circle where we produced independent animations. That’s where I learned to use After Effects.
I then worked in a research role related to my academic field. But through hobby projects in video production and running AE Off, my desire to become a professional creator grew stronger. About five years ago, I had the opportunity to switch careers, and here I am today.

When I was streaming art with friends, the idea came up to hold an After Effects study group. That became the first AE Off.
I was inspired by a tutorial session at SSII (Image Sensing Symposium), which I attended for work. I wanted to create a similar place to learn AE and share knowledge.
The first venue could hold 120 people. I casually set the participant cap near that limit, but to my surprise, it sold out.
Since then, AE Off has continued as a creative entertainment show under the guise of a study group—where both participants and presenters can have fun and be inspired.

Someday, I’d like to rent a pro-wrestling ring and hold a video production battle on top of it.

Due to the pandemic, large gatherings are difficult. But AE Off was always held on a casual “when we feel like it” basis. It may take on a new form someday, so I hope fans will wait patiently.

For PV production, for example:
Meet with the client to organize required information and develop the concept.
Create a V-con (video concept), assigning scenes, planning camera work, and listing required assets.
Collect or create the listed assets—sometimes from scratch. For 3D assets, I use Cinema 4D.
Import assets into AE, and build each scene, adding camera work, lighting, effects, particles, etc. Often, new ideas arise during this process, requiring additional assets.
Continue in AE to refine scene transitions. Finally, add color correction and post-effects to complete the video.

I’d like to create works using 3D character modeling and animation. Since I originally made hand-drawn character animation, I’d love to produce a fully animated PV featuring a cell-look 3D girl dancing.

Creative software: After Effects, Cinema 4D, Photoshop, etc.
Custom PC (CPU: i9-9900K, RAM: 64GB, GPU: GeForce GTX1080Ti)
Pen Tablet: Intuos Pro
Keyboard: Logicool K270
Mouse: Logicool M185 (lightened by using AAA batteries with an AA adapter)
I use affordable, portable peripherals so I can easily replicate the same setup across environments, such as at the office.

I normally don’t use left-hand devices. I rely heavily on keyboard shortcuts.
If I became dependent on a left-hand device, differences between my home and office setups—or operating on someone else’s PC—would make work inefficient and stressful. So I’ve avoided adopting them.
(Note: Orbital2 profiles can be switched, exported, and exchanged. Its compact design makes it portable. To use it on another PC, the dedicated application Orbital2 Core is required.)

It feels solid and well-built, with a nice weight.
I also liked that you can change the glowing color—it’s unusual and fun.

Since VJ work often takes place in dark environments, the device’s glow makes it easy to locate.
Also, the vibration feedback when switching modes is great—it lets you confirm mode changes without looking at the screen.