I have had the opportunity to work in Motion 4 for about an hour and all I wanted to test first was the addition of the reflection and cast shadow features.  Let me say that before Motion 4, to create these effects required multiple layers/groups and a lot of keyframing.  A reflection could be created by duplicating the image or object, inverting and adding an alpha gradient, adjusting the blur and opacity, and you end up with something that works.  To animate it was labor intensive and difficult to make look correct.  A similar problem existed when trying to create realistic looking cast shadows.  And to animate them was even more difficult process to make move and lengthen or shorten appropriately.

Motion 4 has made both of the features automatic and easy to manipulate.  I am going to have a tutorial on using these features next week.  I have been very pleased with this new addition by Apple.  They are making this program more functional for animations and compositing.  There are several features with the camera that need to be enhanced and a “true” 3-D environment before it will be able to truly compete with the likes of After Effects, but they have made some significant improvements.  If you are a Motion fan, you will love the changes!

Here is a quick, crude sample of the reflection and cast shadows.

After Effects has been the standard for animation and compositing work.  Apple Motion 3 is making the process accessible and simple for all users.  When Apple finally adds 3D to the application, it will make major waves in the animation and compositing world.

To illustrate the animation tools of Motion, I have created a short animation in the spirit of Jib Jab.  It is the introduction of a fictional hunter named Blanda Bob.  By using Photoshop to create the various components, you can animate them using some very simple features built into Motion.  I hope this inspires you to take a second look at the power of Motion.