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ShiveringCactus
Community Expert
Community Expert
Apr 20, 2026 11:31 AM UTC
Question

Tutorial: Recreating the 1974 Doctor Who "Time Tunnel" in After Effects

 

In this tutorial, I’m breaking down how to recreate the classic vortex with any shape or logo with two different methods:

  • *Method 1 - Maxon C4D Lite (Included with AE)
    I show how to take an image and convert it to a spline using the Vectorizer tool, then extrude this into a tunnel before applying a texture.
  • Method 2: VideoCopilot Element 3D
    If you have a copy of this fantastic 3D plugin, you can use After Effects' own auto-trace to get your shape then extrude it and add textures in Element.
     

I think it’s highly likely that shortly we’ll be able to substance textures of extruded shapes directly in After Effects.  You can already do this using the cube and cylinder shapes.  I expect I’ll publish an updated version should that feature get released.

 

 

    1 reply

    Nishu Kushwaha
    Community Manager
    Community Manager
    Apr 20, 2026 2:34 PM UTC

    I tried this once. Your method is easier with better results. Thanks for sharing.


    Best,
    Nishu

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