HOW-TO Question: Achieve Random Text Blur Effect (True Detective S3 Style)

[S01200]

Hey Animator folks,

I’m trying to recreate the beautiful, random text blur effect seen in True Detective Season 3 title text.

So far, I’m thinking of using Camera Lens Blur in AE with an animated depth map—but I’m not sure if that’s the best approach.

Anyone know the best way to achieve this?

Thanks!

[nishu_kush]

Thanks for reaching out.

There are several tutorials available on YouTube that create different kinds of glitches. Here's one I found that looks closest to what you're looking for: https://adobe.ly/42DwMMG

Hope it helps. Let us know if there are any other questions.

Thanks,
Nishu

[S01200]

Thanks for the link, but I think there was a misunderstanding.

I’m not looking for glitch effects. I’m trying to achieve a random, organic text blur like in the True Detective Season 3 main titles. 

If you look at it frame by frame, the blur isn’t even—it subtly reveals parts of the text in a beautifully uneven way. I’m thinking of using Camera Lens Blur with an animated fractal noise as a blur map to control the effect.... but I am not sure.

This subtlety is beautiful and important. Would love any tips if someone has tackled something similar.

Thanks again.