Release to layers (sequence)

[Trueon]

When I select the top layer and release to layers - I can't drag the layers outside of the group. I'm trying to import to After Effects, but it imports as one illustrator file. 

I can't attached the Illustrator file - I get error: 

• The attachment's shapeuse.ai content type (application/postscript) does not match its file extension and has been removed. I've included a screen grab. I can't drag the layers

[Monika Gause]

That screenshot shows before releasing to layers?

[Trueon]

I figured it out. I was selecting "Indicated Selected Art" (the circle to the right of that layer). When I didn't select anything but layer and did the release to layers sequence it worked. Thanks tons

[Trueon]

Shoot now it's not working again. The image was after release to layers. Thanks

[Monika Gause]

In Illustrator nothing can exist outside of a layer. 

Only the thing in this screenshot that is called layer, is one.