Cavalry procedural animation, Figma-to-Cavalry handoff, lower thirds, title sequences, and Resolve integration
Focus: Cavalry fundamentals — the procedural animation philosophy and building your first animated lower third.
Cavalry vs After Effects — a different approachCavalry is a procedural motion design tool: instead of keyframing individual properties, you connect parameters to behaviours, equations, and drivers. A lower third doesn't have 10 keyframes — it has a single 'slide in' behaviour connected to a time driver, with offset, easing, and duration as editable parameters. This makes revisions fast: change the duration of the slide-in and every element resets proportionally. The mental model shift from keyframe-based to procedural/data-driven is the most important concept in this module.
Cavalry interface — the scene tree and stageThe Cavalry interface centres on: the Stage (the canvas where you see your design), the Scene Tree (a hierarchical list of all objects, behaviours, and connections), and the Inspector (where you edit properties of selected items). Unlike After Effects, there is no traditional timeline — timing is controlled by behaviours attached to objects. Understanding the scene tree hierarchy — how parent objects affect child objects — is fundamental to efficient Cavalry work.
Text and shape objects in CavalryCavalry supports text objects with full font, tracking, leading, and colour control. Shapes (rectangles, circles, lines) are parametric — a rectangle's width, height, corner radius, and position are all animatable properties. For lower thirds: create a rectangle as the background bar and a text object as the label. Group them as a parent-child hierarchy so the bar and text animate together. This is the foundation of all branded motion graphics.
The Slide In behaviour — animating your lower thirdIn Cavalry, attach a 'Slide' behaviour to your lower third group: set the direction (from left, from bottom, from right), duration, and easing curve. The Slide behaviour drives the position of the entire group from an off-screen position to its resting position. For a staggered reveal (text after bar): add an Offset to the text object's Slide behaviour — the text slides in 0.2 seconds after the bar. This is the standard broadcast lower third animation pattern.
Exporting from Cavalry — ProRes 4444 with alphaExport your Cavalry animation as a ProRes 4444 file with an alpha (transparent) channel. In Cavalry: File → Export → ProRes 4444. Ensure 'Include Alpha' is checked. The resulting file contains the motion graphic on a transparent background. Import this file into DaVinci Resolve, place it on a timeline track above your footage, and the graphic composites transparently over the footage without any keying required.
Drill 1
Build your first lower third in Cavalry
Create a lower third graphic: a coloured rectangle bar with your name and title as text. Add a Slide In behaviour to the group. Set duration to 0.4 seconds, easing to ease-out. Add a Delay to the text so it slides in 0.15 seconds after the bar. Preview in Cavalry — the animation should feel snappy, professional, and match the timing of broadcast lower thirds you have seen. Export as ProRes 4444.
Drill 2
Import and composite in DaVinci Resolve
Import your ProRes 4444 lower third file into Resolve. Create a new timeline with your FX30 interview footage as the base track. Place the lower third file on Track 2 above the footage. In the Inspector → Composite Mode, confirm it is set to Normal (the alpha channel handles transparency automatically). The graphic should appear over the footage correctly.
Drill 3
Revise the lower third in Cavalry — speed test
In Cavalry, change the following and re-export: (1) change the bar colour to a different colour, (2) change the slide direction from left to bottom, (3) change the duration from 0.4s to 0.6s. For each revision: how many clicks/edits did it take? Compare to how long the same revision would take in a keyframe-based tool. The procedural approach should make revisions feel fast and non-destructive.
Drill 4
Style guide application — import Figma colours
In Figma, create a simple brand style guide for a fictional client: primary colour, secondary colour, and brand typeface. Export these as a colour palette reference. Manually apply these colours to your Cavalry lower third. Export and composite in Resolve. This workflow — Figma for design, Cavalry for animation, Resolve for integration — is your professional graphics pipeline.
Week 1 Assignment
"Branded lower third package"
Design and animate a complete lower third package in Cavalry: (1) name/title lower third, (2) location lower third (different layout), (3) 'chapter title' full-width graphic. Export all three as ProRes 4444. Composite all three in a 90-second Resolve timeline demonstrating their use. Deliver the finished composite video and the Cavalry project file.
All three graphic types are designed with a consistent visual language
All animations are smooth and professional — timing feels like broadcast quality
All three export as ProRes 4444 with clean alpha channels
Compositing in Resolve is correct — graphics sit cleanly over footage
Cavalry project file is included
CavalryFigmaDaVinci Resolve
Focus: Advanced Cavalry — data-driven animation, replicators, and building a full title sequence.
Replicators — procedural repetitionA Replicator in Cavalry creates multiple copies of an object arranged according to a pattern — a grid, a circle, a line, or a random distribution. Each copy can have its own offset, rotation, and colour variation. For a title sequence: a replicator of small dots that animate in sequence (using an offset driver on each instance) creates a sophisticated animated pattern with almost no manual keyframing. Replicators are one of Cavalry's most distinctive features — the same object can produce 5 copies or 5,000 copies by changing a single parameter.
Drivers and expressions — connecting parametersAny parameter in Cavalry can be driven by another parameter, an expression (a mathematical formula), or an external data source. Example: drive the rotation of a shape by the current time value — the shape spins continuously. Drive the colour of a text object by a value from a data table — the text shows different colours for different data values. Expressions use JavaScript-style syntax: `Math.sin(time * 2) * 50` drives a property back and forth in a sine wave. You do not need to be a programmer — Cavalry provides common expressions as presets.
Figma-to-Cavalry SVG workflowFigma exports SVG files that Cavalry can import as vector assets. Workflow: design your graphics (logos, icons, complex shapes) in Figma with its full design toolset, export as SVG (right-click → Copy as SVG or Export as SVG), and import into Cavalry (File → Import → SVG). In Cavalry, the SVG is available as a shape object that can be animated, scaled, and composited exactly like any native shape. This workflow leverages Figma's superior design tools for the static design phase and Cavalry's superior animation tools for the motion phase.
Building a title sequence — the opening of a short filmA title sequence communicates the tone, style, and world of the film before a single frame of footage. Elements: the film's title (the most important typographic element — choose its size, position, and animation with care), credit text (director, cinematographer, sound), and a graphic motif (a recurring visual element that defines the sequence's visual language). A title sequence for a short documentary might be: black screen, title fades up in a specific typeface, holds for 2 seconds, fades to footage. A more stylised approach might involve animated graphics, music-driven timing, and a designed transition into the first shot.
ProRes Alpha in Resolve — compositing complex graphicsFor complex motion graphics with multiple elements on separate layers, export each element as a separate ProRes 4444 file and composite them independently in Resolve. This gives you control over the opacity, position, and timing of each element without rebuilding the entire Cavalry composition. In Resolve, use the Fusion page for more complex compositing operations — Fusion's node-based compositing allows you to combine multiple ProRes Alpha layers with blend modes, colour corrections, and effects that would not be possible in the Edit page alone.
Drill 1
Replicator pattern — animated dot grid
In Cavalry, create a grid replicator with 10×10 copies of a small circle. Add an offset driver so each circle animates in sequence — the circles 'fill in' one by one from left to right. Animate the size of each circle from 0 to its full size using a Scale behaviour. Export as ProRes 4444. Composite as an intro card over black in Resolve.
Drill 2
Figma-to-Cavalry SVG workflow
Design a simple logo or icon in Figma — your personal initials in a specific typeface, or a simple geometric mark. Export as SVG. Import to Cavalry. Animate the SVG: scale from 0 to 100% over 0.5 seconds with ease-out, then fade in the colour from white to your brand colour over 0.3 seconds. Export ProRes 4444.
Drill 3
Expression-driven animation
In Cavalry, create a shape whose rotation is driven by the expression: `time * 30` (one full rotation every 12 seconds). Create a second shape whose scale is driven by `Math.sin(time * 2) * 30 + 100` (scales back and forth between 70% and 130%). These expressions make the shapes animate continuously without a single keyframe. Preview the result — the combination should feel organic and alive.
Drill 4
Build a short film title sequence
Design and animate a title sequence for your Phase 1 short film: film title (animated entry), your name as director (lower third timing style), one other credit. The sequence should be no longer than 8 seconds total and should match the tone of your short film. Export as ProRes 4444 and edit it into the opening of your short film in Resolve.
Week 2 Assignment
"Title sequence and graphics package"
Produce a complete motion graphics package for a short film or documentary: a title sequence (max 10 seconds), a lower third package (name, location, chapter title), and one full-screen graphic card. All elements exported as ProRes 4444. Demonstrate all elements in a 2-minute Resolve timeline. Deliver the Cavalry project file and the finished Resolve timeline.
Title sequence is max 10 seconds and matches the tone of the project
All three lower third types are included with consistent visual language
All graphics export as ProRes 4444 with clean alpha channels
The 2-minute Resolve timeline demonstrates all elements in context
Cavalry project file is included
CavalryFigmaDaVinci Resolve
Focus: Resolve Fusion for compositing — combining ProRes Alpha graphics with footage and adding visual effects.
Fusion page in Resolve — the node-based compositorResolve's Fusion page is a full node-based visual effects compositor. Every element in a Fusion composition is connected via nodes — a flow of image data from source nodes (footage, graphics) through operation nodes (blend, colour, transform) to the output node (the final composited result). For motion graphics work: import your ProRes 4444 graphics as MediaIn nodes, layer them over your footage using Merge nodes (with alpha channel handling), and adjust each layer's position, scale, and opacity via Transform nodes.
Merge node — the compositor's fundamental building blockIn Fusion, a Merge node takes two inputs: the Foreground (the element on top) and the Background (the element underneath). The Foreground's alpha channel controls how it composites over the Background. Stack multiple Merge nodes to composite multiple layers. The Merge node's 'Apply Mode' controls the blend mode (Normal, Add, Multiply, Screen). For ProRes 4444 overlays, Normal mode with the alpha handled automatically is the standard approach.
Text+ and Shape nodes in FusionFusion has its own text and shape creation tools — the Text+ node — that allow you to create and animate graphics directly in the Fusion timeline without Cavalry. For simple lower thirds and supers (text appearing over footage), Text+ in Fusion is often faster than exporting from Cavalry. For complex branded graphics and replicator-based designs, Cavalry + ProRes 4444 export is superior. Know when to use each tool.
Glow, blur, and effects on graphicsFusion effects are applied as nodes between your graphic and the output. To add a glow to a title: insert a Glow node between the MediaIn (your graphic) and the Merge node. The Glow node processes the ProRes 4444 graphic before compositing it. This means the glow uses the correct alpha information and does not bleed incorrectly into the footage background. Similarly: Blur node for a defocus effect, Colour Corrector node to tint the graphic, and Transform node to animate position.
Rendering from Fusion — the Deliver workflowWhen your Fusion composition is complete, render directly from Resolve's Deliver page — Fusion compositions are included in the render output automatically. You do not need to pre-render Fusion work separately. For complex compositions with many Fusion effects, enable GPU acceleration in Resolve preferences to dramatically speed up renders. On the M4 Mac Studio, Fusion renders are significantly faster than on Intel machines due to the Apple Silicon GPU.
Drill 1
Import ProRes 4444 graphic into Fusion
Take your lower third from Week 1. In the Fusion page, add it as a separate MediaIn node. Connect it to a Merge node with your footage as the Background. The graphic should composite correctly over the footage. Experiment with the Merge node's Apply Mode — try Screen and Add blend modes and observe the effect.
Drill 2
Add glow to a title card
Create a title card (either from Cavalry ProRes 4444 or directly in Fusion using Text+). In Fusion, add a Glow node after the text/graphic node and before the Merge. Set glow colour to a warm amber, glow strength to 0.3, and glow spread to 0.5. The title should have a subtle warm halo. Render from the Deliver page and review.
Drill 3
Three-layer composite in Fusion
Build a Fusion composition with: (1) FX30 footage as the background, (2) a vignette (Rectangle mask node, inverted, with a Blur) as a middle layer, (3) a lower third from Cavalry ProRes 4444 as the foreground. Connect everything with Merge nodes. Adjust each layer's opacity via the Merge node's blend parameter.
Drill 4
Animate a text reveal in Fusion using Text+
In Fusion, create a Text+ node with your name. Add a Transform node and animate its Position Y from -200 (below frame) to 0 over 20 frames. Add an ease curve (right-click the animated property → Ease In/Ease Out). This simple animation, built directly in Fusion, demonstrates how to create basic motion graphics without exporting from Cavalry.
Week 3 Assignment
"Fusion composited sequence"
Build a complete composited sequence in Resolve Fusion: at least 3 layers (footage, graphic overlay, text), a Fusion-applied effect on at least one element (glow, blur, or colour correction), and smooth animation transitions. The sequence should be 30–45 seconds. Deliver the finished rendered video and a screenshot of your Fusion node tree.
Three distinct layers are composited correctly
At least one Fusion-applied effect is present
All animations are smooth and appropriately timed
Node tree screenshot shows logical, labelled layout
Rendered video is clean — no compositing artefacts
CavalryDaVinci ResolveM4 Mac Studio
Focus: Building a complete motion design workflow from creative brief to delivered assets.
The motion design brief — understanding client requirementsBefore opening Cavalry or Figma, you need a clear brief: what is the graphic for? What is the brand identity (colours, typeface, logo)? What is the duration? What is the delivery format? What tone should it have — corporate, playful, cinematic, editorial? Without answers to these questions, motion design work becomes iterative guesswork. Develop the habit of writing a 1-page creative brief (even for your own projects) before beginning any motion graphics work.
Designing for your brand vs designing for a client's brandYour personal creative projects allow you to make all design decisions based on your own aesthetic preferences. Client work requires you to subordinate your preferences to the client's brand identity. This is a different creative discipline — it requires understanding and accurately implementing someone else's visual language, often from a brand guide you did not create. Practise both: design for your own brand (building your visual identity) and design for fictional or real client briefs (building your commercial adaptability).
File organisation and version control for motion designMotion design projects accumulate many versions — v01, v02, v03 — and many asset types (Cavalry project files, Figma designs, exported ProRes files, Resolve project files). Develop a file organisation system before starting any significant project: /Project/Figma/, /Project/Cavalry/, /Project/Exports/, /Project/Resolve/. Version-control your Cavalry files: save v01, v02, v03 as separate files rather than overwriting. The cost of 10MB of saved project files is irrelevant; the cost of not being able to revert to v02 when a client dislikes v03 is significant.
Delivering motion graphics assets to clientsClients often need motion graphics in multiple formats: the finished composited video (H.264 for social, ProRes for broadcast), standalone graphic files (ProRes 4444 with alpha, for use by other editors), and source files (Cavalry project, Figma design, brand assets). Clearly communicate what is included in your delivery and what is not. Source files are an additional deliverable that commands a higher fee — they allow the client to make future revisions without hiring you again.
Building your motion design portfolioMotion design portfolio pieces should demonstrate: your conceptual thinking (not just technical skill), your ability to adapt to different brand identities, and your technical range (different styles, different complexity levels). Include: at least one self-initiated personal project (where you had full creative control), at least one project designed to a client brief (real or fictional), and at least one project that demonstrates a specific technical skill (Fusion compositing, replicator animation, data-driven graphics).
Drill 1
Brief, design, and deliver — fictional client project
Create a fictional client brief for a short documentary about Adelaide's food and wine industry. Write a 1-page creative brief. Design a motion graphics package in Figma and Cavalry: lower thirds, title card, end card. Deliver all graphics as ProRes 4444 files and composite them in a 2-minute timeline using footage from your existing library.
Drill 2
Brand adaptation exercise
Take your own personal motion design style (from your course work) and adapt it to two completely different brand identities: (a) a luxury real estate brand — clean, minimal, serif typeface, gold palette, and (b) a youth sports program — bold, energetic, sans-serif, primary colours. Design and animate a lower third package for each. The two packages must be visually completely distinct while demonstrating the same technical skill.
Drill 3
Build a Cavalry template library
Create 5 Cavalry project files that serve as templates for reuse: (1) name/title lower third, (2) location lower third, (3) chapter title card, (4) animated logo reveal (using the SVG import workflow), (5) end card with social handles. Save all five in a 'Templates' folder. These templates will save you hours on future projects.
Drill 4
Complete motion design portfolio piece
Produce a finished, shareable motion design portfolio piece: a 60–90 second designed title sequence for a fictional short film, incorporating your best Cavalry, Figma, and Fusion work. The piece should represent your aesthetic at its best and be polished enough to share publicly. Export at YouTube 4K H.264 and ProRes 422 master.
Week 4 Assignment
"Motion graphics portfolio piece"
Produce a complete 60–90 second motion design piece incorporating: a title sequence (designed in Figma, animated in Cavalry), lower thirds (exported as ProRes 4444), and at least one Fusion-composited effect layer. Deliver: finished video (YouTube H.264 + ProRes master), all Cavalry project files, all Figma files, and all ProRes 4444 exports in a single organised archive.
Title sequence demonstrates Cavalry's procedural animation capabilities
Lower thirds are smooth, professional, and brand-consistent
At least one Fusion effect layer is included
All source files are included in the organised archive
Finished video is delivered in both YouTube H.264 and ProRes 422
CavalryFigmaDaVinci ResolveM4 Mac Studio
Exporting from Cavalry without alpha channel — the black background disaster
Exporting as ProRes 422 (not ProRes 4444) produces a graphic on a black background. When composited in Resolve, the black background replaces the footage rather than compositing transparently over it.
Fix: Always export motion graphics from Cavalry as ProRes 4444 with 'Include Alpha' checked. Import to Resolve and confirm the composite mode is set to Normal. The alpha channel handles all transparency automatically.
Mismatching frame rates between Cavalry and Resolve
Creating a Cavalry composition at 24fps and importing into a 25fps Resolve timeline causes subtle playback speed differences and potential frame-blend artefacts.
Fix: Before starting any Cavalry project, set the composition frame rate to match your Resolve delivery timeline: 25fps for Australian delivery. This single setting prevents all frame rate-related compositing problems.
Designing in isolation without checking in context
Designing motion graphics on a white canvas in Cavalry, then discovering they look wrong over the actual footage — wrong colour, wrong size, wrong position.
Fix: Always test your Cavalry graphics over a representative frame of the actual footage before finalising. Export a 5-second test early in the design process and composite it in Resolve. Adjust the design based on what you see in context.
Cavalry's preview export is faster than a full export — use it constantly
During the design phase, use Cavalry's built-in preview export (lower resolution, faster encode) to check animation timing and visual quality without waiting for a full ProRes 4444 export. Only export the final ProRes 4444 when you are satisfied with the result. This saves significant time during iteration.
SW:Cavalry
Design in Figma, animate in Cavalry — the strongest workflow
Figma's design tools (precise alignment, component libraries, auto-layout, shared styles) are significantly stronger than Cavalry's design tools. Use Figma to design every static frame of your motion graphics, then import to Cavalry via SVG export for animation. This combination produces more polished work than designing entirely within either tool.
SW:Figma · SW:Cavalry
ProRes 4444 files are large — use proxy media in Resolve for complex projects
ProRes 4444 files are significantly larger than H.264 or ProRes 422. If your Resolve timeline has many ProRes 4444 graphics overlaid on 4K footage, performance may suffer. Right-click all ProRes 4444 clips → Generate Optimised Media. Resolve will create proxy versions for smooth playback and automatically switch to originals for export.