Starting Out In CG

[dasonras]

I've never done any CG effects before. If there is a special effect I want in a film, I always do it real. I've done everything from fire explosions to knife wounds, and never once did i use CG software.

However, after seeing some films that incorporated CG software, i am compelled to try it myself. So, as a newbie, could someone tell me some different programs i may need to go about this. I use Avid Xpress Pro. Explain to me the best process in which i would transfer my Xpress Pro files to the CG software.

Specifically, i am doing a movie where in one scene the actor picks up to electrical wires and threatens to shock someone. I want to have these two wires emit and electrical spark as they touch. Is this possible with CG software?

Sry if i seem new to all this, but i am slowly learning.

[BLUESPIDER]

Specifically, i am doing a movie where in one scene the actor picks up to electrical wires and threatens to shock someone. I want to have these two wires emit and electrical spark as they touch. Is this possible with CG software?


Your talking about particles. This effect can be done without CG. The best REAL thing to do is finding footages of real sparks or creating some on your own behind a black background. Disclamier* I'm not responsible. - Once you have the spark footage, take it to after effects and composite them on the ends of the wires. You would require to do a motion track on the wires so the spark follows it.

Try ALAM DV for starters. This little piece of software has some really nice particles effect.

[tumblemonster]

The process goes something like this:

You export you shot as a targa or tiff image sequence (targa is the standard)

You import your sequence into an effects software. the shot you want to do can be done in After Effects, Alam DV, or Shake, amoung others

after applying your effect, you render and export your sequence back to a targa sequence and bring the finished shot into your effects program.

The specifics depend on your software, but most have lightning plugins of some sort.

-tm

[Taylor Moore]

After Effects Production Bundle can create sparks and lightning....