CompuServe Thread

#Shadows on invisble obj?

4 messages in this thread
#144892From: Peter PaulyJan 3, 1995 11:35 PM
I have an object (lofted text) that I am placing in front of a background (the background is a nature scene). I want to create a "floor" whose perspective matches the perspective of the scene on the background and have shadows from the text fall on the "floor". The floor whould not be visible so the shadows would appear to be falling on the background scene in a normal way. Is this possible? How would I do it?
#144900From: Troy D. RobinsonJan 4, 1995 12:50 AM
I think that you can assign a completely 100% transparent material to the "ground" object and have this work for you.(I think the shadows will still be opaque) If this doesn't work, you will have to render the shadow(s) as a seperate layer… Make all of your objects bright white. You can then render out frames that will be black and white.(black shadows on a white screen) You can use these in video post as a mask (inverted) for your shadows. I know this may be confusing, so feel free to ask me for more help if needed. Troy
#145198From: Peter PaulyJan 5, 1995 4:46 PM
Thanks for your help Troy. I appreciate an answer like yours rather than the other one I got trying to sell a product. Thanks.
#144906From: MARTIN G FOSTERJan 4, 1995 1:29 AM
Peter, >> shadows would appear to be falling on the background scene in a normal way. Is this possible? How would I do it? << yes, it's very possible. In fact, I did a chapter on just such a technique for NRP's "3d Studio: Special Effects". I suggest you pick up a copy for that info and also many other useful tricks from other authors.