CompuServe Thread

#Flickering torch light.

6 messages in this thread
#137906From: Mitch GatesNov 25, 1994 7:48 PM
I am doing an animation of a room lit by several torches. It is starting to look very realistic, but it needs one more touch. I want to add a flicker to the spotlights which emulate the light coming from each torchflame. Does anyone know of a flic or file sequence (or way to create one) which will simulate this effect when used as a projector light image? The only other way I can think of to create this effect is to randomly move and adjust the light of each spotlight in the keyframer over several frames and then loop the tracks. If anyone has achieved this effect I would be grateful for any input.
#137910From: Pierre MenardNov 25, 1994 8:05 PM
Hi, There is an article in 3DArtist #17 on that subject these day. Check it it's full of tips. Have a good week end Pierre Menard Montreal
#137953From: Mitch GatesNov 26, 1994 9:12 AM
Issue 17? I subscribe to 3D Artist, but haven't received that issue yet. I guess they didn't change my address when I moved. (left a message on their voice mail) I better call again. In the meantime, could you give me a hint on what some of the tips were?
#137966From: Jeremy Hubbell [Adesk]Nov 26, 1994 12:01 PM
Look at the '94 SIGGRAPH demo reel in the Character Animation section. There is a good example of simulating fire by just using spotlights by Glenn Melehorst in Australia. It's the scene with the Monk staring at the flaming chalice. Check it out. All he did was just move spotlights around to simulate the effect.
#138161From: Brandon MacDougallNov 27, 1994 10:58 PM
I have been using the keyframer on the lights. Use a omni light with a range setting that is small, bump up the value if needed, center your light over the torch. Set the key of the frames. lets say light key one is 20,20,20. Set key frame ten to 200,12,12 now copy frame 1 to frame 9 and 11. contiue the steps over the animation. This will add the flickering of the light in the animation. Try this with anbient lights for a flashing light ect. -Brandon
#138131From: Pierre MenardNov 27, 1994 8:26 PM
The 3DArtist's article is very rich in tips for making flickering torch ligths. I have no time to make a resume, but here is some tips that I found interesting : Make a 60 frames flc of flame made of yellow an red flame. Simple drawing. Use a flat rectangular polylines as a projector for the flames over the torch. You can bend stretch … the projector if there is wind. Made the projector transparent and decal the flame flc over it… Remove shadow on the projector so the flame won't throw shadow ! As you will probably agree with me, it's difficult to find a better reference for that matter. Have a good day, Pierre