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    rhdgs
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Random FX

I was wondering what the best solutions for creating random flicker FX. I keep finding myself needing to create Fire FX and flickers that as a film person i could use a magic box for and then let the random generation of parameters both duration and intensity. 

Last time I used a Step Based Effect and today I went with an absolute and the results are passible I guess I am thinking hey this things a computer and should be able to generate random values (between a high and low) that would make a really fun flicker effect. 

Ohh and for what its worth I am loving 1.8 I only just upgraded and it has made my Christmas fun, thanks. 

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  • I have had good luck with "random" effects using absolute effects with many steps of varying intensities, being sure to include some "dummy" empty steps. By playing with "random group" and "random rate" I have never had a problem getting just the right look by playing around enough. Plus the great part about absolute effects are that you can easily add the effect to other lights in the rig, or use them at multiple points in the show.

     

  • in reply to ldsfx

    I had success using a linear effect for a fire.  It had a random rate.  One advantage was the curve could have both sharp spikes and smooth curves, which I think makes the fire seem more realistic.  The other advantage is that I could apply the effect to a level, so I still had control over how bright the light was even though it was flickering.

    -Josh

  • in reply to jbenghiat

    thanks I really like the results I am getting from the Linear Effect... Now to show how dumb I am... How do I keep the two ch from going all the way to zero? 

    Thanks for the help!

Reply Children
  • in reply to rhdgs

    The horizontal center line of the graph is the base level set by the cue (or, I would imagine, sub).  If the curve you draw is all above that line, your level will be a minimum, if it's all below that line, your level will be a maximum, thus you can control how far away from your base level the flicker gets.  I think my flicker curve was biased to above the line.

    There is also a scale parameter to the effect which basically scales up or down the amplitude of your curve.  If you like the pattern of your flicker but would like it more subtle, decrease the scale.

    HTH,

    Josh

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