Hey everyone,

I have a client who wants to do the classic "shiny effect" that we see all the time off teeth, diamonds, gold, etc. You know, it's like a little star with a "ding" sound effect. What's the easiest and best way to pull it off in Final Cut Pro 7?

Thanks,

Heath

Heath,

Search "Specular Hightlights" and you'll find some general ideas.

If you want to spend time tweeking, you can start with the "Lens flare" effect already built in to FCP and using a layered series, get something that looks good.

If you want a shortcut to more complex flares you can also check out the Knoll Light Factory FCP filter packs - they have some REALLY nice pre-built flares - but of course, there's $$ involved.

Trapcode starglow would work well. Otherwise, create the glint in Photoshop and keyframe opacity and glow.

Make a spark in Photoshop, key it while quickly fading in and out or adjusting the key threshold. For added effect you can toy with rotating it and/or a slight zoom in and out. The most important thing is the speed.

Thank you, everyone! I'll check it out Sunday.

Heath