Reflecting text at DVinfo.net

Tripp Woelfel · October 17th, 2008, 07:21 AM

I'm using AE CS3 for some title creation and for one, I'm using the text as a mask where video behind it shows through the letters. My problem is that I don't know how to have the letters reflect off a surface below it.

The project is set up with all 3D layers and a spot light positioned above and in front of the text and a 3D black solid below the text tilted mostly to the horizontal. Think of it as if the letters were sitting on a polished black table in the real world.

I cannot for the life of me get the light to reflect off the letters then to reflect off the lower surface. In theory this should be easily done as I think all the 3D material setting (accept light, cast shadows, shininess, etc.) are set the way I believe they should. However, no joy.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

Björn Rehder · October 17th, 2008, 10:16 AM

Hi Tripp,

Maybe these tutorials would help:

VideoCopilot.net Video Tutorials & Post Production

VideoCopilot.net Video Tutorials & Post Production

VideoCopilot.net Video Tutorials & Post Production

You might have to adapt the technique slightly.

Ray Bell · October 17th, 2008, 11:25 AM

duplicate post... deleted...

Tripp Woelfel · October 17th, 2008, 03:05 PM

Bjorn... Exactly what I was looking for. The explanation for why I wasn't getting what I wanted was the fact that AE doesn't support raytracing, but you can fake it. Very cool.

My kingdom for a real 3D app.

October 17th, 2008, 07:21 AM	#1
Tripp Woelfel Trustee Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: North Conway, NH Posts: 1,745	Reflecting text I'm using AE CS3 for some title creation and for one, I'm using the text as a mask where video behind it shows through the letters. My problem is that I don't know how to have the letters reflect off a surface below it. The project is set up with all 3D layers and a spot light positioned above and in front of the text and a 3D black solid below the text tilted mostly to the horizontal. Think of it as if the letters were sitting on a polished black table in the real world. I cannot for the life of me get the light to reflect off the letters then to reflect off the lower surface. In theory this should be easily done as I think all the 3D material setting (accept light, cast shadows, shininess, etc.) are set the way I believe they should. However, no joy. Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

October 17th, 2008, 10:16 AM	#2
Björn Rehder Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Namibia Posts: 82	Hi Tripp, Maybe these tutorials would help: VideoCopilot.net Video Tutorials & Post Production VideoCopilot.net Video Tutorials & Post Production VideoCopilot.net Video Tutorials & Post Production You might have to adapt the technique slightly.

October 17th, 2008, 11:25 AM	#3
Ray Bell Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 1,414	duplicate post... deleted...

October 17th, 2008, 03:05 PM	#4
Tripp Woelfel Trustee Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: North Conway, NH Posts: 1,745	Bjorn... Exactly what I was looking for. The explanation for why I wasn't getting what I wanted was the fact that AE doesn't support raytracing, but you can fake it. Very cool. My kingdom for a real 3D app.