Add spot

[jmarkt]

Using the rotating globe from the easy palette, I would like to have a periodic spot of light fade in/fade out at various locations on the globe to denote, of course, various continents.

Would anyone tell me how to do this? Thanks in advance.

[Masami]

Switch to the globe's attribute panel on the right and set it to lighting. You'll note the first three lights are already on. Turn on the fourth light. Set it as directional and then use the orientation button (the button just to the left of the dropdown that sayys directional) to rotate the light so it's shining on the right part. Increase or decrease color/lighting accordingly.

You can use key frames to have it turn on and off as well as change location so it lights up each spot. I've got some good tricks for getting results with key frames, so if you need any help just ask.

[jmarkt]

Thanks, Masami, for the quick reply. Using rotational and orientation settings, I can't seem to get the "glow" down to a small enough size, even by using "spot"???

I need the glow to actually appear as a short "glint" or sparkle, similar to the old toothpaste commercials where a bright smile/teeth gave off a quick sparkle or glint. Then, as you have guessed, glint at another location as the globe turns, using keyframes. Obviously, I'm trying to identify specific locations in the world, as the globe turns.

I just can't get the correct visual to start with!

[rwernyei]

Your best best would be to add this in post using your video editor. Media Studio Pro would allow you to use it's Video Paint module to rotoscope and paint the layer on your globe or use the editor's Diffraction-Camera Lens filter. Another way is to create an image with transparency(PNG, TGA, PSD, etc.) with your photo editor and use it for overlay in your video editor. There you can change the size, duration, rotation and transparency of the overlayed image. If COOL3D is all you have, the sparkle Madness Plugin III may help or you could create the sparkle yourself. Freehand 4 points, color white and lower the transparency. Then add a white circle with no transparency to the center. Bevel Flat or None and set all values to 0 for each object and then group. Rotate the sparkle, position and resize where applicaable over globe using key frames. This may look even better if you add the Global Glow effect. Then save as 32 bit avi and use it for overlay in video editor over original globe clip. Since you keyed the precise position, etc. of the sparkle there is no need to make adjustments. The preview should display the effect perfectly and you're ready for render. Hope this helps.