Particle Illusion tips?

PeterWright wrote on 11/1/2009, 2:06 AM
After reading about it here for years and having it on my "to get" list for ages, I've finally purchased PI - SE version, which looks more than adequate, at least for my immediate needs. I don't use special FX very often ...

I've downloaded every available library from the PI site.

I am doing a music video which ends with a sunset scene of the eventually happy couple. with the sun setting over the sea behind them. Great to live on the west coast!

As a "sting in the tail", I want to, as the sun "touches" the sea, to throw in a hissing steam sound effect, and to use PI to show steam rising from the horizon as the celestial orb sets.

I've found an emitter called "Dust Puff" which may do the job, especially if I can use CC to make it more white then grey, but as a complete beginner, I suspect there may be many better ways of getting what I'm after.

Input from Vegasian PI users appreciated ....

thanks
Peter

Comments

Grazie wrote on 11/1/2009, 2:36 AM
I'm on SKYPE now, so if you want a quick chat about PI, instead of typing here! - you're welcome.

Grazie
CClub wrote on 11/1/2009, 3:05 AM
It didn't initially seem like a huge learning curve, but for whatever reason (perhaps my limited cognitive ability?!), it took me some time to figure out PI. But I LOVE it now. I just printed out all of the webpages on their site (e.g., How to Use PI 3, etc.), and I keep them in a folder along with any other applications I need cheatsheets for. Then you just need to spend a few weeks deep inside the program.

You may have figured this out already (or Grazie gave you the info), but I'd recommend downloading the Lagarith codec if you'll be using Alpha Channels at all. I've found it's the best codec with the smallest render.
Grazie wrote on 11/1/2009, 3:08 AM
1] Double Click your Emitter in the "Library Window"

2] Click on "Tint Colour"

3] Use the Palette and select a White

4] Go to the Hierarchy Window and find the "Tint Strength" control - click on it.

5] Now go to the Graph Window and RAISE the amount of Tint Strength to what you want - 100 maybe?

Done!

Grazie
PeterWright wrote on 11/1/2009, 3:58 AM
Thanks for the Skype chat Grazie - you're a real gent.

- weird for a while - you on audio and me on text, but it worked until I found an unplugged mike!

Cheers
Peter