i need to crank out text as seen here. just so u know.. it will need
to be in AVI format. i am assuming this is some type of effect or
filter set for premiere or some type of 3d Program. this is an swf
but..in flash it is a series of bitmaps and has be exported from some
other application. I will need it for use in AVI format so anything
that can output to avi.. looks like it needs rendering.

I need to know what application to use.. what filters/effects to use
with it and maybe a quick step by step on achieving the effect. you
can see the effect here...

http://www.binarian.com/pro_test.swf

Thanks!

---

Clarification of Question by binarian-ga on 04 Nov 2003 22:32 PST

Do any researchers have ANYTHING else for me on this issue?

This is a volumetric light effect. All top end 3d packages can do it.
I use 3d Studio Max, and can write you a procedure for it. Do you have
access to 3d Studio Max?

i dont have it right now...and i cant find a demo..however.. i think a
friend of mine has it. Please write me the procedure for it and if it
comes to it (if i cant get access to a 3ds station) ..could i give you
a couple of phrases to render like that or is that too much work?

also what version do i need?

i would definitely like this procedure you are talkin about. need to
pursue all possible channels for this. my dealine is gettin close. i
am trying to get 3dstudio max 4 working.

i have installed 3d studio max 4. oddly in the main view where u see
the 4 differetn views..i can see right thru to my desktop although
everything else seems to be working. SO.. let me know how to implement
this procedure and apply it to to text and then export it to stills or
AVI. THANKS!

OK .. my machine now has 3ds max 4 and i installed direct x 9 and its
up an RUNNING! ready to recieve this procedure!!!

since you've already awarded the 'answer', i'll be breif. it's a while
since i've used 3d smax 4, but here goes:

1) create your text. 'text' is in 2d primatives.
2) extrude it. 'extrude' is a modifier.
3) create a box. 'box' is in 3d primatives. this bow should have two
really large planes (big like a canvas) that completely surround your
text, but should be shallow enough for your text to stick out at
iether side.
4) cut the text out of the box (leave a text like hole). use the
'boolean' object, which is one of the 3d objects - youll have to dig
around to find it (use the drop down list). to use it, have iether the
text or the box select, then select the boolean object, select on
'pick operand b', pick the other object (perhaps you box, maybe the
text). you will iether want to have 'a-b' or 'b-a' selected - trial
and error works best.
5) add a light source. use 'target direct' from the light objects. it
needs to be in shadow map mode, with shadows turned on. there are
loads of option to fiddle with in here.
6) add the fog. go to environment settings, from one of the drop down
menus at the top. 'add' the 'volumetric light' effect. click on 'add
light source', then choose your light (easiest way: click on it).

that's basicly it. move you object in a 3d window so that it's how you
wish it to render (ie head on) and hit the render button (the teapot).
if you want it animated then you need to add two key frames onto the
time line at the bottom, switch animate on (bottom right, can't miss
it), then alter various values of your light and volumetric fog on the
key frames - it will automaticly tween between them.

save regularly, because 3d smax 4 crashes a lot (especially if you
don't have much ram). save to different files - you will cock up on
the way and want to go back.

hey seanbo... i still need help over here! the question is now open
again.

i did exactly what these steps required and i ended up with a the
words with a lot of pink area behind it and a few black streaks.

would u be able to just match the effect show in the link in my
question if i were to send u the correct phrases. there wil be 3 or 4
two - word phrases.

either that or u can tell me what you think i might have done
wrong.......

CMON ANYONE! : ()

Actually, you can export an AVI version of that exact Flash file.
Assuming that you made that flash movie. If you still have the .fla,
you can output the movie in .avi format. Under "export movie" just
select "AVI" in the drop down menu under format. I cannot say for sure
if this works on older versions of Flash, but it does work in Flash
MX.
Enjoy :)