POSSIBLE FOR AN OBJECT TO BE A LIGHT SOURCE

[Fata Morgana]

     Hello,

I'm new in AE

I've try to search on internet but canno't find my answer

my question is : It is possible for an object/ a layer, to be a light source ?

For example, I want to create a neon sign crackling, how can I do

I've an average result with a classic light layer but the shape of the light is still round an does'nt fit with the shape of the object

anyone know a tool to do this or a free plug

Thank you per advance !

[Dave_LaRonde]

You probably won't find a plugin for this because it's so dead-simple:

• Make the sign layer 2-D.  Use no lights nor a camera.
• Duplicate the sign layer. On the upper layer, isolate the neon tube(s), probably by using masks.
• On the upper layer, apply and animate the Glow effect and apply one of AE's blend modes.

Getting the animation to look right is then just a matter of tweaking the effect and one's experience in AE.  No lights.  No camera.  No 2D. Just skill in AE.  Get busy.

[Rick Gerard]

Probably the easiest thing to do is to duplicate the shape a couple of times, add a blur to the top copies, set the blend mode of the top copies to Add, maybe lighten the color of the top copy a bit and add a matte choker and end up with something like this using only a single text layer. it took less than a minute to create. The screenshot should give you everything you need to recreate the effect.

Then if you really wanted to get creative you could pre-compose that layer, make it 3D and put it in front of a light and use it as a projector to throw light on a 3D layer below it and give it a nice glow. Here's a tutorial I did a zillion years ago that shows how to do that. Using Projection Layers to create a gobos and projector effects

That will get you started. There are dozens of ways to pull this off. The most efficient workflow depends on the design and the images you have to work with.

[dani12777]

I think what you are looking for is on this site.

Also new to AE and the guy is brilliant and this plugin

Is the best.

VIDEO COPILOT | After Effects Tutorials, Plug-ins and Stock Footage for Post Production Professional...

[Fata Morgana]

Thank to all of you for all of theses possibles solutions !  

I was sure it was a very simple trick but sometimes it the most difficult to find because seems obvious for the majority

Anyway...thanks again !