How to simulating lightning effects

[Jan Il]

Hi all - PPT 2002 XP - WinME

I have a huge storm cloud effect in a background, and I want to create
spates of simulated lightning effects. Some strike lightning, and some
similar to linear inner-cloud flash lightning.

I've been sampling with some shapes, and effects and timings, but, so far,
nothing close. I was just wondering it there is a specific type of animation
effect is should be using to do this. One of the things I've tried is using
a shape, with a weird gradient fill, set to appear, flash, then disappear,
and on and off, but, so far, nothing is working too well.

I will have other activities going on at the same time, which I don't think
will bother, but don't know. Should I think of this as another level type of
activity? If so, to what extent?

The animations thus far are coming along quite well, but, there is this one
thing I want to add to give more realism and excitement to the show. I
mean....besides Hook and Peter Pan dueling it out in the Crows Nest. ;-))

I'd really appreciate any suggestions. This effect would really put some
snap into the project.

Best regards,
Jan

 

[Kathryn Jacobs]

Built in solution: Use the autoshape that looks like a lightening bolt (in
common shapes). Make it very thin, lined with a bright yellow, filled with a
gradient yellow. Then, animate the shape to unfold down as an entry effect.
Next, put on an emphasis effect to flash the guy. Finally, put an exit
effect as unfold up.

Does that make any sense? (Having a "discussion" with Bruce while I am
typing. If it doesn't make sense, blame him and then email me - I'll send a
sample.)

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Kathryn Jacobs, Microsoft PPT MVP
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[Jan Il]

Hi Kathy!

Built in solution: Use the autoshape that looks like a lightening bolt (in
common shapes). Make it very thin, lined with a bright yellow, filled with a
gradient yellow. Then, animate the shape to unfold down as an entry effect.
Next, put on an emphasis effect to flash the guy. Finally, put an exit
effect as unfold up.

'k....don't have the unfold down or up available..it is grayed out. But...I
did manage to get the lightning bolt to work once, although I would like for
it to do it' thingie at least twice during the process. Also, I got the
linear lightning streak to work ...ehhhh...kinda sorta almost like..but, I
can't get the timing on that one to comply. It will not be assimilated...it
just does it's thingie as it pleases.

Does that make any sense? (Having a "discussion" with Bruce while I am
typing. If it doesn't make sense, blame him and then email me - I'll send a
sample.)

Ahmm....'k.. I got it.. ;-) But..now having a time with my timing. How do I
get adjust the timing for the delays between the actions? I've tried for
the past two hours with a bazillion different seconds, no seconds, delays,
no delays, hurry up, take it easy, just go with the flows, before this one,
after that one...'k...so do your own thing...and I still can't get the
linear lightning to activate properly. The bolt lightning does fine,
although I'd like more than once, but.. well..once is ok. But, I'd like to
have the linear one show at least once.

Here's the action sequence:

1. Lightning bolt flashes......cool
2. Ship begins entrance to the scene
3. Misty/foggy starts entrance
4. Linear lightning flash should come in now...but it's a no show

I'm not sure just how the sequence of time and all works. It does appear
that it does not like minutes, only seconds, and only so many of those. At
least, that has been my experience so far.

Thanks for your help Kathy, I really appreciate it.

Jan