Q: Ash/snow effect (Silent Hill)

[Firestorm]

How would you guys suggest trying to composite falling ash/snow into a scene? Silent Hill did it really well. Very neat effect. Anyone know of any particle generators that would do this well?

[bloodymess]

almost any 3d program could do the job, they all have a particle generator. If I were you i'd try with blender.

[UFProductions]

Now don't get defensive here, but why do it on the computer when it would be far easier to do this as a physical effect, and you would be guarenteed it would look right.

[Jperson]

I agree UFP, but it is quite hard for some of the smaller production companies (not calling you small Firestorm ) to cover a large area for long enough for the clip they want. I know I'd do it digitally, but I'm really bad at the 3d particle whatevers, and can't lend much help there...

[DEDFX]

I love the scenery in that movie, the fog was physically there but the ash was computer generated. I though AE had a particle generator?

[Firestorm]

It does but I can't get the particles to float/blow around randomly and smoothly, or twist around. And physical would be nice but yeah, too much, too random, too expensive and I actually want red ash.

[bloodymess]

here's something that might interest you.

<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ag9nLiZDaF8"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ag9nLiZDaF8" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="600" height="350"></embed></object>

I made this quickly on Blender; I made it gray, but red would be entirely possible. you could even make it look as if it was burning embers, with the brightness fading away as they fall. also, it is possible to make them fall more randomly, or dancing around like a falling feather.

at worst, if you can't get blender to work(or if you're just too damn lazy) I can make you stock footage.