CLASSROOM: How to Create Realistic Muzzle Flashes (With and Without Plugins)1 min read
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If your project requires some firepower, whether it’s a one-on-one shootout or a chaotic firefight, you’re going to need to make it look as believable as possible, and one way to do that is by adding some realistic muzzle flashes.
In this tutorial, the team over at Film Riot shares a couple of approaches you can take to create them in Adobe After Effects, either with a highly customisable 3D muzzle flash plugin or completely from scratch without the need of third party assets.
Creating your own muzzle flash isn’t incredibly complicated for most semi-experienced After Effects users, but it does take quite a bit of time if you’re not familiar with the process, especially considering the fact that you’re not just making muzzle flashes but smoke and light burst effects as well.
If going DIY with your muzzle flash assets isn’t your first choice, you can always use plugins. Though you’ll have to shell out a bit of cash, it’ll save you a ton of time (and sanity) at the end of the day.
Image credit: Film Riot
