I'm using AE CS3 for some title creation and for one, I'm using the text as a mask where video behind it shows through the letters. My problem is that I don't know how to have the letters reflect off a surface below it.

The project is set up with all 3D layers and a spot light positioned above and in front of the text and a 3D black solid below the text tilted mostly to the horizontal. Think of it as if the letters were sitting on a polished black table in the real world.

I cannot for the life of me get the light to reflect off the letters then to reflect off the lower surface. In theory this should be easily done as I think all the 3D material setting (accept light, cast shadows, shininess, etc.) are set the way I believe they should. However, no joy.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

Hi Tripp,

Maybe these tutorials would help:

VideoCopilot.net Video Tutorials & Post Production (http://www.videocopilot.net/tutorials/3d_reflections/)

VideoCopilot.net Video Tutorials & Post Production (http://www.videocopilot.net/tutorials/3d_reflections_with_refractions/)

VideoCopilot.net Video Tutorials & Post Production (http://www.videocopilot.net/tutorials/3d_ocean/)

You might have to adapt the technique slightly.

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Bjorn... Exactly what I was looking for. The explanation for why I wasn't getting what I wanted was the fact that AE doesn't support raytracing, but you can fake it. Very cool.

My kingdom for a real 3D app.