Are there any programs for making CGI effects for home users

[tomld]

I'm wondering if there are any software programs out there that help home users make basic CGI effects for home made movies? Such as explosions, etc? Anything like that or am I dreamin'?

[Skynet107]

You could check out www.wondertouch.com, particle illusion does particle effects very easily. BUT it has no ability to composite effects onto video, only still images so you will have to blend the effects yourself in an NLE.

[celtic_druid]

Actually you can use video as a background in particle illusion.

[guns1inger]

Particle Illusion, as mentioned, it pretty good. Also worth a look is Effects Lab (once known as AlamDV). Lots of features and reasonably priced.

[Richard_G]

Ulead Mediastudio Pro is an NLE but has a number of modules. One of these being CG Infinity. I don't think you can get just that bit on it's own but Ulead may do something similar as a stand alone.

[spectroelectro]

Alien Skin makes plug-ins for Adobe After Effects, as do many other manufacturers. Adobe Premiere and Adobe After Effects abound in fire, water, particle effects, explosion effects, ad infinitum.

[Skynet107]

Actually you can use video as a background in particle illusion.

Really. I'll have to try the app out again. Could be much more useful to me if I can composite effects on video.