TOPIC LOCATION:     `Stage Editor`;     `Object Menu (Stage)`

PRECEDING TOPIC:    `Actor (Normal)`
FOLLOWING TOPIC:    `Camera`

Light Source
A Light Source is the other type of`variable actor`(besides a normal
object).  You can specify a maximum of 32,000 light sources in an
animation.  The Light Source info requester lets you set:
 
Start\End Frame
Start\End Frame represents the animation frames in which a light source
exists.  Changing these numbers will automatically adjust the actor
`timelines`for the light source.

Spherical
Spherical casts light in a spherical pattern.  This can be compared to the
light transmitted by a lightbulb; light shines in all directions.

Cylindrical
Cylindrical light acts like a spotlight where the light is concentrated in
a beam.  This light beam is defined by length (Y) and radius (X).  It is a
directional light that only shines on objects that fall directly in its
path.  The size control channel in the action script is used to set the X
and Y dimensions for a cylindrical light.

Conical
A Conical light source casts a directional pattern that starts from a
single point and spreads out in a cone shaped pattern.  Its length (Y) and
radius (X) dimensions are set using the size control channel in the action
script.

Cast Shadows
By default, light sources do not cast shadows.  This effectively decreases
rendering time.  Activating Cast Shadows will generate any possible shadows
cast by objects.  Full`trace mode`must be used in order to generate
shadows.

Diminish Intensity
By default, the intensity of light sources remains constant; the distance
of a light source from an object does not affect brightness.  Selecting
Diminish Intensity causes brightness to be affected by the light sources
distance.

Red\Green\Blue Intensity
By Default, light source normally transmits white light (all R,G,and B
values = 255).  You can adjust the RGB values to cause a light source to
transmit in any of over 16 million possible colors.

Transition frame count
The Transition Frame Count value is used to morph a light source's color,
intensity, or shape.  Morphing is achieved by adding a light source so that
it exists in one frame (for example, lets say frame 1).  Set the initial
settings for the light source: `Spherical`,`Conical`,`Cast Shadows`,
`Color`, etc.  On the same actor control line a second light source
`timeline`is added from frame 2 thru the last frame; let's say our last
frame is 20.  Set the second light source's desired`Color`,`Intensity`or
Shape.  To create a smooth transition, we would enter 18 for the
transition frame count.  The light source's settings will morph smoothly
from frame 1 to 20.  Typically, a smooth transition is achieved by
subtracting 2 from the total number of frames in the transition.  Lower
numbers create more abrupt changes.

