I need to create an effect that will blow sand across a background, etching away a logo underneath.  I have Avid Media Composer Adrenaline, with Boris 4 FX.  Any help would be appreciated.

 I'm going to assume you mean Boris Continuum and you don't have After Effects. You don't indicate which version of MC you have, but look for particle generator in Boris, and if you have it, check the illusion group of effects as well. You could create a moving cloud of particles that would mask a wipe underneath to reveal the logo. I know the look you want - the Bellisarivs Production look. I think you'll only be able to get close to it within MC. After Effects would give you exactly what you want.

 Take al ook at this !

 You could also do the job in Blender.  It's a complete free 3D package, and its particle tools could definitely do what you want.

I use Particle Illusion for stuff like that. You can build it from a preset (there are thousands) then output as TGA sequence with alpha to key over your logo. Not expensive - www.wondertouch.com

 Glad you agree with me !

 I agree with Sep and Ronn about Wondertouch's Particle Illusion.

It is easy to work with and each month there is a free download of a new group of emitters.

Regards,

Douglas

Blender is a great program for the price - but you'll need weeks and weeks to even begin to use it.

As an alternative, I'll throw out an old-school option: how about doing it as a practical effect. Use white sand (or salt or sugar) against a black background, and shoot it with your camera. Then, use this video with a luma key. You can always color the white sand brown or whatever color you want later using the color-corrector.

Just a thought.

 I like Atomikes' idea a lot. Add to it a fan with a continuously variable motor to drive the "sand" and you'll have something truly unique that may very well look better than anything you can do digitally. Plus it's a lot of fun to stage something like that. Kind of like going back to the sandbox again!

From one who's done this - sand needs a lot of "blow" to make it move.  Breadcrumbs look pretty much the same and are much lighter.  You can move them with a hair dryer.  Much easier to control.

As Sep knows, I'm a huge particleIllusion fan - and it's well worth the price for a whole host of effects.

However, none of they're present presets comes to mind for what you need.

I do however have a (very old) stock footage tape with sand that's blown off screen (and it's alpha!) - in SD Pal - that I'd be happy to email to you.  Contact me off-forum.

God, remember the days when all your little tricks were on a GFX Tape!

 Yes Ra-ey, I guess you're right about the "blow sand" FX which doesn't exist as a preset. But particule Illusion may be set with other emitters to do the job.

Your stock footage (however) also would interest me !.

absolutely Sep, will email tomorrow.

Many thanks my friend. 

Hey Sep, sent you an email asking for your email address...

When did they take them off here...?