How do you add gunfire animation into a movie?

Question

How do you add gunfire animation into a movie?

Answer 1

You'd use particle effects.  As a free alternative, you could use blender.  It is a 3d application.  As with any 3d application, there is a learning curve -- and even when you know the application, it still takes time to set it up and render.  

As an alternative, you could use particle illusion.  It has quality effects already created.

Either way, you will also need a compositor program to put your effect with the movie.

Answer 2

In 3D max you just add what is called a Particles. I dont know what it is on Maya. But they are fairly simple to use the problem is blending it with the lighting in your movie.

Use this tutorial for directions with max

http://3drockstar.com/creating-realistic...

If you just want to use Photoshop it wouldnt take too long just export each frame as an image and add it by hand then rerender it in Final Cut or Premiere