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Watch the tutorial
Step 1: Apply the Lens Flare effect
Select your clip on the timeline. Open the Effects panel, search for Lens Flare and drag Video Effects > Generate > Lens Flare onto the clip. A bright flare now appears somewhere in your picture.
Faster with BetterFX: skip the Effects panel. Press your BetterFX shortcut, type the first letters of Lens Flare and press Enter to apply it to the selected clip. Get BetterFX
Step 2: Zoom in and place the flare on the wand tip
Open Effect Controls and click the name Lens Flare so a small target appears in the Program Monitor. Set the monitor zoom to 150% or more and move to the first frame where the wand moves. Drag the target onto the exact tip of the wand. Being zoomed in lets you place it accurately.
Step 3: Keyframe the Flare Center
Turn on the stopwatch next to Flare Center to set the first keyframe. Move forward a few frames, and every time the wand has moved, drag the flare back onto its tip. Premiere Pro adds a new keyframe automatically. When the wand moves fast, set keyframes on every frame. When it moves slowly, you can skip frames.
In the monitor you will see the keyframes as a trail of small dots following the wand. Play it back and check that the light stays glued to the tip. If it slips, go to that frame and nudge the flare back into place.
Step 4: Adjust the flare settings
Back in Effect Controls, tweak the other Lens Flare settings until the glow suits your shot:
- Flare Brightness: lower it so the flare does not blow out the picture.
- Lens Type: choose between 50-300mm Zoom, 35mm Prime and 105mm Prime, which change the shape and rings of the flare.
- Blend With Original: raise it to make the flare more transparent and more natural.
Step 5: Check the finished effect
Set the monitor back to Fit and play the whole clip. The flare should glow from the wand tip as it moves, like a spell being cast.
Tips
- Add sparkles. Place a sparkle overlay on top for a trail of glittering particles.
- Add a sound. A short magic chime when the flare appears makes the spell feel real.
- Use shots with clear movement. A wand that stays sharp against the background is much easier to follow.
FAQ
Where is the Lens Flare effect in Premiere Pro?
Go to Effects > Video Effects > Generate > Lens Flare, or use the search box in the Effects panel.
Can I track the wand automatically?
You can try, but a hand-keyframed Flare Center usually follows a small wand tip more reliably. For tracking with masks, see how to track and blur a face.
How do I change the flare color?
The Lens Flare effect itself has no color control. Add a color matte or a Lumetri Color adjustment on top, or use a colored overlay, to tint the flare.
Want extra magic dust for your wand? Use the Star Sparkle Overlay.
