here is my lighting effect please comment and give tips
http://www.fileize.com/view/f52660eb-7b3/

I love the effect, but i think you should have more sparks at the base of the lightning (on top) not too many though. and when you have it flash the seconed time maybe have a small branch off going sideways diagnall. but not too much so it looks defiant. like still have it go with the flow. (follow the leaer but in your own way).


and then after the 3rd or 4th flash have a smaller one doubble off.


example. LIGTHING STRIKE. - flash - dissapate - flash/branch off and dissapaite - flash - flash - small branch off of two - dissapate. (end). you know? sounds complicated but its really simple :P

if your using flash 8: hit F8 ... make a new movie clip symbol, then copy and paste your frames from the lightning into the symbol, place in the same spot as you had it before, and add a filter effects glow, blue looks sick as shit, make sure you have the strength of the glow waaayyy up... and also the comment above will make it look super fantastic.