how do I create heat shimmer in FCP?
I want to create the heat shimmering look that you see in movies when looking out over the desert, or a hard blacktop. Can I do it natively in FCP or do I need to search out a plug-in? Thanks.
Mac Pro, macOS 11.4
There are a couple more filters that may be more effective than "Heat".
Don't laugh . . . they are "Underwater" and "Wave" in the same Distortion category.
OK, they are ridiculous when applied in the default mode but if you adjust the various parameters in the Inspector to reduce their effects you can get quite a good shimmering simulation.
To add a little more verisimilitude to the effect you can add a little yellow/orange to the colouring of the clip.
