In regard to the "black dot" that opens and closes: It's called the "Iris" and was used in many silent films. If you will recall, the Production Designer of the 1995 Academy Awards used this as the theme for the set of the awards, tying in the old Charlie Chaplin comedy films with the theme of the awards as a tribute to comedy. The presenters (most of them) stood behind the closed iris and then walked out through it onto the stage toward the audience as it opened. The Iris is a visual effect taken from how a camera's apeture and shutter work. Is this what you were asking about? Fiona C. Quick University of Minnesota ---- To signoff SCREEN-L, e-mail [log in to unmask] and put SIGNOFF SCREEN-L in the message. Problems? Contact [log in to unmask]