yes... you have to create 2 keyframes right next to each other, i.e. one frame after the other. If you change the frame rate, you'll have to move them manually (since they'll stay in the same relative position in actual time) Another easy technique is just to move the object 'way off camera. Just make sure that the two keyframes in question are right next to each other, otherwise you'll see the object zipping off the screen. last note: if you're going to do the transparent thing, make sure to select "Blend Transparency" from the render options pull-down menu in the material editor (in the middle upper right corner, just next to the texture component channels). Wouldn't it be nice if you could animate the "hidden" attribute in the attributes dialog box? ::sigh:: cheers --flick