Falcon, Your effects are very nice and I think are just what arcady is looking for.

However, I had to play with this myself and was surprised to find that in the latest version of C5pro light effects DO go through transparency. The secret is to turn OFF "Cast Shadows" in the transparent objects properties.

Here is a quick render:

On the right a spot light inside a sphere with a spotted gel, light cone with 3d shadows enabled.

The transparent sphere has been softened with color and glow both modified with Shader OPs (long live DCG) fake fresnel.

There is a 75% transparent thin sheet you can just see tween the lighted sphere and the cube.

The cube has been shaded with a "bumpy aluminum" from the presets.

Just thought I would point out some of the things possible.

Ed