@Dr-Sassi Thanks for your quick reply! I think i'll need to pull this apart and do some more experimenting before i get the required results.
Still confused as to why the basic materials are visible when i place lights but the metallic and crystal ones aren't?
Anyway i keep trying to learn when i have the time. Unfortunately it's a very small part of my work.
Cheers!

Just wondering when importing an Adobe Illustrator file with CV-ArtSmart Object, should it be, or is there a way to ensure the model/artboard is centered? Double checked the AI file and it seems to be okay. Slightly off on the X and Y axis.
Cheers

C4D Version 2023.1.3
This is my first C4D project and very new to 3D graphics in general. Theatrical and Videography background, using Adobe Pr, Ae, Ai.
Making School Crest 3D. Animating various effects
Created a scene with back, side and top lights
Saving MP4 with Alpha to make a Track Matte so the final video has transparency and can be overlaid onto any background.
No problems with basic color materials but when experimenting with some metallic and glass effects I am having trouble. See Photo's
As soon as I put a Physical Sky in, no problems but then I can't get the transparency?
Obviously I'm missing some basic principal. Had a quick look for tutorial. Any help or direction to an appropriate learning resource would be greatly appreciated.
All examples are the same lighting and camera position except the obvious addition of the Physical Sky
Cheers,
Zappa
Ravo Crest Materials.c4d