This script turns 'Accept lights and shadows' for selected layers on or off.

This expression creates a flickering effect on a layer - similar to a flickering neon light.

After Effects lights can be moved around in 3D space but a lens flare effect can only move in 2D space on the X and Y axis.

A practical application of a layer space transform.
Not very new, but still very useful.
by Dan Ebberts's resource for After Effects scripting and expressions

Eran Stern teaches you how to control the scattering of light in a composition using adjustment light.

Motion designer Harry Frank shows how to breath new life or make a retro look with standard After Effects Lens Flare by using Shape Layers and Trapcode Shine.

With this preset you can prevent "CC Light Rays" to cause a light spot if it's not over an opaque part of a layer.

Here is a project file that adds an anamorphic stripe and star around the standard AE lens flare.