diff --git a/BackgroundEffects/Centered.lua b/BackgroundEffects/Centered.lua
index ef0cf4590a..5ee918a626 100644
--- a/BackgroundEffects/Centered.lua
+++ b/BackgroundEffects/Centered.lua
@@ -1,20 +1,11 @@
-local Color1 = color(Var "Color1");
-
-local t = Def.ActorFrame {
-	LoadActor(Var "File1") .. {
-		OnCommand=function(self)
-			self:x(SCREEN_CENTER_X);
-			self:y(SCREEN_CENTER_Y);
-			self:diffuse(Color1);
-			self:effectclock("music");
-		end;
-		GainFocusCommand=function(self)
-			self:play();
-		end;
-		LoseFocusCommand=function(self)
-			self:pause();
-		end;
-	};
-};
-
-return t;
+local Color1 = color(Var "Color1");
+
+local t = Def.ActorFrame {
+	LoadActor(Var "File1") .. {
+		OnCommand=cmd(x,SCREEN_CENTER_X;y,SCREEN_CENTER_Y;diffuse,Color1;effectclock,"music");
+		GainFocusCommand=cmd(play);
+		LoseFocusCommand=cmd(pause);
+	};
+};
+
+return t;
diff --git a/BackgroundEffects/Checkerboard1File2x2.lua b/BackgroundEffects/Checkerboard1File2x2.lua
index e177362fce..0d092febbe 100644
--- a/BackgroundEffects/Checkerboard1File2x2.lua
+++ b/BackgroundEffects/Checkerboard1File2x2.lua
@@ -1,45 +1,16 @@
-local Color1 = color(Var "Color1");
-
-local a = LoadActor(Var "File1") .. {
-	OnCommand=function(self)
-		self:cropto(SCREEN_WIDTH / 2);
-		self:zoomtoheight(SCREEN_HEIGHT / 2);
-		self:diffuse(Color1);
-		self:effectclock("music");
-	end;
-	GainFocusCommand=function(self)
-		self:play();
-	end;
-	LoseFocusCommand=function(self)
-		self:pause();
-	end;
-};
-
-local t = Def.ActorFrame {
-	a .. {
-		OnCommand = function(self)
-			self:x(scale(1, 0, 4, SCREEN_LEFT, SCREEN_RIGHT));
-			self:y(scale(1, 0, 4, SCREEN_TOP, SCREEN_BOTTOM));
-		end;
-	};
-	a .. {
-		OnCommand = function(self)
-			self:x(scale(3, 0, 4, SCREEN_LEFT, SCREEN_RIGHT));
-			self:y(scale(1, 0, 4, SCREEN_TOP, SCREEN_BOTTOM));
-		end;
-	};
-	a .. {
-		OnCommand = function(self)
-			self:x(scale(1, 0, 4, SCREEN_LEFT, SCREEN_RIGHT));
-			self:y(scale(3, 0, 4, SCREEN_TOP, SCREEN_BOTTOM));
-		end;
-	};
-	a .. {
-		OnCommand = function(self)
-			self:x(scale(3, 0, 4, SCREEN_LEFT, SCREEN_RIGHT));
-			self:y(scale(3, 0, 4, SCREEN_TOP, SCREEN_BOTTOM));
-		end;
-	};
-};
-
-return t;
+local Color1 = color(Var "Color1");
+
+local a = LoadActor(Var "File1") .. {
+	OnCommand=cmd(cropto,SCREEN_WIDTH/2;zoomtoheight,SCREEN_HEIGHT/2;diffuse,Color1;effectclock,"music");
+	GainFocusCommand=cmd(play);
+	LoseFocusCommand=cmd(pause);
+};
+
+local t = Def.ActorFrame {
+	a .. { OnCommand=cmd(x,scale(1,0,4,SCREEN_LEFT,SCREEN_RIGHT);y,scale(1,0,4,SCREEN_TOP,SCREEN_BOTTOM)); };
+	a .. { OnCommand=cmd(x,scale(3,0,4,SCREEN_LEFT,SCREEN_RIGHT);y,scale(1,0,4,SCREEN_TOP,SCREEN_BOTTOM)); };
+	a .. { OnCommand=cmd(x,scale(1,0,4,SCREEN_LEFT,SCREEN_RIGHT);y,scale(3,0,4,SCREEN_TOP,SCREEN_BOTTOM)); };
+	a .. { OnCommand=cmd(x,scale(3,0,4,SCREEN_LEFT,SCREEN_RIGHT);y,scale(3,0,4,SCREEN_TOP,SCREEN_BOTTOM)); };
+};
+
+return t;
diff --git a/BackgroundEffects/Checkerboard2File2x2.lua b/BackgroundEffects/Checkerboard2File2x2.lua
index a1b5689d86..71d59e85da 100644
--- a/BackgroundEffects/Checkerboard2File2x2.lua
+++ b/BackgroundEffects/Checkerboard2File2x2.lua
@@ -1,61 +1,23 @@
-local Color1 = color(Var "Color1");
-local Color2 = color(Var "Color2");
-
-local a1 = LoadActor(Var "File1") .. {
-	OnCommand=function(self)
-		self:cropto(SCREEN_WIDTH / 2);
-		self:zoomtoheight(SCREEN_HEIGHT / 2);
-		self:diffuse(Color1);
-		self:effectclock("music");
-	end;
-	GainFocusCommand=function(self)
-		self:play();
-	end;
-	LoseFocusCommand=function(self)
-		self:pause();
-	end;
-};
-local a2 = LoadActor(Var "File2") .. {
-	OnCommand=function(self)
-		self:cropto(SCREEN_WIDTH / 2);
-		self:zoomtoheight(SCREEN_HEIGHT / 2);
-		self:diffuse(Color2);
-		self:effectclock("music");
-	end;
-	GainFocusCommand=function(self)
-		self:play();
-	end;
-	LoseFocusCommand=function(self)
-		self:pause();
-	end;
-};
-
-local t = Def.ActorFrame {
-	a1 .. {
-		OnCommand = function(self)
-			self:x(scale(1, 0, 4, SCREEN_LEFT, SCREEN_RIGHT));
-			self:y(scale(1, 0, 4, SCREEN_TOP, SCREEN_BOTTOM));
-		end;
-	};
-	a2 .. {
-		OnCommand = function(self)
-			self:x(scale(3, 0, 4, SCREEN_LEFT, SCREEN_RIGHT));
-			self:y(scale(1, 0, 4, SCREEN_TOP, SCREEN_BOTTOM));
-		end;
-	};
-	a2 .. {
-		OnCommand = function(self)
-			self:x(scale(1, 0, 4, SCREEN_LEFT, SCREEN_RIGHT));
-			self:y(scale(3, 0, 4, SCREEN_TOP, SCREEN_BOTTOM));
-		end;
-	};
-	a1 .. {
-		OnCommand = function(self)
-			self:x(scale(3, 0, 4, SCREEN_LEFT, SCREEN_RIGHT));
-			self:y(scale(3, 0, 4, SCREEN_TOP, SCREEN_BOTTOM));
-		end;
-	};
-};
-
-return t;
-
+local Color1 = color(Var "Color1");
+local Color2 = color(Var "Color2");
+
+local a1 = LoadActor(Var "File1") .. {
+	OnCommand=cmd(cropto,SCREEN_WIDTH/2;zoomtoheight,SCREEN_HEIGHT/2;diffuse,Color1;effectclock,"music");
+	GainFocusCommand=cmd(play);
+	LoseFocusCommand=cmd(pause);
+};
+local a2 = LoadActor(Var "File2") .. {
+	OnCommand=cmd(cropto,SCREEN_WIDTH/2;zoomtoheight,SCREEN_HEIGHT/2;diffuse,Color2;effectclock,"music");
+	GainFocusCommand=cmd(play);
+	LoseFocusCommand=cmd(pause);
+};
+
+local t = Def.ActorFrame {
+	a1 .. { OnCommand=cmd(x,scale(1,0,4,SCREEN_LEFT,SCREEN_RIGHT);y,scale(1,0,4,SCREEN_TOP,SCREEN_BOTTOM)); };
+	a2 .. { OnCommand=cmd(x,scale(3,0,4,SCREEN_LEFT,SCREEN_RIGHT);y,scale(1,0,4,SCREEN_TOP,SCREEN_BOTTOM)); };
+	a2 .. { OnCommand=cmd(x,scale(1,0,4,SCREEN_LEFT,SCREEN_RIGHT);y,scale(3,0,4,SCREEN_TOP,SCREEN_BOTTOM)); };
+	a1 .. { OnCommand=cmd(x,scale(3,0,4,SCREEN_LEFT,SCREEN_RIGHT);y,scale(3,0,4,SCREEN_TOP,SCREEN_BOTTOM)); };
+};
+
+return t;
+
diff --git a/BackgroundEffects/Checkerboard2x2.lua b/BackgroundEffects/Checkerboard2x2.lua
index 2882c53c27..f2463110cf 100644
--- a/BackgroundEffects/Checkerboard2x2.lua
+++ b/BackgroundEffects/Checkerboard2x2.lua
@@ -1,36 +1,9 @@
--- Alternating files being played back at once
-local t = Def.ActorFrame {
-    LoadActor(Var "File1") .. { 
-		OnCommand = function(self)
-			self:x(scale(1, 0, 4, SCREEN_LEFT, SCREEN_RIGHT));
-			self:y(scale(1, 0, 4, SCREEN_TOP, SCREEN_BOTTOM));
-			self:cropto(SCREEN_WIDTH / 2, SCREEN_HEIGHT / 2);
-			self:rate(0.25);
-		end;
-	LoadActor(Var "File2") .. { 
-	OnCommand = function(self)
-			self:x(scale(3, 0, 4, SCREEN_LEFT, SCREEN_RIGHT));
-			self:y(scale(1, 0, 4, SCREEN_TOP, SCREEN_BOTTOM));
-			self:cropto(SCREEN_WIDTH / 2, SCREEN_HEIGHT / 2);
-			self:rate(0.25);
-		end;
-	};
-    LoadActor(Var "File2") .. { 
-	OnCommand = function(self)
-			self:x(scale(1, 0, 4, SCREEN_LEFT, SCREEN_RIGHT));
-			self:y(scale(3, 0, 4, SCREEN_TOP, SCREEN_BOTTOM));
-			self:cropto(SCREEN_WIDTH / 2, SCREEN_HEIGHT / 2);
-			self:rate(0.25);
-		end;
-	};
-    LoadActor(Var "File1") .. { 
-	OnCommand = function(self)
-			self:x(scale(3, 0, 4, SCREEN_LEFT, SCREEN_RIGHT));
-			self:y(scale(3, 0, 4, SCREEN_TOP, SCREEN_BOTTOM));
-			self:cropto(SCREEN_WIDTH / 2, SCREEN_HEIGHT / 2);
-			self:rate(0.25);
-		end;
-	};
-};
-
+-- Alternating files being played back at once
+local t = Def.ActorFrame {
+    LoadActor(Var "File1") .. { OnCommand=cmd(x,scale(1,0,4,SCREEN_LEFT,SCREEN_RIGHT);y,scale(1,0,4,SCREEN_TOP,SCREEN_BOTTOM);cropto,SCREEN_WIDTH/2,SCREEN_HEIGHT/2;rate,0.25) };
+    LoadActor(Var "File2") .. { OnCommand=cmd(x,scale(3,0,4,SCREEN_LEFT,SCREEN_RIGHT);y,scale(1,0,4,SCREEN_TOP,SCREEN_BOTTOM);cropto,SCREEN_WIDTH/2,SCREEN_HEIGHT/2;rate,0.25) };
+    LoadActor(Var "File2") .. { OnCommand=cmd(x,scale(1,0,4,SCREEN_LEFT,SCREEN_RIGHT);y,scale(3,0,4,SCREEN_TOP,SCREEN_BOTTOM);cropto,SCREEN_WIDTH/2,SCREEN_HEIGHT/2;rate,0.25) };
+    LoadActor(Var "File1") .. { OnCommand=cmd(x,scale(3,0,4,SCREEN_LEFT,SCREEN_RIGHT);y,scale(3,0,4,SCREEN_TOP,SCREEN_BOTTOM);cropto,SCREEN_WIDTH/2,SCREEN_HEIGHT/2;rate,0.25) };
+};
+
 return t
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/BackgroundEffects/File1FlashOverlay.lua b/BackgroundEffects/File1FlashOverlay.lua
index 2df48d4213..bf059a137d 100644
--- a/BackgroundEffects/File1FlashOverlay.lua
+++ b/BackgroundEffects/File1FlashOverlay.lua
@@ -4,21 +4,9 @@ local Color2 = color(Var "Color2");
 local t = Def.ActorFrame {};
 
 t[#t+1] = LoadActor(Var "File1") .. {
-	OnCommand=function(self)
-		self:diffuse(Color1);
-		self:blend("BlendMode_Add");
-		self:x(SCREEN_CENTER_X);
-		self:y(SCREEN_CENTER_Y);
-		self:scale_or_crop_background();
-		self:linear(1);
-		self:diffusealpha(0);
-	end;
-	GainFocusCommand=function(self)
-		self:play();
-	end;
-	LoseFocusCommand=function(self)
-		self:pause();
-	end;
+	OnCommand=cmd(diffuse,Color1;blend,"BlendMode_Add";x,SCREEN_CENTER_X;y,SCREEN_CENTER_Y;scale_or_crop_background;linear,1;diffusealpha,0);
+	GainFocusCommand=cmd(play);
+	LoseFocusCommand=cmd(pause);
 };
 
 return t;
diff --git a/BackgroundEffects/File2Flash.lua b/BackgroundEffects/File2Flash.lua
index ee78c5be34..dd98d708ff 100644
--- a/BackgroundEffects/File2Flash.lua
+++ b/BackgroundEffects/File2Flash.lua
@@ -4,38 +4,16 @@ local Color2 = color(Var "Color2");
 local t = Def.ActorFrame {};
 
 t[#t+1] = LoadActor(Var "File1") .. {
-	OnCommand=function(self)
-		self:x(SCREEN_CENTER_X);
-		self:y(SCREEN_CENTER_Y);
-		self:scale_or_crop_background();
-		self:diffuse(Color1);
-		self:effectclock("music");
-	end;
-	GainFocusCommand=function(self)
-		self:play();
-	end;
-	LoseFocusCommand=function(self)
-		self:pause();
-	end;
+	OnCommand=cmd(x,SCREEN_CENTER_X;y,SCREEN_CENTER_Y;scale_or_crop_background;diffuse,Color1;effectclock,"music");
+	GainFocusCommand=cmd(play);
+	LoseFocusCommand=cmd(pause);
 };
 
 if Var("File2") ~= nil then
 	t[#t+1] = LoadActor(Var("File2")) .. {
-		OnCommand=function(self)
-			self:x(SCREEN_CENTER_X);
-			self:y(SCREEN_CENTER_Y);
-			self:scale_or_crop_background();
-			self:diffuse(Color2);
-			self:effectclock("music");
-			self:linear(1);
-			self:diffusealpha(0);
-		end;
-		GainFocusCommand=function(self)
-			self:play();
-		end;
-		LoseFocusCommand=function(self)
-			self:pause();
-		end;
+		OnCommand=cmd(x,SCREEN_CENTER_X;y,SCREEN_CENTER_Y;scale_or_crop_background;diffuse,Color2;effectclock,"music";linear,1;diffusealpha,0);
+		GainFocusCommand=cmd(play);
+		LoseFocusCommand=cmd(pause);
 	};
 end;
 
diff --git a/BackgroundEffects/File2Normal.lua b/BackgroundEffects/File2Normal.lua
index f844c7ffac..318a36bee1 100644
--- a/BackgroundEffects/File2Normal.lua
+++ b/BackgroundEffects/File2Normal.lua
@@ -5,36 +5,16 @@ local stretchBG = PREFSMAN:GetPreference("StretchBackgrounds")
 local t = Def.ActorFrame {};
 
 t[#t+1] = LoadActor(Var "File1") .. {
-	OnCommand=function(self)
-		self:x(SCREEN_CENTER_X);
-		self:y(SCREEN_CENTER_Y);
-		self:scale_or_crop_background();
-		self:diffuse(Color1);
-		self:effectclock("music");
-	end;
-	GainFocusCommand=function(self)
-		self:play();
-	end;
-	LoseFocusCommand=function(self)
-		self:pause();
-	end;
+	OnCommand=cmd(x,SCREEN_CENTER_X;y,SCREEN_CENTER_Y;scale_or_crop_background;diffuse,Color1;effectclock,"music");
+	GainFocusCommand=cmd(play);
+	LoseFocusCommand=cmd(pause);
 };
 
 if Var("File2") ~= nil then
 	t[#t+1] = LoadActor(Var("File2")) .. {
-	OnCommand=function(self)
-		self:x(SCREEN_CENTER_X);
-		self:y(SCREEN_CENTER_Y);
-		self:scale_or_crop_background();
-		self:diffuse(Color2); -- originally Color1: assuming mistake.
-		self:effectclock("music");
-	end;
-	GainFocusCommand=function(self)
-		self:play();
-	end;
-	LoseFocusCommand=function(self)
-		self:pause();
-	end;
+	OnCommand=cmd(x,SCREEN_CENTER_X;y,SCREEN_CENTER_Y;scale_or_crop_background;diffuse,Color1;effectclock,"music");
+	GainFocusCommand=cmd(play);
+	LoseFocusCommand=cmd(pause);
 	};
 end;
 
diff --git a/BackgroundEffects/Kaleidoscope2x2.lua b/BackgroundEffects/Kaleidoscope2x2.lua
index 2fa60d1af6..834dd4f7a4 100644
--- a/BackgroundEffects/Kaleidoscope2x2.lua
+++ b/BackgroundEffects/Kaleidoscope2x2.lua
@@ -1,46 +1,16 @@
-local Color1 = color(Var "Color1");
-
-local a = LoadActor(Var "File1") .. {
-	OnCommand=function(self)
-		self:cropto(SCREEN_WIDTH / 2, SCREEN_HEIGHT / 2);
-		self:diffuse(Color1);
-		self:zoomx(self:GetZoomX() * -1);
-		self:zoomy(self:GetZoomY() * -1);
-		self:effectclock("music");
-	end;
-	GainFocusCommand=function(self)
-		self:play();
-	end;
-	LoseFocusCommand=function(self)
-		self:pause();
-	end;
-};
-
-local t = Def.ActorFrame {
-	a .. {
-		OnCommand = function(self)
-			self:x(scale(1, 0, 4, SCREEN_LEFT, SCREEN_RIGHT));
-			self:y(scale(1, 0, 4, SCREEN_TOP, SCREEN_BOTTOM));
-		end;
-	};
-	a .. {
-		OnCommand = function(self)
-			self:x(scale(3, 0, 4, SCREEN_LEFT, SCREEN_RIGHT));
-			self:y(scale(1, 0, 4, SCREEN_TOP, SCREEN_BOTTOM));
-		end;
-	};
-	a .. {
-		OnCommand = function(self)
-			self:x(scale(1, 0, 4, SCREEN_LEFT, SCREEN_RIGHT));
-			self:y(scale(3, 0, 4, SCREEN_TOP, SCREEN_BOTTOM));
-		end;
-	};
-	a .. {
-		OnCommand = function(self)
-			self:x(scale(3, 0, 4, SCREEN_LEFT, SCREEN_RIGHT));
-			self:y(scale(3, 0, 4, SCREEN_TOP, SCREEN_BOTTOM));
-		end;
-	};
-};
-
-return t;
+local Color1 = color(Var "Color1");
+
+local a = LoadActor(Var "File1") .. {
+	OnCommand=cmd(cropto,SCREEN_WIDTH/2,SCREEN_HEIGHT/2;diffuse,Color1;zoomx,self:GetZoomX()*-1;zoomy,self:GetZoomY()*-1;effectclock,"music");
+	GainFocusCommand=cmd(play);
+	LoseFocusCommand=cmd(pause);
+};
+
+local t = Def.ActorFrame {
+	a .. { OnCommand=cmd(x,scale(1,0,4,SCREEN_LEFT,SCREEN_RIGHT);y,scale(1,0,4,SCREEN_TOP,SCREEN_BOTTOM)); };
+	a .. { OnCommand=cmd(x,scale(3,0,4,SCREEN_LEFT,SCREEN_RIGHT);y,scale(1,0,4,SCREEN_TOP,SCREEN_BOTTOM)); };
+	a .. { OnCommand=cmd(x,scale(1,0,4,SCREEN_LEFT,SCREEN_RIGHT);y,scale(3,0,4,SCREEN_TOP,SCREEN_BOTTOM)); };
+	a .. { OnCommand=cmd(x,scale(3,0,4,SCREEN_LEFT,SCREEN_RIGHT);y,scale(3,0,4,SCREEN_TOP,SCREEN_BOTTOM)); };
+};
+
+return t;
diff --git a/BackgroundEffects/OverlayAdd.lua b/BackgroundEffects/OverlayAdd.lua
index 7f4b293244..dd918ddda0 100644
--- a/BackgroundEffects/OverlayAdd.lua
+++ b/BackgroundEffects/OverlayAdd.lua
@@ -3,19 +3,9 @@ local Color1 = color(Var "Color1");
 local t = Def.ActorFrame {};
 
 t[#t+1] = LoadActor(Var "File1") .. {
-	OnCommand=function(self)
-		self:diffuse(Color1);
-		self:blend("BlendMode_Add");
-		self:x(SCREEN_CENTER_X);
-		self:y(SCREEN_CENTER_Y);
-		self:scale_or_crop_background();
-	end;
-	GainFocusCommand=function(self)
-		self:play();
-	end;
-	LoseFocusCommand=function(self)
-		self:pause();
-	end;
+	OnCommand=cmd(diffuse,Color1;blend,"BlendMode_Add";x,SCREEN_CENTER_X;y,SCREEN_CENTER_Y;scale_or_crop_background;);
+		GainFocusCommand=cmd(play);
+		LoseFocusCommand=cmd(pause);
 };
 
 return t;
diff --git a/BackgroundEffects/SongBgWithMovieViz.lua b/BackgroundEffects/SongBgWithMovieViz.lua
index ee73b3da5d..a9597aa256 100644
--- a/BackgroundEffects/SongBgWithMovieViz.lua
+++ b/BackgroundEffects/SongBgWithMovieViz.lua
@@ -1,38 +1,25 @@
-local Color1 = color(Var "Color1");
-local Color2 = color(Var "Color2");
-local stretchBG = PREFSMAN:GetPreference("StretchBackgrounds")
-
-local t = Def.ActorFrame {
-	Def.Sprite {
-		OnCommand=function(self)
-			self:LoadFromCurrentSongBackground()
-			self:xy(SCREEN_CENTER_X,SCREEN_CENTER_Y)
-			if stretchBG then
-				self:SetSize(SCREEN_WIDTH,SCREEN_HEIGHT)
-			else
-				self:scale_or_crop_background();
-			end
-			self:diffuse(Color1)
-			self:effectclock("music")
-		end;
-	};
-
-	LoadActor(Var "File1") .. {
-		OnCommand=function(self)
-			self:blend("BlendMode_Add");
-			self:x(SCREEN_CENTER_X);
-			self:y(SCREEN_CENTER_Y);
-			self:scale_or_crop_background();
-			self:diffuse(Color2);
-			self:effectclock("music");
-		end;
-		GainFocusCommand=function(self)
-			self:play();
-		end;
-		LoseFocusCommand=function(self)
-			self:pause();
-		end;
-	};
-};
-
-return t;
+local Color1 = color(Var "Color1");
+local Color2 = color(Var "Color2");
+local stretchBG = PREFSMAN:GetPreference("StretchBackgrounds")
+
+local t = Def.ActorFrame {
+	Def.Sprite {
+		OnCommand=function(self)
+			self:LoadFromCurrentSongBackground()
+			self:xy(SCREEN_CENTER_X,SCREEN_CENTER_Y)
+			if stretchBG then self:SetSize(SCREEN_WIDTH,SCREEN_HEIGHT)
+			else self:scale_or_crop_background();
+			end
+			self:diffuse(Color1)
+			self:effectclock("music")
+		end;
+	};
+
+	LoadActor(Var "File1") .. {
+		OnCommand=cmd(blend,"BlendMode_Add";x,SCREEN_CENTER_X;y,SCREEN_CENTER_Y;scale_or_crop_background;diffuse,Color2;effectclock,"music");
+		GainFocusCommand=cmd(play);
+		LoseFocusCommand=cmd(pause);
+	};
+};
+
+return t;
diff --git a/BackgroundEffects/StretchNoLoop.lua b/BackgroundEffects/StretchNoLoop.lua
index 4edebb29d6..c48fe01b0a 100644
--- a/BackgroundEffects/StretchNoLoop.lua
+++ b/BackgroundEffects/StretchNoLoop.lua
@@ -1,22 +1,11 @@
-local Color1 = color(Var "Color1");
-
-local t = Def.ActorFrame {
-	LoadActor(Var "File1") .. {
-		OnCommand=function(self)
-			self:x(SCREEN_CENTER_X);
-			self:y(SCREEN_CENTER_Y);
-			self:scale_or_crop_background();
-			self:diffuse(Color1);
-			self:loop(false);
-			self:effectclock("music");
-		end;
-		GainFocusCommand=function(self)
-			self:play();
-		end;
-		LoseFocusCommand=function(self)
-			self:pause();
-		end;
-	};
-};
-
-return t;
+local Color1 = color(Var "Color1");
+
+local t = Def.ActorFrame {
+	LoadActor(Var "File1") .. {
+		OnCommand=cmd(x,SCREEN_CENTER_X;y,SCREEN_CENTER_Y;scale_or_crop_background;diffuse,Color1;loop,false;effectclock,"music");
+		GainFocusCommand=cmd(play);
+		LoseFocusCommand=cmd(pause);
+	};
+};
+
+return t;
diff --git a/BackgroundEffects/StretchNormal.lua b/BackgroundEffects/StretchNormal.lua
index d95718281b..0edf91f0f1 100644
--- a/BackgroundEffects/StretchNormal.lua
+++ b/BackgroundEffects/StretchNormal.lua
@@ -1,23 +1,19 @@
-local Color1 = color(Var "Color1");
-local stretchBG = PREFSMAN:GetPreference("StretchBackgrounds")
-
-local t = Def.ActorFrame {
-	LoadActor(Var "File1") .. {
-		OnCommand=function(self)
-			self:xy(SCREEN_CENTER_X,SCREEN_CENTER_Y)
-			if stretchBG then self:SetSize(SCREEN_WIDTH,SCREEN_HEIGHT)
-			else self:scale_or_crop_background();
-			end
-			self:diffuse(Color1)
-			self:effectclock("music")
-		end;
-		GainFocusCommand=function(self)
-			self:play();
-		end;
-		LoseFocusCommand=function(self)
-			self:pause();
-		end;
-	};
-};
-
-return t;
+local Color1 = color(Var "Color1");
+local stretchBG = PREFSMAN:GetPreference("StretchBackgrounds")
+
+local t = Def.ActorFrame {
+	LoadActor(Var "File1") .. {
+		OnCommand=function(self)
+			self:xy(SCREEN_CENTER_X,SCREEN_CENTER_Y)
+			if stretchBG then self:SetSize(SCREEN_WIDTH,SCREEN_HEIGHT)
+			else self:scale_or_crop_background();
+			end
+			self:diffuse(Color1)
+			self:effectclock("music")
+		end;
+		GainFocusCommand=cmd(play);
+		LoseFocusCommand=cmd(pause);
+	};
+};
+
+return t;
diff --git a/BackgroundEffects/StretchNormalAlignLeft.lua b/BackgroundEffects/StretchNormalAlignLeft.lua
index cc028423e0..b145ef69d2 100644
--- a/BackgroundEffects/StretchNormalAlignLeft.lua
+++ b/BackgroundEffects/StretchNormalAlignLeft.lua
@@ -1,22 +1,12 @@
--- Align left when cropping to 4:3.
-local Color1 = color(Var "Color1");
-
-local t = Def.ActorFrame {
-	LoadActor(Var "File1") .. {
-		OnCommand=function(self)
-			self:x(SCREEN_CENTER_X);
-			self:y(SCREEN_CENTER_Y);
-			self:scale_or_crop_background();
-			self:diffuse(Color1);
-			self:effectclock("music");
-		end;
-		GainFocusCommand=function(self)
-			self:play();
-		end;
-		LoseFocusCommand=function(self)
-			self:pause();
-		end;
-	};
-};
-
-return t;
+-- Align left when cropping to 4:3.
+local Color1 = color(Var "Color1");
+
+local t = Def.ActorFrame {
+	LoadActor(Var "File1") .. {
+		OnCommand=cmd(x,SCREEN_CENTER_X;y,SCREEN_CENTER_Y;scale_or_crop_background;diffuse,Color1;effectclock,"music");
+		GainFocusCommand=cmd(play);
+		LoseFocusCommand=cmd(pause);
+	};
+};
+
+return t;
diff --git a/BackgroundEffects/StretchNormalBlue.lua b/BackgroundEffects/StretchNormalBlue.lua
index 0d7f1a4a86..b5b7c629fb 100644
--- a/BackgroundEffects/StretchNormalBlue.lua
+++ b/BackgroundEffects/StretchNormalBlue.lua
@@ -1,22 +1,12 @@
--- Stretch a file with blue diffusion.
-local Color1 = color("0,0,1,1");
-
-local t = Def.ActorFrame {
-	LoadActor(Var "File1") .. {
-		OnCommand=function(self)
-			self:x(SCREEN_CENTER_X);
-			self:y(SCREEN_CENTER_Y);
-			self:scale_or_crop_background();
-			self:diffuse(Color1);
-			self:effectclock("music");
-		end;
-		GainFocusCommand=function(self)
-			self:play();
-		end;
-		LoseFocusCommand=function(self)
-			self:pause();
-		end;
-	};
-};
-
-return t;
+-- Stretch a file with blue diffusion.
+local Color1 = color("0,0,1,1");
+
+local t = Def.ActorFrame {
+	LoadActor(Var "File1") .. {
+		OnCommand=cmd(x,SCREEN_CENTER_X;y,SCREEN_CENTER_Y;scale_or_crop_background;diffuse,Color1;effectclock,"music");
+		GainFocusCommand=cmd(play);
+		LoseFocusCommand=cmd(pause);
+	};
+};
+
+return t;
diff --git a/BackgroundEffects/StretchNormalGreen.lua b/BackgroundEffects/StretchNormalGreen.lua
index 2e5c0a0afc..f90436b90f 100644
--- a/BackgroundEffects/StretchNormalGreen.lua
+++ b/BackgroundEffects/StretchNormalGreen.lua
@@ -1,22 +1,12 @@
---- Stretch a file with green diffusion.
-local Color1 = color("0,1,0,1");
-
-local t = Def.ActorFrame {
-	LoadActor(Var "File1") .. {
-		OnCommand=function(self)
-			self:x(SCREEN_CENTER_X);
-			self:y(SCREEN_CENTER_Y);
-			self:scale_or_crop_background();
-			self:diffuse(Color1);
-			self:effectclock("music");
-		end;
-		GainFocusCommand=function(self)
-			self:play();
-		end;
-		LoseFocusCommand=function(self)
-			self:pause();
-		end;
-	};
-};
-
-return t;
+--- Stretch a file with green diffusion.
+local Color1 = color("0,1,0,1");
+
+local t = Def.ActorFrame {
+	LoadActor(Var "File1") .. {
+		OnCommand=cmd(x,SCREEN_CENTER_X;y,SCREEN_CENTER_Y;scale_or_crop_background;diffuse,Color1;effectclock,"music");
+		GainFocusCommand=cmd(play);
+		LoseFocusCommand=cmd(pause);
+	};
+};
+
+return t;
diff --git a/BackgroundEffects/StretchNormalRed.lua b/BackgroundEffects/StretchNormalRed.lua
index f933924fd3..caa8ccbfa9 100644
--- a/BackgroundEffects/StretchNormalRed.lua
+++ b/BackgroundEffects/StretchNormalRed.lua
@@ -1,22 +1,12 @@
---- Stretch a file with red diffusion.
-local Color1 = color("1,0,0,1");
-
-local t = Def.ActorFrame {
-	LoadActor(Var "File1") .. {
-		OnCommand=function(self)
-			self:x(SCREEN_CENTER_X);
-			self:y(SCREEN_CENTER_Y);
-			self:scale_or_crop_background();
-			self:diffuse(Color1);
-			self:effectclock("music");
-		end;
-		GainFocusCommand=function(self)
-			self:play();
-		end;
-		LoseFocusCommand=function(self)
-			self:pause();
-		end;
-	};
-};
-
-return t;
+--- Stretch a file with red diffusion.
+local Color1 = color("1,0,0,1");
+
+local t = Def.ActorFrame {
+	LoadActor(Var "File1") .. {
+		OnCommand=cmd(x,SCREEN_CENTER_X;y,SCREEN_CENTER_Y;scale_or_crop_background;diffuse,Color1;effectclock,"music");
+		GainFocusCommand=cmd(play);
+		LoseFocusCommand=cmd(pause);
+	};
+};
+
+return t;
diff --git a/BackgroundEffects/StretchPaused.lua b/BackgroundEffects/StretchPaused.lua
index 9b77ba0b15..41c81bdd52 100644
--- a/BackgroundEffects/StretchPaused.lua
+++ b/BackgroundEffects/StretchPaused.lua
@@ -1,22 +1,11 @@
-local Color1 = color(Var "Color1");
-
-local t = Def.ActorFrame {
-	LoadActor(Var "File1") .. {
-		OnCommand=function(self)
-			self:x(SCREEN_CENTER_X);
-			self:y(SCREEN_CENTER_Y);
-			self:scale_or_crop_background();
-			self:diffuse(Color1);
-			self:pause();
-			self:effectclock("music");
-		end;
-		GainFocusCommand=function(self)
-			self:play();
-		end;
-		LoseFocusCommand=function(self)
-			self:pause();
-		end;
-	};
-};
-
-return t;
+local Color1 = color(Var "Color1");
+
+local t = Def.ActorFrame {
+	LoadActor(Var "File1") .. {
+		OnCommand=cmd(x,SCREEN_CENTER_X;y,SCREEN_CENTER_Y;scale_or_crop_background;diffuse,Color1;pause;effectclock,"music");
+		GainFocusCommand=cmd(play);
+		LoseFocusCommand=cmd(pause);
+	};
+};
+
+return t;
diff --git a/BackgroundEffects/StretchRewind.lua b/BackgroundEffects/StretchRewind.lua
index 100406b6c5..05778de7ce 100644
--- a/BackgroundEffects/StretchRewind.lua
+++ b/BackgroundEffects/StretchRewind.lua
@@ -1,23 +1,12 @@
-local Color = color(Var "Color1");
-
-local t = Def.ActorFrame {
-	LoadActor(Var "File1") .. {
-		OnCommand=function(self)
-			self:x(SCREEN_CENTER_X);
-			self:y(SCREEN_CENTER_Y);
-			self:scale_or_crop_background();
-			self:diffuse(Color1);
-			self:position(0);
-			self:effectclock("music");
-		end;
-		GainFocusCommand=function(self)
-			self:play();
-		end;
-		LoseFocusCommand=function(self)
-			self:pause();
-		end;
-	};
-};
-
-return t;
-
+local Color = color(Var "Color1");
+
+local t = Def.ActorFrame {
+	LoadActor(Var "File1") .. {
+		OnCommand=cmd(x,SCREEN_CENTER_X;y,SCREEN_CENTER_Y;scale_or_crop_background;diffuse,Color1;position,0;effectclock,"music");
+		GainFocusCommand=cmd(play);
+		LoseFocusCommand=cmd(pause);
+	};
+};
+
+return t;
+
diff --git a/BackgroundEffects/UpperLeft.lua b/BackgroundEffects/UpperLeft.lua
index db11147370..0987f8f1c4 100644
--- a/BackgroundEffects/UpperLeft.lua
+++ b/BackgroundEffects/UpperLeft.lua
@@ -1,20 +1,13 @@
--- upper left corner
-local Color1 = color(Var "Color1");
-
-local t = Def.ActorFrame {
-	LoadActor(Var "File1") .. {
-		OnCommand=function(self)
-			self:diffuse(Color1);
-			self:effectclock("music");
-		end;
-		GainFocusCommand=function(self)
-			self:play();
-		end;
-		LoseFocusCommand=function(self)
-			self:pause();
-		end;
-	};
-};
-
-return t;
-
+-- upper left corner
+local Color1 = color(Var "Color1");
+
+local t = Def.ActorFrame {
+	LoadActor(Var "File1") .. {
+		OnCommand=cmd(diffuse,Color1;effectclock,"music");
+		GainFocusCommand=cmd(play);
+		LoseFocusCommand=cmd(pause);
+	};
+};
+
+return t;
+
diff --git a/BackgroundEffects/Visualization2File.lua b/BackgroundEffects/Visualization2File.lua
index be0f19155d..c729ed7b9d 100644
--- a/BackgroundEffects/Visualization2File.lua
+++ b/BackgroundEffects/Visualization2File.lua
@@ -1,39 +1,18 @@
-local Color1 = color(Var "Color1");
-local Color2 = color(Var "Color2");
-
-local t = Def.ActorFrame {
-	LoadActor(Var "File1") .. {
-		OnCommand=function(self)
-			self:x(SCREEN_CENTER_X);
-			self:y(SCREEN_CENTER_Y);
-			self:scale_or_crop_background();
-			self:diffuse(Color1);
-			self:effectclock("music");
-		end;
-		GainFocusCommand=function(self)
-			self:play();
-		end;
-		LoseFocusCommand=function(self)
-			self:pause();
-		end;
-	};
-
-	LoadActor(Var "File2") .. {
-		OnCommand=function(self)
-			self:blend("BlendMode_Add");
-			self:x(SCREEN_CENTER_X);
-			self:y(SCREEN_CENTER_Y);
-			self:scaletoclipped(SCREEN_WIDTH, SCREEN_HEIGHT);
-			self:diffuse(Color2);
-			self:effectclock("music");
-		end;
-		GainFocusCommand=function(self)
-			self:play();
-		end;
-		LoseFocusCommand=function(self)
-			self:pause();
-		end;
-	};
-};
-
-return t;
+local Color1 = color(Var "Color1");
+local Color2 = color(Var "Color2");
+
+local t = Def.ActorFrame {
+	LoadActor(Var "File1") .. {
+		OnCommand=cmd(x,SCREEN_CENTER_X;y,SCREEN_CENTER_Y;scale_or_crop_background;diffuse,Color1;effectclock,"music");
+		GainFocusCommand=cmd(play);
+		LoseFocusCommand=cmd(pause);
+	};
+
+	LoadActor(Var "File2") .. {
+		OnCommand=cmd(blend,"BlendMode_Add";x,SCREEN_CENTER_X;y,SCREEN_CENTER_Y;scaletoclipped,SCREEN_WIDTH,SCREEN_HEIGHT;diffuse,Color2;effectclock,"music");
+		GainFocusCommand=cmd(play);
+		LoseFocusCommand=cmd(pause);
+	};
+};
+
+return t;
diff --git a/BackgroundEffects/Visualization2FileFlash.lua b/BackgroundEffects/Visualization2FileFlash.lua
index 92048ac18d..9bc9f3e13f 100644
--- a/BackgroundEffects/Visualization2FileFlash.lua
+++ b/BackgroundEffects/Visualization2FileFlash.lua
@@ -4,39 +4,16 @@ local Color2 = color(Var "Color2");
 local t = Def.ActorFrame {};
 
 t[#t+1] = LoadActor(Var "File1") .. {
-	OnCommand=function(self)
-		self:x(SCREEN_CENTER_X);
-		self:y(SCREEN_CENTER_Y);
-		self:scale_or_crop_background();
-		self:diffuse(Color1);
-		self:effectclock("music");
-	end;
-	GainFocusCommand=function(self)
-		self:play();
-	end;
-	LoseFocusCommand=function(self)
-		self:pause();
-	end;
+	OnCommand=cmd(x,SCREEN_CENTER_X;y,SCREEN_CENTER_Y;scale_or_crop_background;diffuse,Color1;effectclock,"music");
+		GainFocusCommand=cmd(play);
+		LoseFocusCommand=cmd(pause);
 };
 
 if Var("File2") ~= nil then
 	t[#t+1] = LoadActor(Var("File2")) .. {
-		OnCommand=function(self)
-			self:blend("BlendMode_Add");
-			self:x(SCREEN_CENTER_X);
-			self:y(SCREEN_CENTER_Y);
-			self:scale_or_crop_background();
-			self:diffuse(Color2);
-			self:effectclock("music");
-			self:linear(1);
-			self:diffusealpha(0);
-		end;
-		GainFocusCommand=function(self)
-			self:play();
-		end;
-		LoseFocusCommand=function(self)
-			self:pause();
-		end;
+		OnCommand=cmd(blend,"BlendMode_Add";x,SCREEN_CENTER_X;y,SCREEN_CENTER_Y;scale_or_crop_background;diffuse,Color2;effectclock,"music";linear,1;diffusealpha,0);
+		GainFocusCommand=cmd(play);
+		LoseFocusCommand=cmd(pause);
 	};
 end;