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A:M Forum Rules
GENERAL FORUM GUIDELINES
The A:M Forum is for technical support and the sharing of tips and ideas between users/prospective users of Hash software. It is moderated constantly by technical support representatives.
DO'S!
-Ask questions about the software.
-Assist other users... everyone was new at this once.
-Inform people of your version/platform when asking for help.
-Share resources; tutorials, models, textures, tips and techniques (link to useful websites).
-Post links to your work, or where your art is being used online (on websites, in games, toons', etc.)
-Search the A:M Forum and FAQ. The question you are about to ask may have already been answered.
-Organize and inform others about user groups, IRC chats, image and animation contests, job opportunities, etc.
-Discuss what you are working on and let everyone know about magazine reviews and articles that relate to your projects.
DON'TS!
-Do Not be rude or disrespectful or mean to other forum members in any way. Personal attacks will be removed.
-Do Not post bug/crash reports to the list (send bug/crash reports to http://www.hash.com/reports.
-Do Not complain about forum content. Complaints or suggestions can be sent directly to hash@hash.com
-Do Not reprimand other forum members for violating forum rules, that's the moderators job, which (unless you are a moderator) you are not.
-No complaining or whining on the forum or distribution of misinformation.
-No flames of any kind.
-No Off Topic posts. (Posts in the Off Topics section should be related to A:M in some form or fashion or benefit the A:M community as a whole).
-No soliciting of any kind without prior approval.
-No threads or comparisons related to other 3D Applications.
-No "Wish list" or feature requests, they should be sent to www.hash.com/reports for categorizing and prioritization (User requests define the future development of the software).
-No "me too!" posts
-No discussion of Hash Internal Affairs (finances, advertising, PR.)
-No posting of private email to the forum unless permission of the author is granted. (Private correspondence should remain private)
-No very general questions like: "how do I make a good 3D model" make your questions as complete and concise as possible.
If you have questions as to whether it's appropriate, send it to: support@hash.com, We'll be happy to let you know whether it is, or is not appropriate.
User Led Forum Considerations
Firstly and foremostly, please remember this is Martin Hash's forum and that it is every A:M User's primary resource for information about A:M. In order to remain relevant we need everyone's continuing support and interest.
Secondly, understand there is a distinction between A:M (the program) and the A:M forum. There are some topics and issues that are outside the scope of this forum and most can be deduced by reading through the forum guidelines. These include such things as Hash Inc internal policies, business practices, trade secrets, and specific plans for the future not yet publicly released. Each of these would be fascinating topics of their own but are better reserved for private communications with a representative of Hash Inc.
Related to the second, is purchasing, customer service and other areas outside the purview of the common user who may have no interest in such things; subjects relating to money exchanging hands are beyond the scope of the A:M Forum and often can lead to conflicts of interest between users and/or Hash Inc. (If Hash Inc cuts you a deal on volume purchasing it's really no one else's business). Likewise, individual complaints about a product or service are best remedied by going direct with Hash Inc representatives empowered to make decisions. Please allow them them the time necessary to resolve your specific issue and consider the cost of customized solutions.
This last area is likely the source of much confusion because many see the A:M Forum as the official outlet for Hash Inc... and it is. But the forum is not designed for conducting business and private matters best resolved by going to Hash Inc directly. Similarly, bug reports are best resolved by entering them directly into the A:M Reporting system.
Many problems can be easily addressed at the user level just by asking fellow users in the forum. If someone at Hash Inc suggests the forum as a source, it is very likely a problem can be easily resolved. For tougher issues there is even more reason to take the issue directly to the source... you don't want the issue discussed... you want it resolved quickly.
Finally, remember that we want to pass this forum on to future moderators and generations of A:M Users in the absolute best condition possible. A:M is just that good a program and is worthy of our consideration.
Thanks for making the A:M Forum a great community.
4,140 topics in this forum
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please at first accept my apologies, i don't want to go to blender but export animation done under animation blender TO blender cycles of course .X seems good but i go to find x import in blender and go to animate under animation master someting for demoscene so then ^^^^ kindly regards stéphane
Last reply by stefff285, -
- 27 replies
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Hi, Hopefully someone can help me with this one. I've created a " Mountain " model that has a large number of decals to create it's surface appearance. Everything looks great in the modeling and choreography windows, but when it renders, there are areas that the decals are not visible and I'm getting a solid color. I've tried reapplying and adding new, but those areas still will not show the decals. I'm rendering at 1440 x 1080 and using one pass. I've tried multi passing, but get the same results. HELP ! Thank you.
Last reply by NancyGormezano, -
- 39 replies
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Here's a Noob question for you guys that I missed on somewhere down the road. Is it possible to snap a bone to a CP's position? If so, how might that be accomplished? William
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 1 follower
- 35 replies
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Does this mean that depth of field does not actually work in AM? How do I get rid of this?
Last reply by mtpeak2, -
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Ok, I'm going for a real simple IK leg rig. Here is what I've done so far: 1. Moved the left and right foot to the same level as the pelvis (hips) 2. Kinematically constrained the left foot to the left femur and right foot to right femur When I move the hips, the feet don't move, which is good. However, when I move the feet, the legs don't follow. I know I must have missed something but am not sure what it is. Is there a constraint I missed? I have 3 poses - one governs the fan bones in the body and neck, I'm not worried about that one. The other 2 poses are set to on, so I'm not sure why the legs aren't following the feet. Seems like ther…
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 4 replies
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Trying to apply a decal as cookie cutter to a grid that will be curved slightly. Image has alpha and looks fine in Photoshop, alpha is clear w/black all around. See attached pics. Am I the only one who has constant problems with everything I try to do in AM????? Always loved AM but AM don't love me BACK. I'm sure its something stupidly obvious. Any help appreciated-sorry to be such a painus in the anus.
Last reply by svetlik, -
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Hey Hashers, Didn’t think I would be back so soon with another question (s). I tell ya, I was doing just fine breezing through this book until I got to Action Basics. This is deceptively the shortest chapter in the tome, yet it’s the one that’s caused the most head scratching. Ok, so I tried to scan the part of the book that's befuddling me and upload it here, but that's just not working out for me. I will retype it: “Each driver has it’s own setting for it’s default interpolation, located in the PWS next to the name of the driver. There are actually three pull-down menus located under that image, the first and last of which look ghosted out and are for …
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 1 follower
- 30 replies
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Hi all, Anyone has the solution for this: When I make a (TOPview) rectangle (4 cp, peak,snap to grid) and extrude it, there are still 2 side's open. Well, I do know that adding points on the right way will close it, BUT... Using the primitives plugin from Steffen Gross, let's me create a cube, all closed on 8 cp...(!?) So here is my question: Is there a way I can apply a 'make five-point-patch'-manner to do this, thus a 'make four-point-patch'? Hope to hear your solution. Niels. ps. I don't think there is such a manner...(I do hope, I am wrong about this...) Maybe a reply from you, will make me request this feature, if it ain't the…
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 14 replies
- 2k views
Hiya. As an old newbie (ie, I started with AM '98, '99, ...then recently upgraded to '07), over the last 8 or so years I've been a poly-modeler. I can model in poly's quickly, smoothly, and have a fun time doing it. Now, back to give AM another spin around the block, I find myself fighting the spline-mindset. I attempted to model in AM as if each spline was the part of an edge loop, and I was planing on using the bias handles to get my desired cuveature. This didn't work out quite so well as I had envisioned. So, anyone have any good links to free or pay tutorials on AM modeling? Something that covers hard and soft surfaces (cars, buildings, etc. and…
Last reply by the_black_mage, -
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I am Scoot Sunderland, a new member. Nice too meet you. Thanks
Last reply by Wildsided, -
- 1 follower
- 17 replies
- 2k views
I would like to be able to control the Enforcement of a percentage Pose from a on/off Pose. Is it even possible? I am constructing a character who is talking trough the corner of his mouth. Witch corner he is talking trough is varying depending on angle to the camera. I am planning to use Dope Sheet to quickly make the basic lip sync before fine tuning it. I am going for this approach: I make two percentage poses for all phonemes, one for each side (Right A I, Left A I, Right E, Left E, Right O, Left O etc.) and form the expressions of the mouth. Then I make a percentage Pose for each phoneme (A I, E, O etc.) In these poses I control the poses above (Pose A I at…
Last reply by Visping, -
- 38 replies
- 2k views
Does anyone know how to get the streams to come off of an object like I have pointed out in this pic that I have uploaded? Any help would be grateful!
Last reply by heyvern, -
- 36 replies
- 2k views
I've read through the manual, but it seems it's nothing more than a textual version of the video tutorials, and doesn't seem to explain materials and textures very well... So I have this model of a small simple building. I'm trying to get an image of bricks applied to it, but on a single object, the texture displays every which way, and doesn't appear consistent across a single surface. Here's a screen shot. The texture in question was applied, but even on a single wall it's quite wonky... SO what am I missing here? Why do I have this sneaky suspicion that the way the texture lies on the object depends heavily on how the object itself was built... Please te…
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 1 follower
- 2 replies
- 2k views
Spent hours setting up constraints finger joints, all was working well. Came back later, opened the project and boom. Most of the constraints had vanished. For some reason a few remained (see attached) but they were "broken" and had question mark on them. This was made with new pose on/off when I started and everything seemed to be working. I did notice as I was doing this that AM was creating an Action file and all was going into that but after closing the window and returning to the project all constraints but a few had turned to vapor. I also saved constantly while I was working on this. Again I've stumbled into a Moron Mode somehow and cant get out. Any help ap…
Last reply by svetlik, -
- 2 followers
- 41 replies
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this is a pre-emptive strike; i was just wondering if anyone is currently working with floating point images and has experience and perhaps dos and don'ts to share? i'm sure it's a breeze to find render settings etc pin pointy info on these boards but was just curious of all the other stuff that usually pops up along the way. i'm on a pc, vista home, don't mind the renders and recently bought the subscription to 15h. i'm used to AE but this is my first time in A:M. the project is fantastically devoid of visual detail, nearly black&white&grey with a little blue and green. have just spent a couple of hours watching cutout animations on the net and as a re…
Last reply by zandoriastudios, -
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This is intended more for the newbies out there to help you to get acquainted with the software. Yes, you can move on to modeling more organic pieces fairly quickly, but I would encourage you to take some time and really learn what is possible with the more "mechanical" forms. I'll be posting examples (pics and models) of each of these soon, but this is a list of models that are a combination of various shapes (squares, rectangles, circles, spheres, and so on) that, when put together, give you quite a bit that you can actually use in various projects. There are an endless variety of sizes and shape combinations. And, these can vary from realistic to cartoony. …
Last reply by WolfsongCG, -
- 2 replies
- 2k views
Hi, I hope this is the right place to ask this. I've already received a trial license in the past, and want to upgrade to a full (yearly sub) license in the near future. What is the process for that? Will it simply "upgrade" the trial key to a full one? Or will a new license be provided? Tried finding an answer to this on the forums, but couldn't find anything specifically about that. Thank you.
Last reply by WolfsongCG, -
I have a question about keyframes because I think I keep doing something wrong. I've completed exercise six "The door is stuck" and exercise seven "Can you say that",and I keep running across the same problem. When I put a keyframe in for a particular animation, say at frame 00:03:00, for some reason, the action wants to go back retroactively all the way to the beginning frame,00:00:00, to start it's motion; not at the point where I put the keyframe. Is there something I'm doing wrong or is there a bug in the software which requires a patch?
Last reply by Caroline, -
- 1 follower
- 8 replies
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Hi, Am wondering if it is possible to have a 'personal library of materials'. I see in the tools->OPtions->folders it is possible to add extra path for A:M to search for additional LBR files. I have a number of materials files and am wondering how can I put them into a LBR file so that A:M will recognise them. Have searched the internet for a utility without any success. Any ideas - or am I simply barking up the wrong tree and there is an easier way that I've missed? Thanks, Oliver
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 26 replies
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but I can't get it to look like the water is rippling over the leaves. Here is the project. I hope someone can help. Water_B.prj
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 27 replies
- 2k views
I need help with entering the image contest! I emailed my image to steve@hash.com are newbie's not allowed to enter the contest?????? Thank you Dion Kirfman Here is my image I didnt get to enter,
Last reply by goodguy20k, -
- 8 replies
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So I managed to settle on a project for the sci-fi contest, and if I finish it early I may do another entry. It seemed like a relatively straight-forward bit of modeling, but something isn't working quite right. It could be that I haven't sat down in front of AM for so long that I'm missing something obvious. Here is my problem: I've got one rectangular surface with another rectangle inside, and I'm trying to push the inner rectangle inwards to create a depression or indent in this robot (I would post an image but it will be immediately obvious what my project is, I think). I thought I knew what the problem was, I didn't have any splines connecting the 2 a…
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 1 follower
- 15 replies
- 2k views
Hi, Just wondering. Is it possible to group 'groups' into another group as a hierarchy? Or is the group structure flat? I've made up a very simple patch as an example. Sp-Top are the 2 CPs along the top of the patch Sp-Bottom are the 2 CPs along the bottom Sp-Left are the 4 CPs on the left hand side Sp-Right are the 4 CPs on the right hand side. Holding Ctrl I can select each group and then make a new group included everything within each of the individual groups which is Sp-All. I'm wondering if it is possible to have a group that includes sub-groups but as a hierarchy - i.e. with a '+' so that it can be 'opened' / 'closed' in …
Last reply by LenseOnLife, -
Hi, It's quite possible that I'm going down the wrong road but .... Coming from an engineering background I'm used to looking at objects in a modular manner, where the final model is made up of building blocks and that is what I'm trying to do in A:M. I have a model (M1) with 1 bone (B1) and 1 pose slider (PS1). Then I made a second model (M2) and I dragged and dropped M1 into it twice. At this stage, all the groups from M1 are in M2 twice, also there are 2 bones but there is only 1 pose slider (relationship). This means that I can only manipulate one copy of M1 within M2 (the most recently copied version of M1). I tried doing something similar using a …
Last reply by LenseOnLife, -
- 28 replies
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Having issues creating the simcloth effect. I followed the instructions in the AM book, set up the force and turbulence. And yet when I clicked on simcloth simulate, nothing happens. I've looked for video's but there are usually non applicable. Or they are about what do do after creating all the stuff. Do you guys know a link that will show how to work in AM vrs 13 with Windows xp sp2? Meaning that when they go to a link that I should see the same link in my project as well Thank ya -Sean
Last reply by Sean delgatto, -
- 1 follower
- 10 replies
- 1.9k views
Hi, Looking again for the Forum Expertise It seems simple - so it probably is - just not for me. Frustratingly so. I'm trying to make up a mosaic and then colour it dynamically through poses. Everything is fine EXCEPT I'm not able to set up the groups. Here area couple of examples of the types of groups that I've been trying to set up without any success. I can't seem to be able to set them up when there is a common CP between what I want in the group and what I want outside the group. 1. A group with only Orange Tiles 2. A Group with only Black Tiles 3. A Group with only Green Tiles Oliver
Last reply by johnl3d, -
- 1 follower
- 10 replies
- 1.9k views
Hi, 1. I made a simple 'box model', added lib poses and stored it out. 2. Created a small audio clip, added dope sheet and the 'lips' seemed OK, so stored that out as an action. Presuming that is the right way to store a re-usable voice audio? 3. New project, imported 'box model', imported action. New choreography and added the box to the chor. 4. Moved to 5 seconds on the timeline and then dragged the voice action to the box in the choreography. It actually has installed itself at the beginning of the choreography. Question: Is it possible to add the audio action to start at 5 seconds rather than at frame 0? Thanks, Oliver
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 2 replies
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In Action I activate the other items icon and the groups all show up but I can't select ANY of them. Is this normal? Any help appreciated.
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 39 replies
- 1.9k views
Hash website doesn't have product information. How do I learn what it has to offer?
Last reply by higginsdj, -
- 2 followers
- 17 replies
- 1.9k views
I'm thinking about buying Animation Master but I have no animation experience. I'm a fast learner and i'm pretty good at photoshop and things like that. I was just wondering how hard it is to learn if you have no experience. Any information you could provide would be greatly appreciated. Chris
Last reply by Muff, -
- 1 follower
- 25 replies
- 1.9k views
because I don't need all its capabilities and cross-application integration. I have Inkscape (Unix and Mac GNU) which works for me. I creates wonderful .svg file. But, A:M doesn't recognize .svg files - just .ai. Is there another program (preferably under GNU licensing) that will create pseudo-Illustrator files?
Last reply by itsjustme, -
- 1 follower
- 9 replies
- 1.9k views
I found these on Safe Harbor ,was just wondering if anyone has bought them or have heard anything about them be it good or bad.
Last reply by livewiresrus, -
- 1 follower
- 1 reply
- 1.9k views
Anyone know how to cure the effect of an object spinning with increasing speed until it looks like its going in reverse? Like movies of propellers and wheels. Other than just slowing it down to a crawl. Had tried to come up with a way of making the chain advance along a path using expressions but just animated the chain & sprockets separately. Thanks in advance. Sprocket01.avi
Last reply by robcat2075, -
Auto-Assign
by Masna- 3 followers
- 18 replies
- 1.9k views
In the A.M. manual it talks about auto-assign. How do you use auto-assign and what toolbar is it on.
Last reply by mouseman, -
- 1 follower
- 12 replies
- 1.9k views
Anyone know how to create something like this dense_beveled_cube.mdl Modzz2.mdl I cant figure it out. everything I create it seems impossible to create a smooth dense cube.
Last reply by itsjustme, -
- 8 replies
- 1.9k views
Been a while so I just wanted to say hi to everybody and wish all Good Things for the upcoming holidays! This is Robert, my latest BigHead endeavor.
Last reply by Vertexspline, -
- 12 replies
- 1.9k views
Hello I'm on the fence about buying A:M. I have an older version (round about 2005). I'm always hesitant when it comes to a purchase that's "bigger than normal" for me, so it's just a matter of me talking myself off the fence. From what I've seen, it looks like A:M has gotten a significant facelift since then, has a lot of new features, and better performance, and so on. I'm almost positive I saw a page somewhere that lays out new features and updates across each version, but I can't recall where it was, or find it. And, while I'm here, could you (meaning anyone interested) share what some of the biggest, most significant and exciting improvements have been for you sin…
Last reply by Muff, -
- 1 follower
- 10 replies
- 1.9k views
Hi, I've been working my way slowly through Barry's great Video Tutorials and then trying them out in practice and have come across something that I don't understand. It is to do with constraints where the enforecement is less than 50% Rotate-00 shows the 'home position'. All 4 bones are pointing straight up. The 'control bone' is on the left and the other three bones are all constrained to orient the same as the control bone as follows: Going from left to right, the first bone is enforced with 100%, the next bone is enforced 50% and the last bone on the right is enforced by 40% Now, rotate the control bone by 45 and all bones seem to be behaving. …
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 6 replies
- 1.9k views
Hi, The geriatric is returning to AM after a break of about 5 years. During the interval I've created a big library of models using SketchUp (free version) and there is really only Collada DAE or STL export options available in SketchUp for me. The DAE also has an option to include texture data in the export. So the question that just about everyone must ask - is there any way of converting DAE to any of the AM import formats (without breaking the bank)? OR Is it possible to re-texturise / paint the STL imported model? Any help will probably allow me keep a bit more of the ever thinning thatch on top of the brain cells, Cheers, Oliver
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 18 replies
- 1.8k views
I am trying to modify an existing material, "ceramic cup" to have a black color instead of white or off-white. I set both the diffuse and specular colors to black, but it is not black, just has more of a gray tint. Did I forget something, or is there another attribute I have to set the color for?
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 0 replies
- 1.8k views
RAN ACROSS THIS LISTING ON EBAY ALTHOUGH THE LEARNING MATERIAL IS A LITTLE DATED A LOT OF GREAT STUFF FOR SOMEONE STARTING AM . SOME OF THE ANZOVIN TUTORIALS HELPED ME GREATLY THE BOOKS A PRETTY COMPLETE STARTER KIT . THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE OF USE TO SOMEONE IN THE GREAT AM COMMUNITY !!! HERE IS THE LINK [url="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=161137167254
Last reply by mulls, -
- 30 replies
- 1.8k views
Hi all, I have a weird problem: I have downloaded a demo version of AM but cannot get it started before I fill out "username" and "organisation" in a registration window that appears when I open the application. Should I register at Hash's web page somewhere first?
Last reply by Darkwing, -
Logo Help!
by Mark3D- 35 replies
- 1.8k views
Hello All, I am trying to recreate the Denny's logo from their new commercials: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5qmBawyifg Now I have completed the logo already but that is as far as I have gotten. What I am wondering is if anyone had tutorials on the different surface attributes I could apply to the logo to give it that "dull", low reflective look it has in the commercial. Almost like the 3d renders people do of white/grey models when their project is a WIP. Hopefully someone can understand what I am trying to say... haha. If not, I can try and clarify. Thanks! Here is the logo as of now....
Last reply by Mark3D, -
- 6 replies
- 1.8k views
Hi, is there a good tutorial on rigging tank treds? One that isn't material driven. I initially thought about assigning each tred to a circular path constraint, but when i tried to offset each tred to a desired position the motion path went crazy. Is there a better way?
Last reply by robcat2075, -
I followed the flag waving exercise...no problem, BUT, when I created a character and try to get her dress to work via cloth sim, etc., when I get to the part where I'm supposed to pick "attached" group, there isn't one.... I added a screen shot below... Thanks for anyone's help. Kem
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 1 follower
- 24 replies
- 1.8k views
i'm working on a nice little rigg(i'll show it off later). but for some reason when i try to smart skin a bone of a model i don't get the right results. i translate the bone, go into muscle mode and get the splines how i want them. then i test it out and the splines i moved don't go back to the way they were when i translate it back...is there some thing i'm missing?
Last reply by mtpeak2, -
- 1 follower
- 17 replies
- 1.8k views
I am having strange encounter, my prj is made in version 13, the prj won't render in ver 18b so I create a new prj and import the models but it still crash when I render to file in avi or png, screen render is fine. Things made in the new version render without problem, what have I missed in these few years?
Last reply by Clipping Path Specialists, -
- 1 follower
- 12 replies
- 1.8k views
has any one ever had this happen. I'm trying some new stuff using the dark tree materials ( dsts files) when i get this at the basic material render screen. i have tryed loading 6 different mats all encountering the same effect. noting that this has only happened after my system upgrade( win7 from vista) but as far as i know i set up AM the exact same way and everything else is more or less working
Last reply by Master chief, -
- 12 replies
- 1.8k views
Need a little help guys... I've got a character for a local commercial - 7 second intro, that he's supposed to "fist bump" the owner at the end of his intro. I've set up the lip-synch anim for the VO, and now I want to do the body action and fist bump. I would typically work in the action window for his movements, but since he's got to interact with a live action character, I figured I'd have to work int he Choreography window w/ a Camera Rotoscope playing the live action video. I've set up a cho, imported the video clip as a Camera Rotoscope, I set the start point at 0:00 and the end point at 7:17 on the rotoscope. But when I advance frames, the video roto ju…
Last reply by TheToadStool, -
- 5 replies
- 1.8k views
Coming back to something I really enjoyed a long time ago. My last foray into AM was with 2005 version. I've created a short animation using Windows Movie Maker. It consists of 13 images with some simple transitions, basically a slideshow. I am using Pazera PS MPEG to AVI converter to get the AVI. I have tried every CODEC available with the converter, but when I attempt import the AVI I just get a dialog box saying "IMPORT NULLOBJECT". What am I doing wrong? Should I be using a particular CODEC? Thanks for any help, glad to be back!
Last reply by Rodney,