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This is an open forum for discussing Animation:Master and discussions should relate to A:M in some capacity.
Ask questions. Share experiences. Outline goals and aspirations.
Discuss what you hope to accomplish with A:M and projects you are working on.
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963 topics in this forum
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- 3 replies
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Hey Guys, got back into AM because I needed to visualise this game pad case I have been developing to communicate with the mechanical / electronic engineers and AM was the tool I tuned to, why ? Because I love it and did not want to learn another app because AM is so good. I was reading about the polygon thread and some of that applied here, but from experience and from this example, I would like to point out that AM is very powerful and with the bonus of now outputting STL files it fills in a huge requirement I had back in the days. From working on this I found somethings which I would love to have implemented - mainly being able to control patches / splines much…
Last reply by pixelplucker, -
- 4 replies
- 725 views
Adobe has been steadily moving toward 3D content for some time now and continues to do so. Announcement: https://blogs.adobe.com/creativecloud/unlocking-the-power-of-3d-for-the-creative-community/ Site: https://www.mixamo.com/
Last reply by John Bigboote, -
- 6 replies
- 921 views
hmmm . .. when I add a diffuse colour to a selection it shows up on only some patches when I toggle the decal it shows it properly but then the decals disappear - when I render it shows it as above on only some of the patches is this a bug report or am I not doing something Im supposed to ??
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 15 replies
- 2k views
Microsoft explains what you’ll lose by upgrading to Windows 10 Apparently you can't play "Hearts" anymore. I will admit I never understood that game anyway. Also... no floppies, no DVD player included.
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 1 follower
- 5 replies
- 752 views
Hello all, I'm looking at getting a new keyboard, and I've narrowed it down to 2 similar models, one with numerical keypad and one without. I don't do a lot of number-crunching/spreadsheet stuff, but I've noticed when I do it is nice to have the numerical keypad. I don't recall using it much with AM, but before I lock in my decision I want to make sure I'm not missing anything with regard to some super-productive modeling method (or other feature) that relies on the numerical keypad. What is your opinion? Do you use the numerical keypad much with AM? Thanks in advance, Roger
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 3 replies
- 668 views
Hey Guys, how do I reset the window positions on mac, for instance the library keeps on opening up an when I add tools to the menu bar on restarting AM or after a crash the old windows opens up and the tools which I activated in options I have reactivate them again, do I have to delete a preference file or something so the app windows go back to default - then how do I set my window workflow to keep on opening up the same all the time ?? Driving me nuts to reset up my windows and tools how I like everytime I use Am
Last reply by a.quaihoi, -
- 4 replies
- 648 views
Hey Guys just wanted to know if Boolean cutting is now working with geometry or we still doing it the old way with bones and showing only when its rendering ? What I mean by geometry is that can objects be subtracted with boolean cutter and the patches get cut by AM - so its a solid cut and not faux via render only - would be really good for STL and 3D printing . . .
Last reply by a.quaihoi, -
- 20 replies
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I took the plunge and decided to install the Windows 10 preview. Just prior to installation I tweaked a few settings, cleaned up a few things and moved important things to an external drive. As I was installing an uneasy feeling crept over me... what if this doesn't work out so well? My primary concern in updating Windows being how well A:M will run (of course!). While installation moved along it seemed to stall at about 2/3rds through so I browsed and continued to organize files on my other monitor (which I'd thought to turn back on and make sure was working prior to install. Still stalled at the same location for entirely too long I bit my tongue and initiat…
Last reply by Rodney, -
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- 752 views
Recently someone posted (facebook) an animation serie called spookiz, there are 2 characters exactly the same JohnArtBox's Kapsules... check it. https://youtu.be/SH_RwE6N2bk
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 2 replies
- 816 views
I bring this up again, but I am very much opposed to the subscription model which was introduced some years ago. It is not the monetary outlay, but the principle of dependency which irks me to no end. I also find this protectionist attitude to be the greatest hindrance of proliferating this software and its qualities, and it will be the ultimate cause of its demise. I do have a couple of subscriptions and I will let them expire with no plans to renew in spite of my great affinity to this program. I also find that most improvements since V12 are simple window dressing, or entirely useless inclusions of open source libraries for fluids and cloth etc., but coupled to a…
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 1 follower
- 6 replies
- 3.1k views
I'm always on the lookout for useful software and this one has caught my attention. For those with the time and interest I'm going to put OBS on my recommendation list... specifically the multiplatform release although the regular release works well also. Background While not everyone is into broadcasting live events I'd say everyone has a need for video capture and this software does that too. It actually might be overkill in that category in many ways. Although the windows version of the multiplatform release is not considered stable I find it works just fine and in many ways better than the standard release. For those interested in just the screen reco…
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 2 followers
- 70 replies
- 9.5k views
Just imagine... ...A:M would have polygons and OpenSubDiv.... ...and alembic support.... ...and support of integrated 3rd-party renderers in the API / SDK... with that, A:M could be a serious competitor to all the major 3d-applications out there... A:M has the best data management, animation and rigging features that i ever seen in all the other major 3d-applications. but the lack of not having polygons makes it really, really hard to interact with the other 3d products...
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 6 replies
- 1.5k views
I can't do much with this one as it's currently available only on the Mac and Linux platforms but perhaps of interest to some folks... http://bufsoftware.com/ Specifically, they have just released Bview which can be used to compare, color correct and annotate video among other things. This software (Bview) is the first release of an entire suite of software being retooled and offered to the public after VFX production house Rhythm and Hues went bankrupt.
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 1 follower
- 4 replies
- 841 views
Mark Mayerson (of Mayerson on Animation blog-fame) has a video "Don't Pitch a Buyer, Pitch the Audience!" that is making the rounds that covers a good bit of territory of topics of interest to creators. The video is just short of one hour in length but will be well worth your time. xhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtQQmmbvmGc It's a great summary on topics that have been gaining ground, especially as more creative types vie for the attention (and money) to support their projects.
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 7 replies
- 1.3k views
How can you make a decal slide over the surface of a model? I've tried animating the translate x and y in the decals section under the choreography but it won't budge. Any help please.
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 1 reply
- 724 views
A brief interview where Brad Bird reveals he is writing and will direct Incredibles 2 as his next project https://youtu.be/uU4LMmBQp6U
Last reply by Dpendleton77, -
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- 757 views
Hey guys when I have a shape which I have drawn out like so . . . And I want to attach another splines to it, the curve gets " disturbed " - is there any key etc. that I need to hold down so it keeps the existing curve on the second spline / object ?? Been a while but I remember it used to do this before too ?? Spline drawing would be awesome if it worked like illustrator . . . hmmmm . . . Just remembered that you can import AI into AM - but trying to create a surface by joining the shapes to create a mesh did the same thing last time I was building a model . . . please shed some light on this anyone ! Thanks in advance.
Last reply by a.quaihoi, -
- 12 replies
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(This topic moved from original topic by request. For more info see original topic) Although a little off topic, the folks at DIsney have an interesting paper that (very loosely) relates to this: http://www.disneyresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/Sketch-Based-Generation-and-Editing-of-Quad-Meshes-Paper.pdf
Last reply by nemyax, -
- 1 follower
- 1 reply
- 615 views
I love animated movies. And in every movie there is a scene that captures me. I was rewatching The Croods tonight and the top of the tree scene captured me.
Last reply by johnl3d, -
- 3 replies
- 894 views
I have forgot its been a long time and can't find it in my notes any where . . . is there an object / node align feature in AM now ??
Last reply by a.quaihoi, -
- 7 replies
- 944 views
Hey guys & gals finally got around to getting back onto AM to chip away at some old projects, just got myself the new V18 subscription no 64 bit version for mac ?? Running slow as on my twin processor dual core xeon with Nvidia Fx 4800 - what is the SSE4 for mac ?? Or should I just boot camp it, which is what I did last time. Another thing, when I apply decals in shaded wireframe view it doesn't show the texture previews until I render them - is that a mac thing or is it a setting in options for video card ??
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 24 replies
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Hello, All! I've been away a while... work demands my attention. I was messing around on a personal project and had a lot of models (four, but with lots of copies) to assemble a structure. The issue I am having, and maybe I just forgot how, is I select a group of models and want to "nudge" them over with the arrow keys. Well, this results in the models moving all different directions as they have been rotated from their original placement. I can drag them with the mouse with no issue, but it is not as precise. I have attached images to show what I mean. EDIT: Correction, it even shifts the models when dragging with the mouse or isolating one axis by holding "…
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 1 reply
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The Foundry has joined in the current trend of free software in anticipation of future purchases. And note this isn't just the standard Nuke release but the full Nuke X and Nuke Studio package also. Those paying attention know I'm a fan of Black Magick's Fusion and while Fusion is more accessible (IMO) due to its simplicity, Nuke will be easier to understand for most folks especially when trying to integrate audio and carry out basic NLE operations. I'd say the learning curve for Nuke is a bit steeper than for Fusion but there are also more resources available for Nuke as it's become one of the defacto compositors of late along with The Foundry's other tools. Fo…
Last reply by steve392, -
- 1 follower
- 17 replies
- 1.7k views
It's been a year but my M3D micro 3D printer arrived yesterday and I finally got a chance to get it a try. The two initial runs didn't work so great, so recalibrated... created much simpler test models... and am seeing better success now. I just put in a print of Thom to test the yellow 3Dink but (at 9% complete) it looks like his neck broke off in the process and the printer head melded it into his hip... Abort! Abort! Abort! It looks like most of my models will need to be set to print with higher quality... i.e. more solid. I'll post something if and when I get something worth posting.
Last reply by jakerupert, -
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- 688 views
Video Blocks has been around for awhile... long enough to spam my email account for quite awhile. I'm not sure how this fits... but for those who might make a few pennies on creative works it might be worth a look... or at least pay for the video blocks subscription if you have one of those? Video Blocks' Members Only Marketplace let's creators retain 100% of the fees brought in from those who purchase their content. They can do this because their primary source of income isn't from the content itself but from the subscriptions they sell that let's others access the content. While I can't speak to the amount of money this might generate (it could easily be nothi…
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 1 follower
- 8 replies
- 3.3k views
We live in a wonderful time where we have access to great information about the process of animation. I'm not trying to sell you anything but.. if you've got a spare $50 laying around... do yourself a favor and buy this. At regular price of $129 this'd still be a good deal but at $49... the only reason not to buy is if you've got a dial-up internet phone connection. Aaron Blaise is someone I've posted links to before (see his 'Aaron's Art Tips) and he's recently released a 'complete course' in animation. He takes his experience as a Disney animator and outlines the principles of animation and walks through the process step by step. I've just now purchased…
Last reply by fae_alba, -
tiny utility for ImageMagick users (Convert PNG sequence to Gif animation w/ transparency)
by Rodney- 0 replies
- 628 views
For PC users... If you use ImageMagick (or have it installed on your system) I created a little utility program to convert a directory full of PNG images into a GIF animation. It's pretty no frills but has the following features: - Converts a directory of PNG images into a GIF animation - Preserves transparency (most gif converters do not) - Works if setup properly from the Tools/Customize menu in A:M (so converting renders from A:M to gif is a quick process). - Allows user to enter a name for the converted gif animation (pressing the enter key results in only the date/time stamp being retained as filename) -- If entered, the name will be added in front of …
Last reply by Rodney, -
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- 742 views
The one thing that my current workflow lacks is a high end video editor that doesn't break the bank. Several companies may help to resolve that. Avid is on the move lately with some major purchasing of other companies and an announcement that later in 2015 a free version of Media Composer will be released. While I don't imagine the free release will meet all the esoteric requirements needed the entry point is priced to make the determination of how well the program can fit into a production pipeline and fit current needs. It is also worth noting that a company recently purchased by Avid (Orad)is known for their realtime 3D technology. Sign up to receiv…
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 8 replies
- 2.3k views
Can we export anything larger than 512 (which, when set to 512 I get a 1024 double sized image...?) using the obj/seq exporter? (See image for where I am...)
Last reply by John Bigboote, -
- 2 replies
- 1.2k views
As more and more collaborative teams hit the internet to bring their projects to life small and large services are popping up to address that need. In the past I've mentioned a few and several of those have since had significant upgrades. Shotgun (recently purchased by Autodesk) is one that gets the majority of press because they got a head start on their competition and have invested deeply in the features needed to bring projects through production. Frame.io is another of these services. Will it work well for your next project? Answer: It depends. On the low end (the space which most independent creators occupy) where a team of two or three work on a pro…
Last reply by John Bigboote, -
- 3 replies
- 880 views
Alan Becker has posted a series of videos covering the 12 Principles of Animation (according to Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston). The imagery is simplistic and actually enhances the lessons. (For those familiar with the principles make sure you get past the first few videos as they get better as they go) 1. (Squash and Stretch) 2. (Anticipation) 3. (Staging) 4. (Straight Ahead and Pose to Pose) 5. (Follow Through and Overlapping Action) 6. (Slow In and Slow Out) 7. (Arcs) 8. (Secondary Action) 9. (Timing) 10. (Exaggeration) 11. (Solid Drawing) 12. (Appeal) Well worth a look! He plans to continue with videos covering walk cycles etc.
Last reply by Rodney, -
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- 2.3k views
I like Rodney's v18L banner. We needed some color up there.
Last reply by detbear, -
- 10 replies
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But will it run A:M? Hmmm.... xhttp://www.geek.com/news/intels-150-windows-pc-on-a-stick-is-now-on-sale-1619738/ Even if it does run A:M it (and similar tech) might be worth a look.
Last reply by Fuchur, -
- 1 follower
- 4 replies
- 888 views
I'm revisiting an old topic. As I'm learning more Python stuff, I want to find a way to make a new Python 3D mathematical model plugin for A:M like Petr Sorfa's from years ago. Is there a way to peek inside the HXT so I can code a new compatible version? Otherwise I will have to use the A:M SDK and try to re-create the plugin. What is the best way to do this? I'm still a beginner in the programming/plugin arena but I'm motivated. Thanks...
Last reply by KingVidiot, -
- 13 replies
- 1.3k views
I am working on animating a feature length video. It is slow as molasses. I decided to produce an illustrated script as an intermediary step. To do this, I put the text in a Microsoft Word document. I inserted the bmp's I created in A:M from cho files. There are about 210 pictures. I start out with nice big bmp's. They display well in full screen. Then these get compressed when I insert them into Word. They still display well in Word, but of course, are much smaller in the document. Then the entire document gets compressed when I make a pdf in Soda 5 Pro. My Word document is about 90 MB. My Soda pdf is about 17 MB. The pictures start out cear and end up blurry. …
Last reply by Pitcher, -
- 6 replies
- 825 views
Tried to do flock birds,swarm and crowds and nothing shows up even when I tried old flocking project ?? rough test butters.mov
Last reply by johnl3d, -
- 5 replies
- 982 views
I have no idea what I did or what changed, but now when I'm modeling and I select a control point or group of control points, and then go into turn mode to rotate the view, the view does not rotate around the selected control points, but rather around the center XYZ origin for the entire modeling window. This may or may not have anything to do with it - I noticed the change after installing v18k. I doubt this has anything to do with it, since I uninstalled the whole program and then installed the version I had previously, v18j, and I'm still having the same problem. I have an old CD version installed as well, 11.1, and I do not have this problem with it.
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 1 reply
- 1.3k views
Past forum-member Zachary Brewster-Geist is carving out a growing career as an actor out in the DC area. Here is a trailer he created for for a rare "original pronunciation" (think "pirate" but with less "arrgh") production of "Merchant of Venice" in which he plays "Antonio" https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=868150176557725&fref=nf There's a close-up of him at 1:24
Last reply by Dpendleton77, -
- 10 replies
- 2.7k views
This may already have been addressed but I didn't see it mentioned... In trying to export via an Action to .X (Direct X) format but the export dialog has an 'Open file' dialog instead of a 'Save As' or 'Export' dialog. Hitting Open just results in a error message that the file cannot be found to open (which of course I don't want to do in the first place). I can't see any way to get past this and before I go about trying to locate an older .hxt to file to test I thought I'd ask here. Anyone have any insights into how to successfully export to Direct X format?
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 12 replies
- 1.1k views
I find myself playing tug-of-war with Version 18 of A:M more than I used to with Version 15. There seems to be a lot more snap. I pull a control point to a position when I am modeling, and the computer snaps it back to where it was. How can I turn the snap off or adjust it to a level that is helpful?
Last reply by Pitcher, -
- 2 replies
- 623 views
This video breakdown by Pixar storyman Michael Arnt of how stories are broken down (focusing on how to get a story started) has been out for about three years but I don't recall seeing it before. Well worth a look: xhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6mSdlfpYLU Source: Spline Doctors (via onanimation.com)
Last reply by johnl3d, -
- 1 follower
- 3 replies
- 1.2k views
I am looking for aircraft cabin interior models including seats, dividers, commercial related aircraft models for a design project. Is there such a library?
Last reply by John Bigboote, -
- 1 follower
- 10 replies
- 1.4k views
I've been using AM for theatre productions here are some screen shots the backgrounds image are all AM (in-fact all the art work was done in AM) and the actors work with the AM characters on screen you can see the inter action by going down to the itty bitty plant song Childrens books made easy interative ibooks and audio books for children The only downside to the production was the front projection so creative lighting was called for that being said (: bottom line aM awesome!
Last reply by wedgeeguy, -
- 1 reply
- 553 views
I haven't read through the document so really can't comment on it but for those that have the time and inclination the FCC has posted their 400 page report on the new 'Net Neutrality Rules'. http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2015/db0312/FCC-15-24A1.pdf Recommendation: Right Click and choose Save As to download the PDF file
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 5 replies
- 916 views
Hello fellow hash'ers, I'm creating the cover for my next book and also it's book trailer. Unless I'm missing something, it seems that the most awesome sweeper plug-in, in copy mode, will not copy the model's surface attributes (color and I presume materials or decals...nor group names which would also solve my problem). I have a long complex tentacle with hundreds of parts strung along it and I'm looking for a way to create these with surface attributes (or like group names) without having to do each individually as this would take a long time. Anyone know of a way to accomplish this? Thanks for any help you can offer! Rusty
Last reply by johnl3d, -
- 16 replies
- 5.8k views
One problem I have had more than once is that foot targets become disconnected. I move them and nothing on the model moves. I seem to remember that one time I fixed the problem by opening the basic skeleton model and dragging the foot targets from the skeleton model to the model with the foot target problem. That was couple of years ago, and I have forgotten what I did exactly. I am not able to do a repeat performance. Does anyone know a slick and easy way to reestablish foot targets? Foot targets, by the way, seem to be the most vulnerable part of the skeleton. If something goes wrong with the skeleton in my brief experience, it is usually that the foot targets cease…
Last reply by Madfox, -
- 19 replies
- 1.6k views
About a minute or two after my computer has finished booting, the monitors go blank as if the video signal had stopped, as if the computer had turned them off for sleep mode. However the computer is not sleeping, it is still running and functioning. If I run a music program i can still give it keyboard commands and it responds correctly although the monitor is blank. If I reboot up in SafeMode (what I am in now) the monitors stay on and don't blank. This has happened after no obvious change by me. I haven't changed any settings or installed any new programs.
Last reply by pixelplucker, -
- 6 replies
- 768 views
It looks big! And it's got George Clooney. Tomorrowland
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 5 replies
- 781 views
http://blog.digitaltutors.com/unreal-engine-4-now-free-everyone/ In case we have some interest in games....
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 2 replies
- 683 views
Does Animation Masters offer a training course? I thought I saw somewhere it said they do offer it.
Last reply by Mr Buzzkill,
