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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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977 topics in this forum
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Sony Picutures/Imageworks is pressing toward the release of an updated Popeye. Initially I was quite skeptical but if anyone can pull off a decent Popeye feature it's bound to be Genndy Tartakovsky. The 'animation test' begins after a short intro. I have never been a huge fan of Popeye although at times I almost became one when a story hinted at his potential. But I watched him a lot when I was a kid. As a kid of four or five years old I use to have a recurring nightmare where I was down in a deep well being chased by a shark and it wasn't until (by happenstance in my late teens) I saw an episode of Popeye where that scene played out with Popeye as t…
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 5 replies
- 1.4k views
Microsoft To Abandon Windows 7 Mainstream Support. Pressure Builds On Windows 9
Last reply by pixelplucker, -
- 6 replies
- 1.5k views
http://genero.tv/georgeharrison/
Last reply by nemyax, -
- 9 replies
- 1.6k views
Hello Hashers- I was watching the "Secret of Kells" and saw some cool smoke effects which have me stumped. They used celtic spirals for the rising smoke and the outer spiral lines changed from white to dark when they crossed some sort of masking line.(see animated clip). I'm sure there is a pretty simple explanation how they achieved this effect..but I can't figure it out. Can anyone explain this cool effect? Many thanks, Tom SmokeQuestion.swf
Last reply by Tom, -
- 23 replies
- 2.8k views
I suppose this is old news, but... Microsoft is ending security updates and bug fixes for Windows XP Does A:M v18 still run on XP? I couldn't find the current system requirements on the Hash.com page. support for Windows XP will end on April 8, 2014
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 1 follower
- 86 replies
- 9.4k views
I got my feet wet in the '3D Printing' arena this week... turned out kinda cool! I uploaded a hash model of my Tireman character to sculpteo.com(via OBJ exporter with a .mat file for colors...) and interacted with their online 'repair-bot'... which sent me back to A:M to make revisions maybe 8-10 times as I learned what I could and could not get away with... and mostly what geometry was deemed 'too thin' for the scale I had chose... which was 3.8" tall. This print cost $80...I am pretty happy with what I see. My method was to pose the character using his TSM rig in a chor and save it out from there as a .mdl... which I opened and deleted all the bones and decals f…
Last reply by pixelplucker, -
- 3 replies
- 1.1k views
Tired of animating? Or anything else? Scientists agree: Coffee naps are better than coffee or naps alone
Last reply by John Bigboote, -
- 1 follower
- 22 replies
- 3k views
This is an old clip but the results are so cool, thought the Hashers might enjoy it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gT9qU_fJNuw Wish there was some sort of plug-in which would simulate some of these effects... Tom
Last reply by Clipping Path Specialists, -
- 0 replies
- 814 views
http://tandf.msgfocus.com/q/16vqEHslJb5/wv This was posted on facebook by animation magazine
Last reply by johnl3d, -
- 14 replies
- 2k views
A (maya) screenshot posted by an AnimationMentor student. Her character is flying apart and even the technical support at the school can't figure out why. That is life with maya for anyone below the guru level. I feel bad for her, I think she has a deadline of midnight tonight for the assignment.
Last reply by Zaryin, -
- 3 replies
- 3.2k views
Although I don't think the movie is very good, I love the look of Rankin/Bass' feature "Mad Monster Party." The characters were based on EC Comics/Mad Magazine artist Jack Davis' designs and the sets are great. I came across this image today. And this character design and puppet for Dracula is just plain awesome.
Last reply by Dalemation, -
- 0 replies
- 1.5k views
CGTarian is yet another online school that has offered a wide range of courses. I'm not sure if we've discussed those before. Recently CGTarian launched out on an updated path with new instructors and few newer approaches. I note that JP Sans (highly active in the Animschool realm is an instructor*) and a focus is said to be that individual courses can be taken without signing on for the longer term. A little about CGTarian (from their website): The price of admission is still high for attending online classes but as long as the value is also then taking a course may be well worth the effort. As always, my suggestion would be to sample the lessons ava…
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 1 reply
- 787 views
This is the best rock, paper scissors tale I've seen told.
Last reply by Fuchur, -
- 13 replies
- 1.7k views
Rendering to file that is... Increasingly real time rendering is going mainstream and in consumer markets long render times won't be acceptable. Just in time for SIGGRAPH 2014, Physical Based Rendering is being demo'd without plugins via HTML5. https://labs.sketchfab.com/siggraph2014/viewer.html?model=devastator It's a far cry from fully rendered real time animation but it's getting there.
Last reply by pixelplucker, -
- 1 follower
- 2 replies
- 939 views
No details yet, but the official Star Wars website has announced the awards for Star Wars Fan Films is returning next year. Wikipedia has a page about past contests, rules and winners.
Last reply by largento, -
- 0 replies
- 687 views
I'm a bit behind the times, but I viewed Harlock Space Pirate(2013 cg version) for the first time a few nights ago. The texturing details jumped out at me so strong. If you like CG texturing and lighting, this film is worth a view. The characters faces do however look generically anime. It seems like they all use the same head model as the other CG Anime films. But those are even well done. I rather enjoyed the film and found myself drawn to the details of the texture details in both the characters and props. It was obviously a motion capture driven project for both facial and body animation, but it was very well done. William
Last reply by detbear, -
- 4 replies
- 804 views
I like the look they've achieved. Simple, stylish and appealing. Show You Care
Last reply by largento, -
- 3 replies
- 1k views
I created my first upload video. It is from Disney Frozen. Please let me know how I did. google; Animation Master Let it Go.
Last reply by DZ4, -
- 4 replies
- 1.4k views
Hello Hashers- I have a copy of Version 18.0F SSE4 on a Windows 7 computer that did not have any animation previous animation software on it. It runs great. I also bought another copy of Version 18.0F SSE4 at Comic Con so I could bring my old computer (which already had an older copy of AM 17) up to the latest version. This machine performs well except that it won't render avi files when rendering.(?) while running V18. I know V18 has no problem with rendering avi files because the first machine renders them easily. My thinking is that maybe there is something that V17 has on the machine which is preventing the newer updated V18 from rendering avi.'s properly…
Last reply by Tom, -
- 1 follower
- 37 replies
- 3.7k views
On Tuesday I met with Paul Harris for several hours and discussed a very wide range of topics. We should have recorded the meeting although it's surely best that some things were off the record as that allowed us to wander far afield in the discussion. One of the subjects of interest concerned financial support (a very broad topic). I have a lot of opinions on this subject which I'll be more than happy to discuss but I am more interested in the thoughts of everyone in the A:M Community on the subject of grants and sponsorship. Some general parameters should probably be stated for the discussion but I don't want to miss important feedback by artificially limiting di…
Last reply by DZ4, -
- 7 replies
- 839 views
This reminds me of a few far fetched story ideas I wanted to use in a project many years ago. In those projects I intentionally targeted things that were 'impossible' because the technology added an element of mystery, fantasy, science and fiction and suggested a sense of the futuristic as a point of departure within an otherwise present day context. The trick being to tie the impossible tech into reality just enough to keep it from being entirely unbelievable with the gist of the resolution of the plot being something of a Rube Goldberg approach to problem solving; "How did the hero solve the mystery?" Why, Everyone knows he's a master of forms of science and technolog…
Last reply by Simon Edmondson, -
- 9 replies
- 1.4k views
Is it me or is this program a lot like animation master. These folks have copied the program. Not cool. Any one have an opinion on this? Goose
Last reply by nemyax, -
- 1 reply
- 623 views
In all but the rarest occasion graphics glitches can be resolved by installing a current/updated driver from the graphics card manufacturer (or third party rising to the challenge). For those currently experiencing display issues, let's get those drivers updated, regressed to an earlier/better state or into whatever configuration needed to maximize performance and stability. Official sites for driver downloads: AMD / ATI http://support.amd.com/en-us/download Intel http://www.intel.com/support/graphics/detect.htm nVidia http://www.nvidia.com/Download/index.aspx 3S Graphics http://www.s3graphics.com/en/drivers/index.aspx Want to try out beta d…
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 3 replies
- 1.8k views
Well, no mistake about it--I'm a train wreck! I have had two or three issues in the last week or two, and another occurred last night. This time, however, I had the answer, because of the help I received previously. Here's what happened. I use version 15i. It is what I've used since I started in November 2011 when I started into this. I have been working on the same project since then and was afraid to change because I want it all to look consistent. Yesterday, I was updating a file I did about two years ago trying to make it better. It is a scene that is so large that I can only look at it occasionally in shaded or shaded and wireframe. It will not go from frame to f…
Last reply by Fuchur, -
- 10 replies
- 1.9k views
I was wondering if there will ever be an FBX importer that can import the mesh and bones of an FBX file. I currently use a program called Fuse combined with Mixamo Rigged character models that export into FBX and would love to animate them using A:M. I love A:M, but there's been no progress on any plugins for it in forever... I can understand if it's never going to happen, I just need to know so I can use something else that can handle more modern file formats. The only reason why I'm asking is because I would rather not use something else... I love A:M...
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 4 replies
- 924 views
I'm staring at a dilemma that seems to resolve around the necessity of including bitmaps (for decals, backgrounds, etc.) and am actively searching for a solution to set aside or exclude bitmaps from the general workflow. Now, this isn't to suggest that bitmaps would not be a part of the project workflow at all but rather to set them aside for a time to optimize the given workflow. As an example, let's say we have a system where the use of only text files is the norm and is preferred. Let us also assume that text-based image formats (SVG and base-32/base-64,etc.*) aren't ideal either although additional development might allow for them, especially the latter as they …
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 8 replies
- 1.3k views
Hi, Just wanted to recommend to any and all to consider using the G13 if you're still using the keyboard. I bought it from Amazon and have now set it up for modeling. Later on, I'll set up separate profiles for rigging and animating. Right now, I'm going to get used to the layout by building a bunch of nurnies. Steve P.
Last reply by pixelplucker, -
- 1 follower
- 12 replies
- 2.4k views
So over the past year or two, I've started volunteering my services to some fan productions. So far it's been a great experience and I feel a sense of accomplishment as I'm now completing projects on a very regular basis. Now I'm considering expanding that practice into something that might make a few dollars here and there. I by no means am looking to quit my day job. Rather, make a little bit of money on the side doing what I already do in my spare time. Thing is, I'm not really sure where to start. Also I'm not entirely sure how to best "get my name out there" so to speak. I'm not looking to do big things, rather target smaller groups that need a bit of work …
Last reply by John Bigboote, -
- 3 replies
- 1.8k views
Here's a possible point of interest concerning Topic tags... I note that several folks are using the Topic Tags which is a very good thing. When clicking on a tag anywhere in the forum other topics with that same tag will be brought forward. Its a useful way to categorize and retrieve information. This does beg the question however about the usefulness of one of a kind unique tags that are more than likely to only apply to that one instance of using said tag. It may be that folks are using the tags in a similar way as the old subtitles, which have gone away. But note that as those will likely be unique to only that one post or topic, it isn't a particularly go…
Last reply by Zaryin, -
Front view is upside down. All other views and shortcut to camera display correctly. I don't know what I pushed. I cannot find a way to turn the front view right side up. This is not a camera issue as far as I can see. I've done two searches in the forum and did not find this question answered. This is probably something simple, but it hasn't happened to me before. I did not save. I closed out the project and started the file up again in a different project, but the front view still displays upside down, while all other views display correctly.
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 3 replies
- 1.8k views
I was wondering if a steam version was planned. Installing steam and auto installing all my software is like a delicious plate of fluffy pancakes. And... Windows 8.1... seems to want all software reinstalled. I've got curvy3d and allegorithmic software on steam too.
Last reply by pixelplucker, -
- 3 replies
- 2.7k views
My financial misfortune is your bargain opportunity. :-) I've been doing these on Facebook, but decided I'd widen it to here. I'm drawing cartoon caricature faces for $10! Here's what they look like (a few of these faces might be familiar): They make great avatars, profile pics, etc. The files include transparent backgrounds, so you can do with them as you please. If you'd like one, just send me $10 via PayPal (to randarr@gmail.com) and also email me a picture or two to go by.
Last reply by largento, -
- 11 replies
- 2.2k views
I've run into a slight problem. I've added several Klieg lights in a model (as opposed to in the Choreography). However, I'm having trouble rendering them. Sometimes one will render, sometimes three will render and sometimes a different one will render. I can't get them all to render at the same time! Does anyone have any advice on what might be going wrong? Thanks, Dale
Last reply by Dalemation, -
A visionary
by Xtaz- 1 reply
- 809 views
Once upon a time( 1996 ) a visionary guy, called Martin Hash, who said: "3-D character animation will become a multibillion-dollar market. There will be a certain amount of political expression in cyberspace, but primarily cyberspace will evolve into a fantasyland for people with no life. It will be for those of us who always wanted to be whisked into the land of The Hobbit, with all of the trappings but less of the make-believe."
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 5 replies
- 1.3k views
from the 1970's... MK0ITXBWpHE Edit: corrected link:
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 6 replies
- 2.3k views
Okay, I stand corrected. Robert had mentioned changing a texure from .png to .tga and my response was that I thought those were hard coded into the .OBJ file. We *can* change the texture format of an .OBJ and we can do a whole lot more too. The secret sauce is in the .MTL file which can be edited in a text editor. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wavefront_.obj_file Look down until you get to the Material template library section. To go out on a limb and possibly be wrong yet again I'll say that perhaps it is that material that is assigned to the .OBJ that is interferring with the rendering of the image/texture? Attached is an image I got out of A:M's rende…
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 5 replies
- 765 views
OK.... I confess....I'm a huge fan of Sky Captain & the world of Tomorrow. So when I saw this John Carter Pitch done by the same director(Kerry Conran).... I have to wonder how awesome it would have been if they would've done the movie. Check out the pitch.....
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 0 replies
- 585 views
For those that might have wondered what legendary Disney animator Glen Keane has been up to since departing Disney, a theatrical release of the immersive application was revealed at Google I/O. Glen was challenged to create a follow up to the very popular and innovative 360 immersive entertainment 'Windy Day' and the result was 'Duet'. The part on 'Duet' to include some technological behind the scenes work as well as the short itself is at the end of this youtube video. Other releases of just the short itself are beginning to appear. As the 'rendering engine' Glen animated at 60 frames per second in order to create the animation for the application. cV8JDSO1…
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 1 reply
- 639 views
Project management for multimedia production has been a growing area of interest for many years so it comes as no surprise that Shotgun is positioned in an important niche. I've watched Shotgun since it's initial press release and made note of their quality and the potential to go far. The news was just released that project management software company Shotgun is 'joining' Autodesk. I take this to mean the company is being purchased. This is good news in that it should help bring project management for video production to the fore for many more projects. The cautionary note being that it becomes all the more likely that Shotgun will be at least as proprietary…
Last reply by fae_alba, -
- 1 follower
- 2 replies
- 732 views
Here's a clever pricing strategy for all you free-lance types... Freelance pros take the zeros out of project bids. Here's Why.
Last reply by fae_alba, -
- 16 replies
- 2.6k views
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-27677712 Sounds great, is animation master easy to export to renderman? or would extra work be needed to export it to renderman. I know this is not a commercial license but it would be great to use it as another option.
Last reply by frosteternal, -
there are several external renderer importing alembic files. Is possible to code A:M for export this format ??? http://www.alembic.io/index.html I`m using chronosculpt demo to import OBJ+MDD and expost an .abc file ( alembic ) but the result isn`t 5x5
Last reply by Xtaz, -
- 6 replies
- 990 views
Hey all! I've been progressively trying to get to the point of being able to do freelance work to some extent (I even made a website!) but I still feel like there is much to learn before I'm ready. Certain concepts I've gotten pretty solid (with much help from you folks!) but there's always more to be learned! Anyways, I was wondering what the top 5 books are that you might recommend for doing CG work. It can be ranging from any topic from lighting, to animating, to modeling etc. Just what are the top 5 books you think anyone like myself should read when doing this sort of work? Thanks!
Last reply by robcat2075, -
Facial Rig
by Xtaz- 1 follower
- 12 replies
- 3.4k views
This is for the Rig´s Gods Itjustme, mtpeak2 !!!!! 8qeOFibRmoo
Last reply by John Bigboote, -
- 4 replies
- 914 views
When I first saw this I thought it was a trailer for an upcoming movie... did I just imagine that it's suppose to eventually be a full feature? Hmm. Aw well, at any rate they've released this short (starring the voice of Steve Martin as the alien leader) for all to see: FavW-Y1kaxs Something to note: The length of this film is a good measure for shorts. It runs 4 minutes 7 seconds which includes intro and credits. And yet it is more than sufficient to tell the story. It also reminds me of some old A:M shorts.
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 1 reply
- 714 views
So for the first time in ever, I have a pretty decent PC. 3.5ghz Intel i7 quadcore, 16gb ram, 2gb nvidia graphics card. So how come my render for AM still takes 5 minutes? And I'm not rendering anything all that intense BTW. Furthermore, when I pop open task manager, it's only using like tops 15% of my resources. My PC is set to high performance and I gave AM realtime priority in task manager, but that hasn't caused AM to use any more resources. Is this as good as it gets for AM's processing power? Or am I missing something (cause I don't really know much about getting a computer to run at peak efficiency)?
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 2 replies
- 690 views
Just noticed the Troll?, spinning the words Animation Master round, for the Special Topics forum Was that your handiwork Rodney!?
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 0 replies
- 577 views
This is a Star Wars fan film put together by two school mates over the period of six years. The film is in french with subtitles and contains some harsh language not usually seen in Star Wars films. hChZObLRPRc Of interest, there are hundreds of stormtroopers in the film but no one wore a stormtrooper costume. All appearances where 3D models animated and composited into the film. There are several making of videos that are well worth reviewing as well. Here's their website that has links to several: http://1k0.blogspot.fr/2014/03/versus-twts-making-of.html Here's one thatperhaps outlines the effects breakdowns best: CG4AV5UIk…
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 0 replies
- 703 views
I ran across this short video and thought... that sure looks like it was designed as a showcase for a renderer... and sure enough it is. What I didn't guess is that the renderer is open source with an MIT license. The short is... very short so check it out: [vimeo]92172277[/vimeo] Direct Link The appleseed renderer is currently in Alpha testing: http://appleseedhq.net/
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 2 followers
- 2 replies
- 790 views
This looks to be a positive development: jR8XBZRkkao The video doesn't go into detail but the general idea is to allow viewers to assist and support directly (translation, captioning and funding).
Last reply by zandoriastudios,
