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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.
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961 topics in this forum
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- 1 reply
- 762 views
Go get your Windows Updates today... Microsoft fixes '19-year-old' bug with emergency patch
Last reply by johnl3d, -
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- 760 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, -
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- 758 views
If you have one of the programs that support FXFactory you likely know about this already but... FXFactory is a plugin interface for a large number of free and purchasable effects for Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere, Adobe After Effects etc. Some of the effects are demos while others are entirely free. For those interested, check it out here: http://www.noiseindustries.com/fxfactory/ These are supposedly free: http://www.noiseindustries.com/fxfactory/free/
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 6 replies
- 754 views
Software expired but new activation code gives this error even after un and re instal Bad return data from webserver (no status)(-134) No such file or directory (errno: 2)
Last reply by robcat2075, -
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For those following the (general) software trend toward subscriptions etc. this may sound familiar... Autodesk has announced they will terminate 'upgrades' in 2015. What options are left for users of their products? Apparently, an annual purchase and/or subscription. Here's a write-up at AWN: (Link) The header: Much of this move is surely designed to catch more of the revenue stream generated as software is inevitably pushed downward (outward?) toward the periphery where lower end users will not pay thousands of dollars for software but pay more if spread out over a longer term. They have calculated that a greater saturation in the market w…
Last reply by detbear, -
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- 753 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, -
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- 752 views
This is the best rock, paper scissors tale I've seen told.
Last reply by Fuchur, -
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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, -
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- 751 views
I'm using A:M 19.0 f. I am trying to tune up an old model. When I try to adjust the bias handles on cp's they behave in a bizarre manner. They lengthen and distort and won't properly respond to control of the mouse. Anybody have these difficulties?
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 1 follower
- 5 replies
- 749 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, -
- 1 reply
- 748 views
There are ways to try Windows 10 and get back your old OS if you don't like it. If you decide within 30 days Windows 10 will ostensibly do the roll back for you. Alternatively, you can do a disk image of your OS drive before you upgrade and use it to revert later. I only recently discovered that Windows 7 can make a disk image for that purpose. how to roll back windows 10 to windows 7
Last reply by Wildsided, -
- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 748 views
While cleaning out the storage are of the theater room, I found an old PC. Not being sure about the PC, I placed a monitor and power cable on it and started it up. It is an XP box and much to my suprise I found several acts and scenes from TWO. After investigating the machine it is one that I set up for Steve Sappington to use Web Render on. It was fun seeing some of the TWO files. Steve
Last reply by Shelton, -
- 3 replies
- 746 views
I'm mainly posting this as a test for posting vimeo videos but... the educational/animated videos that are being distributed these days are pretty impressive. [vimeo]41038445[/vimeo]
Last reply by Gerry, -
- 2 replies
- 746 views
Rather than add to the other topic that focuses on Phonemes I'll start a new topic where I hope others will feel free to explore A:M's Dopesheet. The Dopesheet has gained a bad name over the years and that is unfortunate because it can be used to do a lot of laborious work quickly. It can be used to block out stories, set up scenes and pose characters rapidly and without much effort. Folks see A:M's Dopesheet as only being good for Lipsync but perhaps it can do more than that...
Last reply by Rodney, -
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- 743 views
Trying to composite sequences into scenes and can't get anything to work. Elements (rendered frames) are totally unresponsive. Am trying to layer clips and have one clip start at a certain frame. It shows on the layers timeline(the one next to the project tree) correctly but wont start with the frames specified in the Chor Range settings. The layers are compositing ok but cant control the TIMING. Anyone have any experience with this at all? Any help would be appreciated greatly. thanks
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 1 reply
- 743 views
I'm searching for a toppic on this forum that had a wonderful animation of a "dying" candle on a secretary with a letter and feather. Searched all over the place but could not find it. Anyone knows what I mean or where it is?
Last reply by Madfox, -
- 5 replies
- 742 views
Hi! New to this forum 8) I did search a bit in the forum to see if anyone had my issue. I didn't see anything. My problem is a simple one. I'm selecting a group of splines with the intention of making another copy of them with the copy/paste feature. I hit Ctrl-C to copy, then Ctrl-V to paste. Nothing happens. I get a new group, but the group doesn't have anything in it. There is no copy of the object. I even tried copy/paste from the pull down menu. same result. What am I doing wrong?
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 0 replies
- 742 views
Since there are some people on here that have a casual or not-so casual interest in the nuts and bolts of CG, I thought I would post this Computer Graphics bundle from Humble Bundle. There are several good books in the bundle, easily worth the $15 price to get all of them: https://www.humblebundle.com/books/computer-graphics-crc-press-books?hmb_source=navbar&hmb_medium=product_tile&hmb_campaign=tile_index_5
Last reply by Roger, -
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- 741 views
I like the look they've achieved. Simple, stylish and appealing. Show You Care
Last reply by largento, -
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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, -
- 3 replies
- 740 views
FopH8W10a7s
Last reply by Roger, -
- 2 replies
- 740 views
Of possible interest... As of April of this year Autodesk released Toxik (now named Composite) and MatchMover which runs on Linux, Mac and Windows 64bit for free. Composite is a node based video/image compositor. As the UI isn't exactly intuitive I highly recommend reviewing all available videos and tutorials BEFORE diving in. The learning curve is a bit steep and the UI doesn't always react in accordance with the tutorials. Aside: I'm not aware of any way to access the custom channels created for the EXR format but that doesn't mean it can't be done. Accessing standard RGBA channels is straightforward enough. MatchMover is a 2D/3D tracker for …
Last reply by Rodney, -
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- 737 views
Found a pretty neat program that creates seamless textures from Spiral Graphics ( www.spiralgraphics.biz ). There is a free program called Wood Workshop that allows you to create seamless wood textures with an almost limitless control over color, texture, pattern, etc. You can create the texture in just about any size you want, then export it to a .jpg, .png, .etc. They also have a program called Genetica 2.5 which allows you to create all sorts of other seamless textures, like brick, marble, cloth, wood, stone, metal and lots of others. The Pro version also allows you to create atmosphere and hair textures. They have a downloadable 30 day demo of Genetica. …
Last reply by Tralfaz, -
- 1 reply
- 737 views
This one almost doesn't rate a 'tech watch' label but there are aspects to it that certainly lend itself to further exploration. xhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWzurBQ81CM
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 2 followers
- 2 replies
- 736 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, -
- 1 reply
- 734 views
Trying to figure out how to composite sequences in the timeline (the one that opens to the right of the workspace tree). Need to overlay sequences, change times etc. and can't get anything to do what I want. Have read the tech ref over and over and nothing is helping so any help would be greatly appreciated.
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 3 replies
- 731 views
9k8nDOM7LZ4 . Direct Link: What I really like about this review is how JP Sans covers the following: Lean (Setting a character off balance in order to motivate a movement) The Contact Pose (This pose is so important and JP Sans knows what to look for) Exaggeration (It is always best to exaggerate in cartoony animation. It is rare that you'll need to dial it back but will more than like need to push the pose more) Missing Poses (JP Sans's ability to quickly spot the missing poses is something is a point I'd like to get to myself and I know that is primarily the task of constant and continuous observation) Opposing Directions (He doesn't s…
Last reply by Rodney, -
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- 729 views
Hi, Ten years ago, from this forum, I got some costs per screen second for animation. Does anyone have anything a little more recent? Thanks, Rusty
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 2 replies
- 729 views
Looks interesting: The parallel between Disney marketing via movie subject matter and the Disney theme park has always been tied together but with Lasseter in charge that tie and subsequent cross pollination has increased dramatically. And they have only scratched the surface. It is telling that Lasseter's involvement in the theme park predates his involvement in animation. He's come a long way from ferrying folks around on jungle cruise adventures.
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 6 replies
- 728 views
Hello- I have been using Windows XP for years and because Microsoft is abandoning support for Windows XP I am about to upgrade to Windows 7. My AM web subscription is due in 4 days and I won't get the new Windows 7 in place for another 10 days to two weeks. If I renew AM and am sent a subscription code to be used to activate the new yearly license, will I need a new code when I upgrade the OS a few days later? I have been using AM everyday so I don't want to have a lag in service. Will the new bought subscription number work with both the old and the new Operating Systems? Or will Jason or Heath need to send me a follow up code? Any …
Last reply by Tom, -
- 0 replies
- 722 views
Here's an interesting (hand drawn) flour sack animation by Ron Zorman. The aspect I like best is perhaps the transitions of weight throughout with the flour sack interacting with those various objects. Not that it's high-falutin' awesome or anything but that it's subtle-like. There are a few inconsistencies (the typical continuity problems that exist in most stories) such as when flour sack feels obvious pain in his foot during one sequence but is oblivious to that pain later (when we are set to anticipate it). Ron Zorman is a character animator on Ren and Stimpy and many Pixar movies.
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 4 replies
- 722 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, -
- 1 reply
- 721 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, -
- 4 replies
- 719 views
I've noticed ever since we switched to the new forum, it seems laggy as all get-out. I'm on a Core Duo system with 2gb RAM and while I realize that that level system is getting a bit long in the tooth, it isn't hopelessly obsolete. Just wondering what accounts for the slowness. Does the new forum software use a bunch of Flash?
Last reply by Fuchur, -
- 0 replies
- 718 views
If you aren't following the Animated Spirit blog... you might want to add it to your list of resources. There have been quite a few useful and interesting posts there since James Chiang first launched the blog back in June. James is a 17 year veteran of animation. In the latest post James analyses a shot from Pixar's 'Ratatouille' where he delves into how the audience is directed right to the place you want them as well as what that means relative to characters /elements in the shot. There's too much to summarize here so go see for yourself. Amongst other topics James emphasizes that "Forces begin internally" and that "Understanding forces is the key to belie…
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 2 replies
- 716 views
Pretty funny!
Last reply by TheSpleen, -
- 1 follower
- 5 replies
- 716 views
So things have changed in my neck of the woods and parking costs are really starting to bite into my income, even with the reduced amount that I actually have to be at the office. I've been thinking about taking the train but that adds at least an 1 to 1.5 hours to my commute. It would be nice to be able to do something animation or art related with that time instead of reading, sleeping, or playing around with my phone. Is there any viability to running AM on a windows virtual machine on a high-end Android tablet? Something with a Tegra 3 or 4 maybe? I would just use my laptop, but without a tray table or something to put it on (not available on the…
Last reply by zandoriastudios, -
- 1 follower
- 4 replies
- 715 views
This is the first I've heard of this next big thing... 21:9 format TV. http://www.redsharknews.com/technology/ite...reen-is-instead How long before it just wraps all around you?
Last reply by Shelton, -
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, -
- 1 reply
- 710 views
This app for androids was available for $2.99 but I believe it has reverted to $11. Of particular interest is that it appears to support splines and patches. (It can reportedly create 2 sided, 3 sided and 4 sided patches) As it only exports to .OBJ I'm not sure how well that will work but it makes sense that a quad/spline/patch based model exported to .OBJ might import into A:M better than most. I don't have an Android based phone or tablet so can't test this out. There is a free version that limits the size of the model that can be saved. From their site: http://www.scalisoft.com/ Could be useful for creating assets for A:M while on the go.…
Last reply by Wildsided, -
- 11 replies
- 708 views
Edit: Apparently a false alarm with regard to A:M spitting out German shortcut key listings. However, you may have a German Shortcut Key listing in your installation directory. Now here is a learning opportunity. If you want to learn some snippets of the German language, v18 is currently spitting out the german words for A:M shortcut keys. In the attached I've translated all but one which I think is 'SPACE'. For those in the know what say you all... does "LEER" translate to "SPACE"? At any rate, if you wish to get a shortcut key listing in German go to Tools/Customize and on the Keyboard tab click the Export button. The shortcut key listin…
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 2 replies
- 708 views
This is for folks that use TechSmith's Camtasia screen recording software. With the recent update to Camtasia 8.4 the recording file format has changed to allow full compatibility between PC and Mac. Good news. The bad news is that this change makes files recorded in the latest release incompatible with earlier releases. You can't open them, etc. This is something to consider if you use more than one release version of Camtasia or work with other who do. Note that a general workaround is to save/produce the content as a video file and share that but all of the specialized recording data (mouse movement etc.) will be lost (flattened?) as you do. Also noted,…
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 8 replies
- 705 views
The Oldest Hash AM training material on the early web sites of 1999 when I started using version 10.5 were excellent for beginner self education in modeling animation rigging and virtually the best introduction of Computer Graphics and Animation movie making. Can any one direct us to the links of those old web sites. I do have some old copies of some of those web pages in HTML format, but due to Author copyright constraints am unable to offer them even freely to Hash AM enthusiasts!. Please help as that material was easy to understand and experiment with even on Windows_XP. They opened up the extensive versatility of Hash AM to me. I use Hash AM even to this day to d…
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 5 replies
- 703 views
In another thread about compositing, Rodney kindly supplied a link to a talk about the subject. I followed up the link provided and it asked me to update the Flash player. I did that and installed it but, when I went back to try the link again it still wanted me to install the latest version... This has happened before with other things, notably on Youtube, so I suspect it may be part of the Apple - Adobe battle I've heard about? Is anyone else using a Mac having this problem and, if so, does anyone know a solution ? I'm using OSX 10:68 with Safari regards simon
Last reply by Simon Edmondson, -
- 0 replies
- 702 views
This Saturday legendary Disney animator Andreas Deja will be conducting a brief Master Lecture online at Virtual Animators. The 1 hour limitation suggests it'll be a bit brief to be much more than a survey/overview but at $25 I'd say it will be well worth the money and knowing how Andreas enjoys teaching I'm sure there will be many learning opportunities too. He has stated his plans to conduct a demonstration. There is limit seating for online attendance so if you are interested it is best to sign up sooner than later. http://www.virtualanimators.com/index.php/workshops Saturday, Oct 11, 11AM PTD And whether you attend or not... don't forget to kee…
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 3 replies
- 699 views
If you watched Saturday Morning cartoons as i did you certainly saw Filmation's work, including Fat Albert, Archie and Star Trek. Filmation was one of about three significant producers of animation for Saturday morning TV in the US in the 60's, 70's and 80's but the only one that was able keep the production in-house and not outsource it. Lou Scheimer somehow made that work. http://www.newsfromme.com/2013/10/20/lou-scheimer-r-p/
Last reply by largento, -
- 0 replies
- 699 views
Here's a brief but good article from the Animated Spirit Blog: http://www.animatedspirit.com/the-five-phases-of-work/ Overview: Phase One: Beginnings Phase Two: Preparation and Planning Phase Three: Doing the work Phase Four: Struggle Phase Five: Completion This process is not unlike any good story-telling worth being told. I can easily see overlap between the phases that suggests similarity between the three (and often four) act structures of theater/film production. And (because things in collections of 5s seem to be important) don't forget to read James Chiang's five part review of the book 'Five Cs of Cinematography'. It's very well worth th…
Last reply by Rodney, -
A visionary
by Xtaz- 1 reply
- 697 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, -
- 4 replies
- 697 views
Our seemingly endless wait for a truly high-quality "My Little Pony" movie may soon be over... DreamWorks Animation & Hasbro In Merger Talks
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 1 reply
- 697 views
Last reply by Wildsided,
