Open Forum
Don't know where to ask your question? Post it here and it'll find a proper home
Open Forum Rules
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.
There is one rule: Be kind.
Posts that violate this rule are subject to removal.
939 topics in this forum
-
- 1 follower
- 1 reply
- 723 views
Finally finished with school. So now I can get back to my real show. I am working on getting a bunch of still images turned into a video. The version of FCPX that I am using is: The directions I am using are: In your FCPX preferences/settings, change the default still frame duration to 1 frame. Import all of your still image files into FCPX. Create a new project and drag all of your still images into the timeline. ‘Select All’ so that every image in the timeline is selected. Right click and select ‘Make Compound Clip’. Use your new compound clip as a video file in any regular project. Line 1 mak…
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 1 follower
- 29 replies
- 5k views
The irony of having a modeling program with infinite resolution is that its stl export is lower resolution than any of its competitors. Its unfortunate because Animation master could if presented / marketed the right way could have a second wind because of the the 3d printer revolution. within 10 years 20% or more of hose holds could have a 3D printer. The bottleneck right now other than price is lack of easy to use 3D modeling software. But in our case we have the software and know how to use it but we cant get a high resolution stl file to the printer. Most people are using google sketchup, this program takes about 8 minutes to create a wine glass, as s…
Last reply by pixelplucker, -
- 2 replies
- 835 views
Aaron Blaise is branching out to offer some additional courses via his site. I'm posting this here... now... because the introductory pricing of $29 ends 14 hours from the time of this post. For those pinching pennies... that makes a big difference. I've purchased and have started watching the videos. I anticipate that much of what will be presented won't be new but will help to solidify what is already known. The underlying theme is.. Writers write. Directors direct. "Go out and do it!" That's the best way to learn. Here's the link:https://creatureartteacher.com/product/story-course-film-and-animation/ Here's the write up of the course. Here's …
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 2 replies
- 655 views
Chuck Williams and Aaron Blaise have launched a kickstarter to fund the initial creation of their current effort; a movie called "Art Story". But that isn't what I'm posting about here... Previously to this effort Williams and Blaise were working at the ill fated Digital Domain on several other story ideas. During that process they recorded a TEDx presentation about their creative process in creating their stories. hSIfGs-DGQ Some concepts covered: Starting out Spaghetti Pitches Inspiration Capturing Moments Evoking Emotion (Emotional Experiences) Research/Reference Connecting with Real Life Beat Boards Non…
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 3 replies
- 292 views
After installing AM.V16 on my new computer WIn10 64b I can't write out avi files. For some reason it gives me a stream error : AVIFileCreateStream Error : C:/ProgramFiles/HashInc/V16.0/Libarys/indy_thom.avi I see the counter runs on, but the file gets jammed. I never had this error with the program. Does anyone encounterd this before, or is it Win10 Pro that blocks up. Some avi files play, other won't because of a codeck.
Last reply by Madfox, -
- 5 replies
- 1.1k views
Ive got a charector model that is to short is there away to strech it including the bones Im sure ive done this before but my memmory just aint what it used to be
Last reply by ChuckGram, -
- 3 replies
- 1.4k views
I used to be able to get a reference grid to appear when using the stride length option in an action. The one I am referring to is: (from the A.M. reference manual) From a Bird’s Eye view, a reference grid is visible beneath the character’s feet (it can also be seen from a side view, but offers better visual feedback from Bird’s Eye). Stepping through the frames (use the scrub bar, frame buttons, or the and keys on the numeric keypad) will cause this grid to move forward/backward. By lining the foot up with one of the lines on the reference grid, any adjustments that are necessary can be made to the character’s stride to prevent slipping. It no longer appear…
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 1 reply
- 437 views
My subscription ran out, I'm low on cash and can't afford to update right now. Are there any problems with AM 2006 on Windows 7 with the latest update?
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 0 replies
- 469 views
On another forum someone asked how to "study" a shot Here was my response... At AnimationMentor they told us it's better to study live action shots than to study animated shots. You don't want to be re-creating other animators' mannerisms if you can help it. None-the-less there are some things you can ask yourself about any shot, live or animated... -What is the goal of the character? What are you seeing getting done that advances the story? -How does the character visibly change to show thought or action? -What are the main poses and changes of appearance the character goes through to show you what he is thinking or doing? When a character comes to a hol…
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 7 replies
- 1.4k views
Hi, Attached is an image of my A:M 19.0 Help->About. I attempted to install and run the latest version (19.0d) and it asked for an activation key. My current subscription expires 17-Jun-2018. Shouldn't I be able to run 19.0d and how do I get my activation key? Sorry, its been several years... Rusty
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 4 replies
- 701 views
Just purchased update subscription, installed it and it still tells me that AM expires in a few days. Just spent 80. bucks. Emailed from AM's support page-no response - Sent email from receipt email - also no response. Nobody seems to be at home at AM - no phone number to call. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Last reply by svetlik, -
- 4 replies
- 1.1k views
Hiya! I've recently purchased MODO Indi (to give it a serious look see to see if I want to save up to buy a full-on version of MODO), and so far I'm rather impressed. It hasn't crashed once on me, and it's work flow and my brain flow seem to be more or less on the same page. Anyway... ...I was fartin' around on their site looking for any of the extra stuff for MODO that I don't get with MODO Indi (mainly the scripting and plugins stuff), and came across something called "ACS 2 Kit" ("Automatic Character Setup 2 Kit"). One thing that instantly popped out at me was just how similar it seemed to be to a lot of the built-in stuff we have here in A:M. One thing in …
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 6 replies
- 1.4k views
I have a box full of old A:M books and dvd's that I would like to find a good home for. I used to play around with animation with my kids, but they've lost interest. I don't see a lot of stuff on ebay, is there a better place to sell?
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 2 replies
- 463 views
We animator types are an eclectic bunch of characters with diverse interests, so I was wondering. Is anyone watching Summer Slam tonight?
Last reply by Wildsided, -
- 6 replies
- 4.5k views
Hey all, anybody got any info on Hash Support or Orders? Trying to re-up my sub, but not getting any response and just wanna make sure everything's alright. Rich
Last reply by Jason Simonds, -
- 1 reply
- 534 views
Disclaimer: The following video contains a bit of cartoon nudity [vimeo]68229816[/vimeo] http://vimeo.com/68229816
Last reply by NancyGormezano, -
- 5 replies
- 754 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, -
- 2 replies
- 751 views
I've brought a wav audio file into choreography for lip-syncing and have synced the actions to the file, but when I play the action the sound plays faster than the wav file I've synced the actions to. The time code/frame tells me the wav file is 72 frames in length, but on playback, the sound does not sync with the frame count. It plays much faster. How can I sync the syncs?
Last reply by robcat2075, -
SyncSketch
by Rodney- 0 replies
- 708 views
We are seeing more and more of these type of applications... a definite trend in collaborative software. While useful and interesting once online sketching is ubiquitous I imagine many of these application will either fade from existence or be assimilated into other products. I fully expect Youtube and other video services to move in that direction as well. But... in the meantime these application are available and can help bring collaborative projects to life. Like several similar offerings SyncSketch provides online annotation of video uploaded to the cloud. Sharing a link with someone else allows you to then share that information with others. Here are a fe…
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 5 replies
- 1.5k views
Yet another online collaboration and review tool has appeared. The drawing tools are basic but adequate to communicate the reviewers intent. The free tier should satisfy basic requirements for a quick review but likely won't meet the needs of projects in full production. It's interesting to see where these online collaborative tools are heading. Worth checking out. https://syncsketch.com/#features I've lost track of similar products in circulation but a few of those include: RGBNotes Frame.io Artella While these services all have much to offer I think these may all be surpassed and eclipsed by what I'm seeing referred to as Web 3.0 (with a litt…
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 1 follower
- 4 replies
- 768 views
The folders of my Windows 7 can show me thumbnails of .jpg, .png and .bmp picture files. But when it comes to targa files (which I nearly always use) there is no thumbnail. Anybody know of a way to get .tga-thumbnails?
Last reply by Tore, -
- 1 reply
- 694 views
It's getting bad. All I did was *think* about getting a larger SSD and then the next ad that shows up on Facebook is for... a 2TB SSD!
Last reply by Wildsided, -
- 1 reply
- 459 views
And the trend continues as more animation legends offer video lessons. These are of personal interest to me because they focus on hand drawn animation. Of course the classic concepts can not only be transferred to 3D... they must! Instructors: John Pomeroy Tony Bancroft Tom Bancroft Michel Gagne At $10 a pop... affordable. http://taughtbyapro.com/courses/all/ Added: At 24 minutes they appear bitesized enough to assimilate quickly and incorporate into one's workflow. (I assume all lessons are roughly the same length)
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 0 replies
- 406 views
If you visit the Adobe site or attempt to update to the recently released Adobe Reader XI you'll currently get an update to Adobe Reader X instead and if attempting to update via the Reader itself a message that says you are currently up to date. This despite the fact that the Adobe site showing the XI version available for download. Since the XI release has been out since late Sep I can only assume the current buglist is large enough to keep Adobe from promoting/releasing it fully. For those interested the XI release is available at the following location: http://www.adobe.com/devnet-docs/acrobatet.../11/11.0.0.html DISCLAIMER: YOU SHOULD READ THROU…
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 6 replies
- 512 views
I saw that Jason posted a link to video outlining Youtubes plans to allow 360 degree videos to be played on youtube. 360 degree videos that we can scroll around in and zoom in/out are certainly an interesting technology. My interest of course is more on animation so I'm curios about the potential for creating 360 degree animated short films and movies. The basic premise is to create have six or more cameras all record the same event and then stitch those video streams into an interactive 360 degree video. If anyone has more info on how we might set this up in A:M I'd be interested to know. I assume that rather than use multiple cameras each rendering the sam…
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 6 replies
- 693 views
This is pretty neat technology that will have many applications. In a way it's not unlike a very different technology 'seam stitching' but from a very different approach with different applications. Article: http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/08/05/429720274/obstructions-vanish-from-images-treated-with-new-software-from-mit-google Video: xhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoyNiatRIh4 Of specific interest (and a bit scary... although sure to be useful to reveal who took a picture/video) is the ability to pull the obstruction out of the image as a separate Alpha Matte. For those that recall the movie's look at technology.... shades of Bladerunne…
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 2 replies
- 548 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, -
- 2 replies
- 553 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, -
- 10 replies
- 894 views
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 reply
- 639 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, -
- 0 replies
- 1.1k views
This is fairly self explanatory. Folks have long desired to be able to make sense of audio waveforms...
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 0 replies
- 430 views
This relates to some previous musing on devices that are 'constantly on'; something that is fairly common now that wasn't all that long ago. The term 'pre-record' can be a little hard to research online because of the use of the terms such as 'prerecorded' which imply video recorded for later viewing. This aspect of pre-record has to do with cameras/sensors that record continuously so they can time travel into the past from the moment where the user of the device first hits the record button to retrieve data. Generally, 30 seconds of video footage can then be recovered prior to the moment the recording was triggered. A downside of this in first generation models is…
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 1 reply
- 786 views
Why did I think of Nancy when I saw this... http://www.disneyresearch.com/project/printed-teddy-bears/ Of course, automated sewing has been around for a very long time...
Last reply by NancyGormezano, -
- 2 replies
- 739 views
Can 3D printed objects (plastic or otherwise) without batteries and electronics be connected to the internet? Apparently so although that may depend on what you define as electronics. The approach uses ambient wifi to absorb or reflect signals and communicate in a binary (on/off) manner. With this method buttons, knobs and sliders can 'talk' to each other and other devices via wireless connection. So basically, anything that can move or rotate can relay it's current state. Obviously power is present somewhere in loop of the greater system (via smartphone, router etc.) but no power is required in the sensor itself thus suggesting almost any object can become a s…
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 1 reply
- 1.9k views
Computational Thermoforming is an old technology (paints applied via immersion in water) modernized an applied to 3D printing with impressive results: xhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFkVxurKeAs More closely aligned to the older methodology, hyrodgraphy is highly useful as well. Both approaches are familar to those who texture models in Animation:Master and other programs. The trick being to do the texturing as precisely as possible with minimal passes to achieve the desired results. That (wet method) can be seen in a more modern form here: xhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlUhPrAqiY0 There are quite a few youtube videos that demonstrate the h…
Last reply by EmilyBrown, -
- 17 replies
- 3.7k views
This topic was previously titled: Thor - a new (open) video codec championed by Cisco For those with an interest in such things... https://tools.ietf.org/html/draft-fuldseth-netvc-thor-00 The primary impetus for bringing it into existence appears to be to ensure the codec is free from patents. The linked document goes into detail of how the codec processes data.
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 3 replies
- 831 views
What is larger than a nanosecond but shorter than a second? If Facebook (and presumably others) have their way it is a 'flick'. A flick is defined as: 1 flick = 1/705600000 second Somewhat usefully (mathematically) a flick can "in integer quantities exactly represent a single frame duration for 24hz, 25hz, 30hz, 48hz, 50hz, 60hz, 90hz, 100hz, 120hz, and also 1/1000 divisions of each." This helps with conversions of frequencies and image/audio sync. One potentially useful bit of information I saw outlined in the write up on flicks is this on the NTSC standard of 29.97 frames per second... something I have always thought was painful to consider: …
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 1 reply
- 971 views
Very interesting. xhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7d59O6cfaM0 Kudos to the demo team at Microsoft research who thought of excellent ways to show off the potential while adding new 'features' all the way to the end of the video. I can think of several downsides to such technology but it's hard to deny the potential.
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 8 replies
- 1.2k views
This tech watch focuses on one specific foray into bringing image formats up to date with modern hardware and software but there is much more to come. I hesitate to say there is a war of sorts on the horizon but some negotiations are ongoing to determine which approaches get adopted and what settles in for the long term. Microsoft has initiated their roll out of the HEIT format. There currently aren't any editors for the format and the focus is on playback. This would appear to be a byproduct of Microsoft's purchase of Nokia several years ago. For more information see: http://nokiatech.github.io/heif/ Of interest, this format is one of many approache…
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 0 replies
- 1k views
I saw a mention of this JPEG standard and thought it of interest because it proposes to address some issues with the current standard. Specifically, the XT flavor seeks to address issues of higher bit compression, HDRI imaging and... the alpha channel. JPEG with Alpha... that's been needed for a very long time now... and using alpha channel with both lossy and lossless processing would be a welcome addition to the format. For more info: https://jpeg.org/jpegxt/ For some open source software that reads and writes the format: https://jpeg.org/jpegxt/software.html On the downside: The JPEG standard itself has some limitations of usage due to patents.
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 2 replies
- 2.8k views
Microsoft always has a bevy of critics eager to pounce on any effort they put forth but this one is aligned in a way that purveyors of 3D modeling and animation should take note. Not that they will be able to ignore it... Microsoft recently announced several products that point to their behind the scenes efforts to move the computing experience forward. One of these is their move to improve the desktop experience via the Surface Studio computer. Another is their forays into the world of mixed reality with new VR headsets. But the one that I find most applicable and compelling at the moment is on one hand slightly trivial but on the other should prove to be a long …
Last reply by Fuchur, -
- 7 replies
- 560 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, -
- 1 follower
- 5 replies
- 592 views
It's always interesting to see how tech folds back upon itself. The latest buzz word in cg hair is something of a convergence between hair and cloth. Super Space Clothoids Whitepaper SIGGRAPH 2013 There is tech/math going on here which I don't claim to follow but when I suggest folks consider using geometry for hair this is the general idea and when one considers the possibilities much of what is outlined can already be created with A:M.
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 0 replies
- 763 views
TED Talks presents a talk with PIXAR's Danielle Feinberg on Lighting in PIXAR films. Well worth the watch (especially for those that had their dreams of being artists crushed as young children): LINK Note that is you see a download link that allows subtitles don't opt for the subtitles as the download appears to fail. Download without subtitles instead or simply stream the playback.
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 3 replies
- 404 views
Here's a playlist of talks on "story telling". I haven't watched them all, but I have no doubt that there are some tidbits (for me, and probably others) to be found at: http://www.ted.com/playlists/62/how_to_tell_a_story.html
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 16 replies
- 2.1k views
Hi there, every once in a while (mostly in my holidays) I return to A:M and try to make it really work for me. Still dreaming of an animators career, doh. However, one point where I still have huge problems with are Normal and Displacement maps. While mighty and powerfull I was never able to make them really work for me. When I render in A:M I only get unpredictable results, which by far not what I expect. Therefore it woud be nice, if you could tell me what to look for when using this kind of maps. Info about where you do the maps, how you export, what type of Normal adn Displacement maps you us would be also cool! Thanks in advance!
Last reply by Fuchur, -
- 1 follower
- 5 replies
- 3.3k views
Hi, Where can I find documentation on how to use the terrain wizard? Thanks, Rusty
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 16 replies
- 758 views
Hello Hashers- I'm guessing many of you have seen the new text to AI art engines out there like Midjourney, Dall E and Disco Diffusion (to name a few). They are rather awesome and also bit scary with the excellent images these engines create just using a few word prompts. They leave the carbon based artist (at least me) a bit perplexed...Computer generated images are not copyrightable and yet they will soon overwhelm all aspects of our life. Seems like a steep road for the carbon based artist to compete... I just discovered a new Text to Animation (!) engine and wondered what the communities thoughts are regarding this new way to move models around:
Last reply by fae_alba, -
- 2 replies
- 421 views
Just announcing that I'll be doing the company Christmas animation (my eighth, yikes, this is the longest I've ever been at one job!) and as yet I have zero ideas, but I'm just starting, surely something will come up!
Last reply by Gerry, -
- 1 reply
- 434 views
Skip ahead to 12:35 This is the first time I've ever seen him on film. 9JpfUK53lug
Last reply by largento,
