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
-
- 14 replies
- 1.4k views
Hi Guys, I was curious if you had any favourite books and recommended reading on animation / creating shorts? Been reading more about screenwriting lately also wondering if there are good books specifically about writing for animation?
Last reply by Michael Brennan, -
- 4 replies
- 1.1k views
I have several stories I've always wanted to animate where I needed a crotchety old man as the main character (I relate to them oh so well!). Ran across this facial reconstruction of Copernicus on Mental Floss and thought now there is a roto to build a cool old man from!
Last reply by Simon Edmondson, -
- 3 replies
- 769 views
I'm wanting to get a really nice caustic like crystal ball texture on a shere. A sphere with the look of colored glass. Anyone know of a really nice way to get this done?
Last reply by largento, -
- 0 replies
- 518 views
IMO this is one of the best kept secrets in the animation biz... It's still small enough to be personal and isn't overly commercial as of yet. http://www.ctnanimationexpo.com/ Is there anyone from the A:M Forum planning to attend? I haven't heard that Hash Inc is considering setting up shop but if they are I'd be even more likely to attend. Dates are: November 16th through the 18th. Location: Burbank, California I know some folks that have attended and they thoroughly enjoyed being able to interact with artists and animators of like interests.
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 5 replies
- 567 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, -
- 17 replies
- 1.3k views
Here's a brief clip of me waving my Cintiq pen around the screen. You'll see that the cursor is always about 5-6 video frames behind the position of the pen. cursorlag.mov I'm wondering why it should ever be more than one screen refresh behind. Consider that the screen is refreshed at 60 fps. On a 2.5 GHz computer that means there 41.6 million clock cycles between every screen refresh. I would think that on an otherwise untasked computer it should be possible to read the position of the pen and update the cursor on the screen in less than 41 million clock cycles and yet there seems to be a pipeline of delay built into the process.
Last reply by pixelplucker, -
- 0 replies
- 674 views
Posting this here mainly so that I can find it later. This has roughly to do with a few thoughts I have related to 'drawing with splines' (as opposed to click/extend) and maintaining curvature (as much as possible) as control points are removed from or added to a spline and of translating/converting raster/bitmap lines into vector lines/splines. https://github.com/ideasman42/curve-fit-nd#origin The guy who adapted this code (Campbell Barton) is well known in Blender/Linux circles. Original code is from Screen Gems, updated with insights from OpenToonz and further enhanced by Barton. The library is described thusly: A (related) command line utility f…
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 6 replies
- 1.4k views
Hi I just wanted to say that I just recently purchased a new license and a new set of render nodes and the experience has been a bad one. I feel like Hash customer service is ignoring my issues. I purchased render nodes and the .lic file did not take and customer service has just stopped responding to my emails. I purchased additional nodes in 2014 and the same thing happened, only customer service fashioned together a new .lic file that did indeed work. I just got a new computer with 8 virtual cores so I thought it might be fun to up my nodes. I am starting to get really upset with this insane process of getting a new license. I have not found it to be straight …
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 0 replies
- 1.3k views
From the "If You Want It Done Right, Do It Yourself Dept." The program from a recital I attended last night:
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 1 reply
- 406 views
These are a bit tough to wade through due to the age and poor quality but for those that take the time there is some real gold to be mined from these videos. Daniel Jeannette has come a long way from the days of tape playback and if nothing else this is a great demonstration of just how good we've got it these days when it comes to our ability to access, review and analyze animation. These guys really had to devote themselves to it. Read the quote at the very end of this post for Daniel's contextual notes that describe what prompted him to conduct his demonstration. Part 1: [vimeo]49005851[/vimeo] Part 2: [vimeo]49150442[/vimeo] Part 3: [vimeo]…
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 1 follower
- 6 replies
- 4k views
A friend of mine still had an old Dark Tree on His PC. As a Mac user I hadn't given it much thought but now I have access to PC for animation. Can this be made available again? That material generator looked like a hoot! thanks, Adam
Last reply by Wildsided, -
- 9 replies
- 1.6k views
Is there a way to use DarkTree materials on a Mac yet?
Last reply by largento, -
- 12 replies
- 3.8k views
I couldn't locate the previous topic on Davinci Resolve bSo... Black Magic has announced the release of Davinci Resolve from Beta testing. It is now available in free and paid versions. If you don't have a dedicated video editor this is well worth a look, especially as Black Magic also produces the compositing software Fusion (which is not a dedicated video editor) and integration between the two will surely continue as time goes on. The primary difference between the free and paid release ($995) is higher resolution capabilities used in professional studios. The free versions (of Davinci Resolve and Fusion) operate on Mac and PC while the full version work…
Last reply by Xtaz, -
Decal glow?
by Tore- 1 follower
- 39 replies
- 2.4k views
--
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 1 follower
- 14 replies
- 1.8k views
---
Last reply by nemyax, -
Ok, so I posted about something like this before. It seems that I can't apply decals to ANY model. Whenever I try to, the program crashes. Contrast that with the fact that the models that already have decals applied still show up in real time. I've included an example. The one on the left has the decals, the one on the right doesn't. Both were created using the exact same version of the program, but at different times and on different machines. The decals on the left model are TGA files. I have no way of saving to that format anymore. Suggestions?
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 52 replies
- 3.6k views
I was wondering if it would be possible to create a decal that had a transparent background and to apply that decal to a transparent model. For example, I am creating a pine tree, and I am concerned about the needles. Probably, I could create the needles as hair on the pine tree branches, but that takes a lot of computer memory. Could I instead make a decal that had a transparent background and apply it to a part of a sphere that was transparent and then attach the part of the sphere to the branches? I have taken a photograph of pine needles to which I could add color for the needles and make the background transparent. Attached is my photograph. I was interested in opini…
Last reply by Pitcher, -
- 1 reply
- 529 views
Greetings, I just wiped my hard drive and have re-installed AM. When I apply a photo to a model, it appears in full resolution and slows modeling down enormously. I've never had this happen before: a decal showing in high-res in default mode. I've fiddled with the real-time render settings but that doesn't change anything. If someone knows a way to get the default resolution of decals down (pre-render or quick render), I'd very much appreciate the info. Thanks, Doug Since I wrote the above several hours ago, I loaded v16, and things happen at the speed they should. It seems to be a problem with v17, at least the way it loaded on my computer.
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 4 replies
- 804 views
Windows 7, AM v19.oi Nvidia grafx card Shaded view once used to show decals but now they don't show up. Nothing updated, nothing changed. Had tried to update Nvidia driver but could find NO button or function in the Nvidia control panel to do so, So Nothing has changed yet - no decals without doing a render. any help appreciated
Last reply by Fuchur, -
- 2 replies
- 4.3k views
Hello. Lately I've been having a decal rendering issue. They basically just run or smear upwards. Has anyone else had this issue?
Last reply by ChuckGram, -
- 2 replies
- 1.7k views
I was watching the slowest LA freeway chase ever, the transport of a SpaceShuttle fuel tank through the city to a museum. In the long shots it looks like part of the tank has wrong-facing patches and we are seeing through to the far side of the tank. But later there are some close-ups and it turns out that a corrugated surface is what caused that strange inverse shading effect...
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 1 follower
- 4 replies
- 652 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, -
as you know I'll seek a sponsor for my project "Trem do Pantanal 2020", the first step is to concept a good demo reel to be presented to them... well for this I'll need your inestimable help as always. Please .. can you guide me ?? I'm thinking in this intro... does it work ?
Last reply by Simon Edmondson, -
- 1 follower
- 21 replies
- 1.7k views
I seem to have run into son banding when mixing the Screen Based Ambient Occlusion and Depth Of Field. Is this a biproduct of the two being used or is there a setting in the SBAO that will decrease the dark "halo" like banding on things. Thanks for any suggestions, Kevin
Last reply by NancyGormezano, -
- 0 replies
- 578 views
I don't really need one of these but I WANT ONE. xhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Pl7xM6atCQ I don't see an anticipated price yet. Sold only through resellers a this point. 96TB of capacity on the desktop up to 2600MB/s speeds RAID 5/6 Specifically designed for use with data from 4/5/6K cameras. For those with the need you can sign up to win a free one here: http://textseagate.com/nab/signup/
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 12 replies
- 1.3k views
This is a bit of an odd question but I'ma gonna ask it anyways... When a person using a program such as A:M performs a copy/paste I must assume that: Data selected is stored in a copy/paste buffer That data is not stored in the operating system's clipboard (i.e. the operating system's standard copy/paste buffer usually used for text and images). I will further assume that if we could see the data we might only see the bits or the bytes or... perhaps the exact data that was selected at the time (numbers, text, etc). I realize this can get complex when we step away from standard text and image data for those times when a spline is selected and copied... or a …
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 0 replies
- 527 views
Did someone here send me a fruit basket? I got one over the holidays but i don't know who it is from. 🤔
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 5 replies
- 2.9k views
Anyone that is interested in having a 2D animation program, may want to check this link out: http://digicel.net/SpecialOffer.htm The Lite version is only $20 right now and the Studio version is $89.99. They are offering the educational discount to everyone, I'm not sure how long this will last, so if you're interested you better go grab it now.
Last reply by detbear, -
- 1 follower
- 2 replies
- 752 views
British BFI has recently released a 3 DVD set with the Czhec animation legend Jan Svankmajer's complete filmography. 26 fantastic animations plus interviews and documentaries etc. Highly recomended and very inspirational! Here is a cut from one of the shorts "Dimensions of Dialogue" from 1982 https://vimeo.com/15308509
Last reply by Tore, -
- 10 replies
- 2.5k 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, -
- 7 replies
- 811 views
Is there discord server to join?
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 5 replies
- 510 views
Is this April 1st? http://animationguildblog.blogspot.com/201...-lucasfilm.html and from another source: In other news (NY Times/LA Times etc.): George is retiring (with Kathleen Kennedy taking over as head of Lucasfilm) Disney is to pay $4.05 billion for Lucasfilm. Included in the deal are special-effects house Industrial Light & Magic, Skywalker Sound and video game company LucasArts.
Last reply by Roger, -
- 4 replies
- 790 views
It appears to be official. https://www.awn.com/news/disney-buys-fox-52-billion-deal For Fox's part this seems like a new way of splitting shares while maximizing profits as just prior to the merger Fox will split the parts of Fox that cannot be merged into a newly branded company. On the comics and cartoon front it would appear that X-Men are now back in the fold with Marvel/Disney... so look for cross overs in the future... once the legal dust has settled. And now Mickey can hang out with Homer Simpson.
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 1 follower
- 3 replies
- 1.2k views
http://www.thewrap.com/disney-interactive-closes-disney-infinity/ Surprises me.
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 4 replies
- 774 views
Just days ago I found myself wondering what Disney might end up doing with Blue Sky Studios which was part of their recent acquisition of 20th Centry Fox. Even before I got a chance to google it... into my news feed came the reports that Disney would be shutting down the Studio. Several old time Animation:Master veterans work there... a few since the very early days of Blue Sky Studios... and here's hoping they make the transition well. I saw in a separate report via Linked In that one Blue Sky Studio animator in particular, Teresa (Nord) Storhoff has recently been promoted to Training Lead which if true would suggest a role in transitioning some of the 450 emp…
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 5 replies
- 695 views
Pretty amazing stuff. As amazing as this is we can come pretty close to that stuff where they draw on top of the guys hand and it inbetweens the rest automatically with A:M's new 'Snap to Surface' feature. Of course there is a lot more going on than just the matching of animation lines to surfaces in 'Paperman'...
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 3 replies
- 2k views
Just returned from watching Disney's Moana and... Disney is still at the top of their game. I started to model Maui when I got home... but failed miserably. I don't think I can fault the visuals in any way. As for the story itself... They rather oddly left a few dangling plot/character points but I'm willing to bet they've got plans for those in the future (ala spin off property or sequel). What makes it especially odd is that those elements are perhaps the high points for character merchandising with regard to the tale. I can only assume they thought they risked detracting from the main storyline and the focus on Moana by echoing those elements back into t…
Last reply by largento, -
- 0 replies
- 780 views
I just returned from seeing the new movie and... This is an impressive movie on many levels. What perhaps surprises me most is that I didn't think I would enjoy it as much as the original animated version that is such a classic. No spoilers here except to say the film remained faithful is significant ways to the animated film. I was surprised by that too. Two other things that was a bit wary of going in but turned out to be just fine and well executed: - The film intentionally exaggerates scale on and they work that element like it's almost a character itself. As such it enhances the experience in significant ways and enlarges our view of the jungle especi…
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 1 follower
- 3 replies
- 935 views
Hi everyone! Does anyone know why I'm getting distortion when I render? jug.avi jug.prj
Last reply by rusty, -
- 0 replies
- 569 views
Pretty sure everyone needs this: http://djv.sourceforge.net/ Some pluses: - Actively developed - Open Source (view the code on either sourceforge or github) - Cross platform (Win, Mac, Linux) - OpenEXR support (see Layers menu) - Distro'd with ffmpeg (presumably includes a build of ffmpeg that is compatible with BSD license) - easily convert files/sequences to other formats - Multithreaded raster processing/playback (using OpenGL 4.1 apparently) - etc. - etc. See: Documentation The latest release (which is the one you want to have) is a Beta release.
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 6 replies
- 1k views
I had a random thought so thought I should investigate. The underlying observation/conjectures: Application (and Editing) of Decal assignment in A:M can sometimes run afoul of the inherent curvature of splines. This is one of the reasons why it is useful to flatten a model before applying decals. The question Would it generally be better to peak all the splines in a model prior to applying a decal? A follow up question After the application of the decal presumably the would be an adjustment of the assignment of specific locations of the image decaled onto the model. What impact (if any) should we expect to see as a result? I'm in the early stage…
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 1 reply
- 547 views
Anyone know where I might find any documentation/tutorials on all those cool sounding wizards currently in v19? Have tried just tinkering with them but doesn't seem to do anything. Any help would be appreciated
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 3 replies
- 1.2k views
If you have an extra $10K laying around and want to set yourself up for the next golden age of hand drawn animation blockbusters... Don Bluth has announced his online course that covers a year of instruction. Having attended a week long animation masterclass with Don I can attest that he is the real deal. (and that one week was not long enough!) I was also fortunate to have subscribed to his weekly seminars when they were live and got to interact with him during a few workshops. $10K is well outside my budget so I won't be attending. A portfolio review is conducted before acceptance into the program as well. This is a wise decision because while it would be g…
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 15 replies
- 1k views
This will be making the rounds... Don't Go to Art School: Why Traditional Art Schools are Failing Us by Noah Bradley. He outlines the issues and provides some resources to help address the problem. Here's a brief snippet of Noah's recommendations: His main point is that the debt incurred in attending a traditional art school is not worth the cost (a concept most will readily agree with). Agree or disagree (like most folks his solutions align fairly close with his proximity to those solutions), Noah has many interesting and thought provoking things to say and considerations to contemplate on his blog. Like this article entitled, "Start of…
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 1 reply
- 304 views
I click on link to download Animation master click on link it go no were nothing happens. has things changed here. I have done a format clean things up. went to reinstall Animation master click on link nothing happens .I just renewed subscription
Last reply by Maniac, -
- 4 replies
- 768 views
Today is the first day that I have tried in Version 19 to drag an action file shortcut onto a model. I have the action file. I have a shortcut in the library. I have the library on the monitor just below the Properties. When I click to drag the shortcut over the model, there is a very small icon that begins over the Project Work Space separately from the mouse arrow, but will not go over the highlighted model that I want to apply it to. The model does not have the unpickable sign on it. The arrow goes entirely off the monitor and the shortcut is not even on the middle of the screen. Also, sometimes I get an error message that says "Encountered an Improper Argument ". How…
Last reply by Pitcher, -
- 20 replies
- 1.9k views
I'm posting this here not so much to plug the kickstarter but to highlight one of the interviews/demonstrations that relates to it. Over on the Traditionalanimation.com site, Lavalle Lee conducts an interview with Don Bluth, then one with Gary Goldman and then raps up with a few question with both that dovetails into the announcement of the kickstarter. The main event however is saved for last and that is an animation demonstration by Don Bluth with him breaking down a simple animation of DIrk the Daring swinging his sword. A few highlights of the video include: Don demonstrates the traditional art of animation Don uses an exposure sheet and metronome as an aid…
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 9 replies
- 886 views
I hate to admit. It has been a while since I have used AM ,although I have been here since version 8.5. I would like to make a perfect circle3d if possible and add text around the interior rim circularly and if possible make it spin. Hope all is well in the Am Community, Martin and Family,Jason, Robcat, Fuchur, Rodney,Yoda64,Will Sutton,JohnL3D, Nancy the list is endless all of you have have helped me so much in the past. God Bless All in the AM Community. Happy and Blessed Easter To All !!! may you and yours be safe and well, Steve (mulls on the forum) i stlll remember the "Hash Bash" Great time and memory (0
Last reply by mulls, -
- 8 replies
- 1.5k views
Microsoft has teased a new device called Hololens. It is not released yet, developers dont' get access to it until about May this year and there is no commitment to even producing it yet. you can read about it in this NY Times article. Microsoft HoloLens: A Sensational Vision of the PC’s Future Briefly, here's what we know about HoloLens: -It is a headset you wear. -It overlays CG images onto your vision and synchs them to your head movements to make them appear to be planted in your real world, pehaps in a somewhat ghostly, semi-transparent fashion. -It is NOT a peripheral for your current PC, it is a self-contained computer and display. -It runs Wi…
Last reply by Fuchur, -
- 4 replies
- 560 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,
