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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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951 topics in this forum
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- 1 follower
- 14 replies
- 2k views
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Last reply by nemyax, -
GPU Slave?
by Tore- 2 followers
- 37 replies
- 3.6k views
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Last reply by Tore, -
- 2 followers
- 4 replies
- 1.1k views
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Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 1 follower
- 1 reply
- 849 views
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Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 1 follower
- 2 replies
- 1k views
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Last reply by Fuchur, -
New Icons?
by Tore- 1 follower
- 10 replies
- 1.6k views
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Last reply by Tore, -
- 1 follower
- 1 reply
- 791 views
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Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 8 replies
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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, -
- 1 follower
- 1 reply
- 939 views
This little video explains the basics of PBR materials: https://youtu.be/_LaVvGlkBDs
Last reply by John Bigboote, -
- 5 replies
- 1k views
I'm making a masted ship. Masted ships usually have guy ropes going all over the place to hold up the masts and yards. I can model ropes and tie the knots, but that runs up the patch count quite a bit. Is there a better way to run the ropes?
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 1 reply
- 685 views
Way back in the day Computer Graphics pioneers Jim Blinn and Ed Catmull and Alvy Ray Smith conducted lectures on their work to young and eager minds that were interested in pushing the technology to its full potential. It would have been wonderful if someone would have thought to record some of those lectures. And they did! These lectures haven't been viewed a lot on youtube bit should be for historical perspective alone. The lectures dive more deeply into subject matters we are well acquainted with to include splines and patches: xhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNXre0qpHjdhC29xH8WkKnw/feed From my perspective, this timeframe was while I was in h…
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 6 replies
- 1.1k 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, -
Decal glow?
by Tore- 1 follower
- 39 replies
- 2.8k views
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Last reply by Rodney, -
- 1 follower
- 9 replies
- 1.8k views
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Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 2 replies
- 959 views
Google has released a "Machine Learning Crash Course" https://developers.google.com/machine-learning/crash-course/ Someone learn it and tell me if it's useful.
Last reply by Rodney, -
New website
by Tore- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 555 views
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Last reply by Tore, -
- 8 replies
- 2.1k views
The prizes may not be of great use to A:M users and the judging criteria are rather hazy, but a lot of you already have great looking female characters on the shelf that might be dusted off to be worthy entries. https://www.cgtrader.com/challenges/3d-challenge-female-characters#section-awards
Last reply by largento, -
- 28 replies
- 2.4k views
Are there any brave souls out there willing to help me test some peer to peer file sharing? I'm looking for one or two people to help me test the basic process. The underlying idea is that of distributed computing where files are shared from my computer directly to anyone with the address without need for a middleman server. If they so desire they can also share files as if they have their own server. I'm leaning toward this approach for the next round of A:M Extras and other productions but it really needs to shown to work well first. I think I can only use WIndows users only at this time. Later testing should expand to Mac and Linux. For those to…
Last reply by rusty, -
- 4 replies
- 961 views
All you guys and gals knew this stuff already but I'm slow and only recently read the memo... Script Lining is something I have long knew needed to be present in the filmmaking pipeline but I had never really seen it in the wild. Having now seen it I gain that sense of satisfaction that I knew it was there but renewed frustration in that digital solutions still fall short of capturing it's potential. For those that share my lack of knowledge concerning Script Lining here's a good overview of the process and how it helps us break down a script to the point where we know where our cameras will be and what should be seen in the lens/renders: It can be a very useful…
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 1 reply
- 866 views
Just as a general curiousity, here's what an empty Project file looks like in JSON format: When converting back (to xml) there are a few formatting things to watch out for: Extraneous text in red. The extra space needs to be removed as well.
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 0 replies
- 857 views
Got these links in my email today: You can download a bunch of different LUTs here for free: 35 free LUTs And this page on using LUTs and color grading: Color Grading 101
Last reply by largento, -
- 1 follower
- 7 replies
- 1.2k views
Hi! Recently I installed the latest version of A:M, it asked me for an activation code which I looked up and entered and A:M started and worked just fine. However, today I got an error message when I tried to start it…something about contacting support. In an attempt to fix this myself I uninstalled A:M and reinstalled it but when I enter my activation code I get an error saying that the activation key is already in use. Looks like I somehow I screwed everything up. I tried sending an email to support@hash.com an it was kicked back as undeliverable... ??? BTW, I have two activation keys; one for my laptop and one for my desktop. This happened on my laptop. My …
Last reply by Fuchur, -
- 7 replies
- 1.5k 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, -
- 1 follower
- 3 replies
- 1.1k views
I just installed the latest version of A:M, but when I try to run the program it gives the following error: "The program can't start because api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll is missing from you computer. Try reinstalling the program to fix this problem." I've tried reinstalling several times, no joy. Anyone have a suggestion? I'm running windows 7 with Intel i7-5960X CPU on ASUS X99E WS MB
Last reply by Squirrelly, -
- 90 replies
- 6.3k views
I ran into this informative video and couldn't help but wonder if A:M suffers from a similar limitation. This video is lengthy, but if someone has the time to look through it, I'd like to find out if A:M might be set to the old sRGB scale and unable to rise to a better "Dynamic Range" for more realistic renders using a single sun light. Since I don't know a lot about the tech in these matters, I'm wondering if someone else might shed some light on whether A:M could be improved also like Blender is in this video. xhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9AT7H4GGrA
Last reply by pixelplucker, -
- 3 replies
- 872 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, -
- 6 replies
- 1.1k views
Was trying to use sweeper plugin and could not find it in 19 d or any other plug in ???
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 1 follower
- 15 replies
- 3k views
Aaron Blaise is another Disney artist/animator who has resources available online. He considers himself primarily a painter and from what I have seen has some great insight into how the real world informs art (and vice versa). Aaron is perhaps best known for his work in 'Beauty and the Beast' (Mulan, Brother Bear, etc. ) and for some nice behind the scenes insight into his work there see Art Tip#4 on thumbnailing. There are also at least four books/tutorials on drawing and animation (average price around $15 each) available online at his website: http://creatureartteacher.com/ These include: - How to animate a four legged walk cycle - How to animate a t…
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 11 replies
- 1.5k views
Hey, I tried the tutorial of Robocat Rigging Bones. So I tried it on a model of mine, and I can follow it clear untill 38m00s. Then the wizzard mirror bones is used, and as far as I can see I get another result. When I try to mirrorbones there do start another -x bone collection. But there is no attachment. Also I see a new Root bone, while this was excluded. Further there apear only a left bone with a foot. Maybe I have overseen something in the parms?
Last reply by Madfox, -
- 1 follower
- 5 replies
- 3.4k views
Hi, Where can I find documentation on how to use the terrain wizard? Thanks, Rusty
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 11 replies
- 1.4k views
I've been hesitant to post a link to this site but the reasons for doing so get more compelling every day. There are a lot of these masterclasses now online and as with most things certain themes and areas pique my interest. The most compelling masterclass at this exact moment for me personally is Ron Howard's Directing masterclass. Of the many others Steve Martin's masterclass intrigues me as I'm very interested in comedic timing and the setup, pacing and payoff of jokes. Hans Zimmer's masterclass on film scoring surely must touch on some areas I feel a need to explore. And on and on and on. It seems to me the primary business model behind masterclass.com is one of vol…
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 2 replies
- 875 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, -
- 3 replies
- 1.3k 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, -
- 3 replies
- 820 views
Due to a computer crash I'm forced to install Am on another computer. When I want to start the programm it asks for an activation code. Then it says the code is already used. It is a lifelong version with an internet activation. Now I have it installed, but what file should I send to activate the code? regards, Rien.
Last reply by Fuchur, -
- 2 replies
- 853 views
I just returned from the theater and enjoyed the film a lot. Well worth the price of admission. (no surprise there) This felt like (at least) three movies in one as the various stories of the characters played out on the screen. I'm glad Disney doesn't break them down into three movies but they certainly could be and... it may be that they are playing to the idea of serials even more with logical drop off points where one story ends and others continue on. The storytelling is very well done with lots of little surprises along the way. This is (to me) especially interesting given that there seemed to be a limited way forward and yet the writers managed to bui…
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 4 replies
- 891 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
- 2 replies
- 744 views
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Last reply by Tore, -
- 2 replies
- 783 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, -
- 13 replies
- 1.3k views
I don't know where this belongs. All i know is that I am having some serious stability issues. I open my app and everything works fine to a certain point. After that point, if I do anything else, the program goes bonkers. I lose my toolbars, my menu bars, everything. The only way I can save is my right clicking on the project in the Project Workspace. I have never had this problem with the "Disc in Drive" versions of this program. I built this machine for the sole purpose of being able to run this program efficiently. My machine is literally only a couple months old. Why is it so unstable? I have a Dell XPS SE, Win 10, Radeon 8GB GDDR 5, Core i5 machine. Will Pro…
Last reply by pixelplucker, -
- 1 reply
- 723 views
Have tried installing several older versions like the "yeti" which installs but won't run. Error says need to be administrator but "run as administrator" doesn't work either. there is no administrator on my PC just me. I once had this same version running on it for years but now can only install/run Master 99. any help would be greatly appreciated.
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 1 follower
- 2 replies
- 1.1k views
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Last reply by Tore, -
Well. I've got AM v16.0 and a disk with a v17.0 activation code. Not sure what the extra advanteges are between the two. I'm quiet a lot at work with it, with its happy and crash moments. I'm on Windows XP Professional 32-bit SP3 - Intel Pentium 4 650. Is there any chance, or how do I activate this v17.0 while v16.0 is installed?
Last reply by Madfox, -
- 3 replies
- 887 views
I think the most underwhelming Halloween treat I ever got was a page from a book of children's Bible stories.
Last reply by pixelplucker, -
- 8 replies
- 1.3k views
I tried to install Am2005 on a Windows7 platform. Luckely it's one of the netfree registering code. All goes well, but the programm won't start. Do I need some Visual basic programm to go?
Last reply by Madfox, -
- 7 replies
- 1.6k views
I have a project that is five models that can be joined together to make one object. I'm not sure how to do it. I've tried the constraints but since each model is it's own thing, kinematic chains and the translate to, orient like constraints aren't working. Is there another way to do what I am attempting? I've included a screenshot of my starting point. You can figure out the rest. Any suggestions?
Last reply by Goss, -
- 1 follower
- 2 replies
- 942 views
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Last reply by Tore, -
- 1 follower
- 4 replies
- 1k views
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Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 7 replies
- 1.5k views
Hi, It is funny how I always come back to AM, even with a few years break, for the simple pleasure of animating. Nothing beats its simplicity. I am using version 18.0p on Win 10. When I do a smartskin I would like to be able to track the movements of individual cp's in the graph window. That way, if there is an odd jerky movement of a cp i could smooth it out. But I can't see any way of bringing them up in the graph window. Is it possible? Kind regards Mike Logan
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 8 replies
- 1.7k views
Thanks to Rodney, I was able to enjoy A:M once more for a year. My subscription ended a month ago and I hope to get a permanent version. I contacted sales, and after a while ;-) sales contact me and offered to send me an invoice for the upgrade. I gladly accepted the offer and waited for the invoice, and waited, and waited. Send some more emails, no reply. And waited and waited. :-( At this moment as I am typing, no A:M for my projects. Yes, I am ranting. Rijk
Last reply by rijklau, -
- 1 follower
- 6 replies
- 1.4k views
Is there any OTHER reason besides parenting hierarchy why one might not be able to choose a bone applying constraints ? I'm trying to rig a model and the right arm bones are not appearing in the dropdown nor can I apply constraints to them. I have tried moving them around the heirarchy and am pretty certain they are correct, yet I cannot associate anything to them, specifically translate/orient. I am tearing out my hair just trying to get this simple thing done yet I cannot see the bones in the dropdown no matter what I do. What am I overlooking? Please help ! adam
Last reply by robcat2075,
