Rodney

Gotta learn to trust my instinct and lock threads like this down. It'll save everyone a lot of time and frustration. There are an infinite number of ways to do things wrong. As it is there are three ways that I can think of to do it right. 1) Use the CD in the CDRom Drive 2) Update to a dongle 3) Purchase Netrender (which comes with a dongle). Number 1 is self explanatory. For 2 and 3 you should contact Hash Inc directly. Martin you can always unlock this topic as you feel the need. Thanks for everyones input.

(I'm watching this topic with an eye to close it) I think everyone has covered the options pretty well. 'Bypassing' the CD's security system implies illegality so consider your options well.

Kaijin, The Materials Laboratory is just the thing for you. I didn't spot any information on reflective surfaces that jumped out at me but its not difficult to find. The online Technical Reference has good information too. (Its also on your A:M CD) For mirror surfaces what you'll need is to either adjust your surfaces setting's reflectivity settings or use a refective material. There should be several good ones in your Library (and CD too). I'm pretty sure there is one called 'Mirror' but that might be on the Extra CD. One of the most important things to remember is that a reflective surface MUST have something to reflect. You can add object to your scene to get this but one of the most effecives means is to use an Environment Map. Some of the reflective materials on the CD will already have that. Rodney Referenced Links: The Materials Laboratory Online Technical Reference (Recommend you use the very top link)

No ma'am. There is currently no video tutorial for Exercise 20. Here is the Hair Tech Talk which is quite informative and large. Someone suggested they might screen capture Exercise 20 while they were doing it to assist. I can't for the life of me remember who it was. If you have problems with any of the exercises just post your questions and I'll sure you'll recieve answers in no time. Edit: Robert saved me from having to track down the link to the Tech Talk. Thanks Robert!

'Just messing' around he says... Oh... here it is: I am seriously jealous of your talent Jin. Keep posting!

I just linked to here. In renderosity that's about all I can do. I'm sitting here wishing I was you right now. If I was you'd see me plastering this trailer all over the place. Seriously, you've done something really tremendous here. Your vision, your talent... you!* Please, take a bow! It's almost painful (for me) to think that people interested in this type of story, characters, quality animation, might not be seeing this. This is only from the perspective of a viewer. There is the creative side as well where there are legions who want to do that too. I'm enjoying this with you. Brair Rose is really a beaut. (You really need a press agent) *Briar Rose is also a direct reflection on the talented support behind you (i.e. John Keates!) As Yves might say... Bravo!

Satyajit, While you will definitely want to pursue other ways of getting your film out don't forget about A:M Films! Even if its edited out scenes from the movie you'll want to post at least some of it there. Contact Hash Inc for more specifics. I do like the idea of releasing personal film projects in serialized increments. That'd keep interest high and give people something to look forward too. Then when you're done... present the whole thing! Heck... sell a DVD!** Not many people can sustain a project over a long period of time. If anyone can do it though you can! Love those character designs! P.S. For the lazy people like me here's Satyajit's link in click version: www.satyajitchakraborty.com **I see from your website that is already planned. Excellent.

Teresa is missing her opportunity here... Ken is on the right track. There are references to this in the excercise posting but they may be a little buried. I probably should put that information in a more obvious place. The term 'Compliment Spline' was changed to 'Invert Selection' a few years ago. It's the same as the shortcut; period key. Edit: Didn't see your last post. Looks like you tracked the change down. I think Hash Inc just realized that people didn't understand what 'compliment' meant. 'Invert' is rather self explanatory.

I posted a link to this topic in Renderosity. Brair Rose Trailer announced in Renderosity

I went the dongle route a few years back. I liked it. Eventually I just went back to the CD. Flashing the dongle was one degree more difficult than just downloading and installing updates. Not difficult... just different. I find I prefer the CD. The dongle is a good alternative. For those with Netrender/renderfarms the dongle is an obvious choice. As most systems have a CD and DVD drive now that makes things easier.

That is such a great touch. A great little extra for all those that follow your work. I'm having a hard time thinking of questions. Trust me... that's rare. Added: I've seen some of your early character designs and animation. That website will be most welcome by me. Rodney

Thanks. I've got to slow down when reading and get those details.

Well.. originally the hippogyraf was Ozma (in disquise). I didn't imagine that did I?

The hell you will! Stephen has certainly raised the bar though.

Thanks Leo! There are a lot of music-types around here. I'm sure that prop will be useful. As for me... no music talent whatsoever but I can appreciate! Sounds intriguing.

The texturing blends perfectly with some serious modeling. Anyone else think how great it'll look when Hippogyraf in animated? That belly alone should really breath life into her (?). I can almost hear crunching straw now.

...and that has got to be Mosey... or a relative in the role of the faerie.

Stephen! Do you have any idea how long everyone has been waiting for this?? I'll give you a clue... its almost as long as you've been making it! I can't even say 'Brair Rose' is outstanding as the word doesn't even begin to relate. The words that come immediately to mind? "Watch this trailer!" There should be big roll out events for releases like this!

The worlds fastest modeller strikes again. That is looking great Ken. Outstanding work so far. Yoda has got to be my favorite Star Wars character (besides the Stormtroopers that is... something about those cool suits). Please don't stop at just the bust!

Oh yeah. Nice!

Pookney, That gets major credit points with me. If you are interested in the certificate you'll want to post your exercises as they appear in the book. You've got to complete TaoA:M to be TaoA:M certified. Make sense? Each lesson is designed to take you through all the basic features in Animation:Master. You can put the exercises together in a lot of different way. ...and its good fun too! If you can't find the individual posts you are welcome to post right here. Or if you prefer to add your work to the main exercise areas here are the links to Part I: The Art of Animation Master Part I: Animation ANYONE CAN ANIMATE 1 - You're the Director 2 - A Chorus Line 3 - Move It 4 - It's a Pitch 5 - Take a Walk 6 - The Door's Stuck 7 - Can You Say That? Rodney

Looks 'Showcase' to me.

Whoops. You are right Ken. Easy to forget you aren't in the published version. Link fixed. I have a feeling the wiki might incorporate a Gallery one of these days but I don't know. Noel is the Emporer of the Wikis. He may know.

Simply breathtaking. That'd make one fine poster on any wall. If I could quibble it would only be with his feet/lower legs. I think they should be pointed down more almost (but not quite) in line with his legs. You've done great justice to the ultimate comic book character.

...and reference Exercise 20 in the manual if you aren't already doing that.