SirCoffee

Hey Ken- I've done some more digging and there could be a problem im/exporting A:M models into the construction set. It'll be interesting to see how the level editor imports the files A:M can export. I saw all the export options that A:M provides: 3DS, DXF, OBJ, AV2, and PLY. I think the game programmers used 3D Studio Max and many people building mods are also using Maya and Blender. The worse thing that can happen is that I'll learn more than one modeling software. I still think A:M is my best bet for creating and animating for the purpose of movie special effects. Thanks for the heads up with the difference between patches and poly models. I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks again for everyone's help! Erik

Thank you! All of your responses are helping me make a list of the best computer for me to build. I'm happy to say that we were in Circuit City yesterday and I almost bought a computer, but decided to wait to hear what the A:M forums would come back with. Keep your suggestions coming! I really appreciate it! -Erik

Hi Ken, I'm pretty sure I can export the compatible files from A:M to work in the game level editor. I played the game on Xbox360 since I didn't have a computer strong enough to play it on PC, so I have no idea what the editor can actually do. I've only read FAQ about it and read forum posts about level design. The video game level design is just an additional interest that would be nice to take a crack at, but my main focus is on 3D modelling and animation to be used in movie making. I'd love to make a "Clash of the Titans"-esque short or maybe pay homage to B movies from the 80s- I don't know- too many ideas- I just really need to focus on one thing at a time, but creating special effects are top interest. I've got SHAKE too- the digital compositing software to use with Final Cut Pro- I'm pretty sure A:M will work with that too... as you can see- everything hinges on me learning A:M to start exporting and using 3D models, props, sets, etc. What kind of films do you make? Have an online portfolio for me to check out? -Erik

Thanks for your help! I'm getting frustrated with all these pre-built computers, so I'm going to follow your lead and build it myself. I have a question about some of this crazy graphics stuff. SLI and Crossfire- do these features help A:M at all or is it most useful for high end gaming? Right now, I'm looking at an ASUS MSN-SLI Motherboard bundle from tiger direct: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/Se...&CatId=2430 I guess a better question is to address the "power users" of A:M and ask them what their personal systems are. If there's a pre-existing thread, please send me a link and I'll check it out! Thanks again for the help- Erik

Hi everyone, I'm currently running Animation:Master on a Mac G5 with 3 GB of Ram. OS version: 10.4.11. The computer's about 5 years old. I can still edit with Final Cut Pro just fine, but A:M doesn't seem to like it very much. A:M will crash once in a while, rendering is a crapshoot, and some tutorials like putting fur on Chewbacca was difficult for the computer to handle. I'm anxious to learn and use A:M for all sorts of projects, so I figure I should get a new computer. The PC I currently have is pushing 10 years old, so I was going to buy a new PC, but alot's changed in 10 years!! Can anyone recommend a good PC to buy? I was hoping to get one under $1,000- all the pre-made computers push me toward the "Ultimate Gaming Machines" which easily soar over $2000, but I didn't think I needed all the bells and whistles. In addition to using A:M for animation and special effects, I'm also interested in exporting 3D models to be used in a video game level designer- specifically, the Elder Scrolls Construction Set. I know that computer to run that level editor well should have at least 2GB of RAM, but the game came out over a year ago, so the processor doesn't necessarily have to be cutting edge. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! Erik