Gerry

I'm looking for a free model of a generic laptop computer (patches, not polys). I'll model it if need be but just trying to save a few steps. Thanks for any help! Gerry

I'm still planning on it. Mike, post an update if you can. Also, I might train down instead of drive, just for a change of pace. Let me know what subway stop you're at. Gerry

The fire looks good, but if you're after a modern look (I think it's been said above somewhere) you ought to try removing the moulding/mantelpiece from the top of the fireplace. It would give it a cleaner look I think.

Wow.

Nice work, Soltek! Great movement and character, and the voice is perfect. Welcome to the forum!

Hi Dennis- yep, I've got it on my calendar. Now if only this awful weather would let up... Gerry

That's very cool, Ross. But I want to see someone flying off into space! I guess that wouldn't fit in with your friend's marketing plans, though.

thanks for looking Luuk!

I've removed that line, Luuk. Here's a link for the alternate version. If you have a second to watch this again and let me know if the error messages are the same I'd really appreciate it! http://www.mooneyart.com/visualex/visualexholiday_qtalt.html Thanks, Gerry

Best of luck, Keith. Stop back soon! Gerry

Thanks for your comments, Luuk, but wouldn't deleting that line disable other browsers? I can never remember whether it's the or tag that IE needs, but don't I need both to accommodate all browsers? btw, there are various error messages or alerts that folks get depending on their browser/platform combo. And I also don't need all three versions to play on all computers, just trying to make sure everyone can see at least one!

thanks Dhar. I assume you get an Activex alert, you click on it and the animation plays? I've seen that before and I think it has to do with your browser prefs. As long as the animation plays without too many clicks or hurdles I'm happy. thanks for checking it out for me! I played your "St. James Infirmary" for my wife last night and she really liked it. Gerry

I've finished compressing and posting the final animation. What I've done is create three versions, Flash, QT and .wmv, and put in links so it's easy to click from one to the other. Below is the link to the QT version. If you're so inclined and have a few minutes can you check these out and let me know how they play, what browser and platform you're on, and any klunky behavior or error messages you might get. Thanks, and a GENERIC HOLIDAY GREETING TO ALL! http://www.mooneyart.com/visualex/visualexholiday_qt.html

Really nice, Mike! I love the look of the render, and a nice fun all-purpose character. And...what IS the green thing he's jumping in?

Lots of character in this guy! Are you gonna do the mouth with an animated decal? I've always liked that approach for cartoony "bigfoot" characters like this.

Outstanding stuff, great dancing and music! Makes me want to go to Arkansas and pick up trash to a rockin' beat!

Wow, Dhar. Can't believe I'm only seeing this now! Not only one of the best uses I've seen of one of AM's stock models, but a great use of a "funny animal" character to tell a heart-tugging story. Great direction and camera work, great cutting, great treatment of the musical solos.

Yeah, that looks good for me.

Thanks for your comments and suggestions, Luuk and onemanshort. We're looking at those options. I didn't know about the defaults in Outlook though. That could be a problem. I think we will definitely be including a link in the email along with the embedded video. My boss wants very much for this to be a seamless delivery but I know some folks will fall between the cracks.

Thanks Bruce, your help was invaluable. We're thinking of embedding it in a .swf or html formatted email. And I think it may make sense to include a link for those who can't see it in the email window.

Paul, that's a great suggestion but I've got strict orders! This has been discussed in the office and sending a link or requiring anything other than simply seeing it in the email window just won't fly. So that's what I'm dealing with. Glad you liked it though. Gerry

Here's a final render of the company holiday greeting I had in the WIP forum. This render uses the h.264 codec so you may need QT player 7 to see it. Turn on your speakers! This is what we still need to accomplish: Keep it at good quality but at or about 3megs; be able to email it in a format that won't be blocked by firewalls (my boss is concerned that many of the law firms who are our customers have firewalls that block .mov files but not .avi files. I'm not sure if this is true or not but it's how she feels) settle on a format that is viewable by as many people as possible (therefore h.264 maybe a problem). enable it to play right in the email pane. All comments and suggestions are welcome!

Yeah, I was wondering the same thing about the render quality. There are some minor quibbles like Silver Surfer's forward knee being a little lumpy in the wrong places, but overall these are all beautiful and stylish models. Let's see some renders that equal the quality of the work!

Yves, this is really great information and a clear, concise breakdown of these various qualities. Thanks!

Thanks mt, I'll try that. I was also looking at Colin's excellent hair tute at http://www.colins-loft.net/CoopHair.html and I can see there are a lot more settings and options than I was aware of. I highly recommend it. Gerry