What's new?
- New camera shots (180 rule!)
- Including close-up
- Wides/open - lowered down
- Get rid of ambient occlusion - used only at 6% so.. yeah, don't need that actually
- Refined elbow movement (while rotating)
New camera shots:
31.1.12
[Final] Dance
What's new?
- New camera shots (180 rule!)
- Including close-up
- Wides/open - lowered down
- Get rid of ambient occlusion - used only at 6% so.. yeah, don't need that actually
- Refined elbow movement (while rotating)
New camera shots:
[Final] Presenter task REV
Revamped version.
Worked on:
- Lip sync (working with corners, fixing)
- Oh-shit guy :F
- Changed lighting - brighten up
Sorry, I just left my brain somewhere else so.. yeah, that's it for now :-)
[Final] Lip sync REV2
Umm, yeah.. this time tweaked lip sync (something new, isn't it?) and changed first blinks.. just a bit.
Also, changed lighting, not as dark as earlier.
Feedback 31/01/2012
Feedback! So we meet again.
To-do:
1. Talk about
2. Awards
3. Dance
To-do:
1. Talk about
- Lips corners
- Blinks
2. Awards
- Lips corners
- ‘O-shit’ - faster?
3. Dance
- Staging
- Add different shot - close-ups maybe
- Drop one elbow during first rotation
- Wides/opens - down!
30.1.12
Cards!
So ANIMEX is coming here. I asked my sister, also graphic artist - now - architect, to design cards for me.
As I like minimalistic style and here it is - she done well!
Second side is 'entertaining'. You have to rotate to read it clearly. Then, 'A' looks like it should and also.. you just done a motion with your wrist! Well done, you're almost an animator!
29.1.12
Me - Before and After
Me during Christmas break
Me two weeks after Christmas break
Me at labs - 2 am.
Me during ANIMEX week
Me two weeks after Christmas break
Me at labs - 2 am.
Me during ANIMEX week
28.1.12
Click click click![AP2] Animation principles
Well, at the beginning of this module, we were said that this is THAT stage when our animation level goes BOOOM! Up!
And.. well.. I can't fully agree more.
This is why I'm here. I knew I can create animation, but before this course I had no idea what animation principles are. That was my aim - to learn the basics - which I skipped before.
Now, when I animate I automatically think which animation principles I should use in current move and how it should be done.
Feedback gave me more experience. I've learned why and when I should change my action lines and why reference should be exaggerated, or at minimum, animation of it shouldn't be exactly the same.
This module favorite word is: exaggeration.
And.. well.. I can't fully agree more.
This is why I'm here. I knew I can create animation, but before this course I had no idea what animation principles are. That was my aim - to learn the basics - which I skipped before.
Now, when I animate I automatically think which animation principles I should use in current move and how it should be done.
Feedback gave me more experience. I've learned why and when I should change my action lines and why reference should be exaggerated, or at minimum, animation of it shouldn't be exactly the same.
This module favorite word is: exaggeration.
Just before my MA course I was told:
"Why do you want to waste your money? Go to work! You got portfolio, you can easily grab something".
This is the answer. That's why. I don't know how many things I don't know, but the less is better and this is my aim here.
For now, my little victory is knowing of animation principles.
Great module, gave me a lot of experience.
Can't wait for more!
[WIP] Dance RC1
So at this stage it was mainly post-production.
It started from Rachel's suggestion, that it is not so obvious, that music is played from headphones.
So I've started thinking how I can show it. Rachel told, that character can put on headphones and start dancing but.. well, that causes some problems like from where she takes headphones or should music be playing instantly after headphones are on the head..
Meanwhile, Scott dropped an idea to lower the volume on long shots, and vice-versa.
Great idea, right? So in Adobe Audition I've started playing with sound and made it to sound like from headphones. Then, last thing to do was in Premiere..
This is how it looks my composition now. After long time of processing (frames are still on render space, so it takes a while till Premiere will get them on local cache) I got the results!
Great! Now.. wait a minute.. still something is missing.. Ah yes! Motion blur!
So fast switch on Adobe After Effects and.. voila!
Release candidate 1
However, I wanted to add some special effects like sun rays and floating dust. I watched couple tutorials how to do it but it was not working in my scene. Shame.. Volumetric lights is a thing which I haven't touched in Maya. I can do dust particles - it's not a problem - but without sun rays it looked silly.
Rendering interiors is a pain for me. I had many, many problems with eyes speculars.They are still visible in some frames, but with my current knowledge there is nothing I can do about it.
Can't believe it is over. It took me so many hours to complete this task.
And remember what I was saying in first post? (http://raffanimates.blogspot.com/2012/01/dance-reference-also-animation-student.html)
I think this is the hardest animation I had to do in my entire life (always too ambitious), but also, I can't wait for effects!My only hope is not to end like on undergrad..And guess what? I AM REALLY PROUD OF MYSELF.
Whole production time I was thinking 'No.. I can't make it. This clip/dance is cursed and I will never be good enough to make it look good'.
And yes, it was the hardest animation in my entire life. It's really difficult to make every move flow, without twists and popping.
Trying to count how long animating this took me.. well.. 9 hours daily multiplied by 11 days.. OH-MY..
I'm really happy with the results and can't wait for Animex week to have a rest and read some books. However, still got couple of days and I have to spend them on drawing, because I concentrated only on animation leaving some time before the deadlines.
Software used:
Autodesk Maya, Adobe: Photoshop; Audition; Premiere; After Effects.
[SFS] Undo
'Undo' is a history of a man who found himself in a rather unusual library, where every book is a description of someone's life. Discovering his own history, he tries to change his fate, but whether that interference will change his life for better?
Short animated film by Marcin Wasko based on his own screenplay. The film won the grand prize at the festival Animago in 2003.
Work on the film began in June 2002. Initially, black and white version was designed mainly for the festival purposes. Work took around four months.
After finishing the first version of "Undo" it was decided to transfer the photosensitive film to tape and for next three months of work to prepare the film to transfer it to 35mm film tape. To the new color version of "Undo" a new binding sound was prepared and implemented, which was created from scratch in Kuba Pietrzak studio - Post Meridian.
The film is done in very beautiful colors, using modern techniques of animation. The style is done in a subtle way specifically telling it's story. Music is illustraded in an interesting way, giving reminescent atmosphere like we could see in 'Cathedral' by Tomek Baginski - the flagship production of Platige Image studio.
26.1.12
[Final] Presenter task
Okay! So after minor changes in lip sync (yes, I can agree again - there was some miss match) I present you the final version!
I really like this project, I must say. I can tell that by laughing every time I see it. Strange, isn't it?
Whole animation took me around a week. I've used Maya, After Effects, Premiere and Photoshop.
So I've started whole work by painting textures in Photoshop:
Of course I could model everything but.. it would be time wasting.
Then, customized characters and finally started animating.
In one day I've done lip sync (which wasn't really hard) and started doing the face expressions.
Next, fast environment modelling (really simple plane and that.. oh.. I have no idea what it is called (even in Polish) high.. table?) and simple light tests.
Finally, I've animated second character and put playblasts in After Effects:
Then, rendered the results and imported in Premiere to add the intro.
After several feedbacks (repeating the whole process again and again) you can see the results above.
Great project, lots of fun!
25.1.12
[Final] Lip sync REV
Just revised version.
Now, lip sync should match the video.
Also, I've added some space after movie for fade out.
[Final] Lip sync
Rendered out with ambient occlusion pass.
Also, I've changed T,S phonemes, because of last changes it kind of disappeared.
Lot of work on this project, but overall I'm very happy of the final results.
Very big thanks to Remi, who gave me really great feedback on facebook.
Learned a lot during this task.
I now what are micromovements and how important they are in animation.
Also, Remi shared few links:
http://www.11secondclub.com/helpful_hints/acting_it_out
http://www.carlosbaena.com/2011/01/micromovements/
The second one helped me to make correct eyes movement. I fully recommend reading those sources.
There is nothing special to say about post-production stage. Just added Ambient Occlusion pass and finished the lighting.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Newer version of animation is available here:
http://raffanimates.blogspot.com/2012/01/final-lip-sync-rev.html
[WIP] Presenter task RC1
So here is version 4.0 rendered out with ambient occlusion pass.
Looking good :-)
And I think there is nothing more to say for now. Tomorrow is show-n-tell so we will see if this version is okay.
[WIP] Dance v.2.0
Here it is. Revised and cleaned version - and as mentioned couple posts before - I like it.
Also, I've added first camera shots, which I may change in later versions.
However, I like like it is now. Still, last ten seconds needs more work.
Beside, I have to do animation before the dance. Maybe.. tomorrow.
24.1.12
Render farm
OMG! I think I'm going to cry because... RENDER FARM IS WORKING!
Yes, just submitted my lip sync task and what do you know.. I got the frames!
Ah! I'm soooo happy!
Yes, just submitted my lip sync task and what do you know.. I got the frames!
Ah! I'm soooo happy!
[WIP] Dance - v.2 - test version
Right, test version here of exaggerated dance. So I've kinda used my reference (mine reference shown on youtube) and added some clumsy moves.
Not as 'perfect' as previous one but.. maybe it's better?
Don't mind the ending, which completely sucks..
Oh and the guard guy will appear in different shot so.. yeah, don't mind him either.
And just some thoughts.. When at first feedback I heard from Penny, that my animation looks exactly like my reference.. well.. I was really sad, because clearly that was my aim. I was afraid I have to start everything from the scratch, which would be simply too hard for me, especially when deadline is coming. But then, I've talked to Scott about this and he gave me great advice. Now, that I've got first layer of animation I have to give some life into this. Exaggerate moves, make it more teen-a-like. So I did. As you see.. it's better, a lot better. For me this is the best example why I'm studying animation on MA degree. I could be working now but.. I'm glad I'm still learning. Each feedback gives me more knowledge, and with more knowledge my animations will be better and better. And you know what? I love that feeling, when you start seeing your experience boost. Comparing to my previous animations, I still think 'how the hell I liked that few months ago?'.
Not as 'perfect' as previous one but.. maybe it's better?
Don't mind the ending, which completely sucks..
Oh and the guard guy will appear in different shot so.. yeah, don't mind him either.
And just some thoughts.. When at first feedback I heard from Penny, that my animation looks exactly like my reference.. well.. I was really sad, because clearly that was my aim. I was afraid I have to start everything from the scratch, which would be simply too hard for me, especially when deadline is coming. But then, I've talked to Scott about this and he gave me great advice. Now, that I've got first layer of animation I have to give some life into this. Exaggerate moves, make it more teen-a-like. So I did. As you see.. it's better, a lot better. For me this is the best example why I'm studying animation on MA degree. I could be working now but.. I'm glad I'm still learning. Each feedback gives me more knowledge, and with more knowledge my animations will be better and better. And you know what? I love that feeling, when you start seeing your experience boost. Comparing to my previous animations, I still think 'how the hell I liked that few months ago?'.
23.1.12
[WIP] Dance - Museum
So here is museum of animation and shapes!
Yes, made it really easy and anti-time wasting.
However, I have to optimize render time. Now it takes one minute to render single frame. Too much when render farm is not working. Why it's not working? Ask technicians.
Okay, now I will concentrate on animation before: "Bored, looking around, then shock, and dance"
And later, some security guard interrupts dance.
Doh, I'm tired.
@UPDATE 23/01/2012 01:16
Render time: 0:24
And better quality! I'm awesome!
I would love to render Ambient Occlusion here to create lovely shadows.. but.. I can't simply lower the quality.. so the render time of AO frame is.. almost two minutes. Not happening!
So this time no shadows.. Sorry for that. Unless.. render farm starts working.
22.1.12
[WIP] Dance v.1.0
Huh, had hard couple of days animating this.
So, as I mentioned before, whole animation is done with FKs. God bless for FKs!
I had many problems with knees popping and bone twists so took me really long time to repair everything.
See the previous version here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DTBC_GWmvw
And now, see the first version I'm really happy about:
As Rachel and Scott suggested, I've changed the gender to female. It was a lot easier to preserve female moves than make it male-a-like.
Huh, okay. Now it goes for feedback and meanwhile I concentrate on animation that is before and after the dance. Also: I will make sunny museum hall.
So, as I mentioned before, whole animation is done with FKs. God bless for FKs!
I had many problems with knees popping and bone twists so took me really long time to repair everything.
See the previous version here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DTBC_GWmvw
And now, see the first version I'm really happy about:
As Rachel and Scott suggested, I've changed the gender to female. It was a lot easier to preserve female moves than make it male-a-like.
Huh, okay. Now it goes for feedback and meanwhile I concentrate on animation that is before and after the dance. Also: I will make sunny museum hall.
21.1.12
[SFS] The Kinematograph
Francis, a modest city clerk and self-taught inventor had -seemingly - everything he wanted. A great house in a small town, a lof of spare time and a loving wife.
Unfortunately, he also had obsession about inventions.
The latest invention of Francis had to be a revolution. He had to change the world, start a new era.
Francis was a perfectionist so he polished every element, each detail with precision encountered only at geniuses and madmen.
He called his invention 'Kinematograph'. Francis believed, that when he finishes his job, he will be happy. He only forgot that happiness does not last forever.
Realization
The making of a short film turned out to be a real challenge for the Platige Image team as they had never had to face anything like that before. About fifty graphic artists took part in this enterprise. For almost a year, they were working on bringing Francis the Inventor's story to life on the screen. 270 processors at a total power of 675 GHz, i.e. one third computing power of the whole Studio. The film includes 17,250 frames, 40,000 frames in strips. 5,000 trees with 10,000 leaves and 100,000 polygons each were created in the computers' memory. There are eighteen characters and seventy-four props in "The Kinematograph”. The whole film weighs over 1.5 terabytes.
My commentary
Gorgeous render, with a lot of backgrounds and hand-painted textures in short film based on Polish comic by Mateusz Skutnik.
Another great production by Polish animation studio - Platige Image - shows us the curse of perfectionism and what really matters in our lives.
I don't think if I have a right to criticise the animators but I think the lip sync could be more exaggerated. Or maybe it is made on purpose..
Baginski told that their aim was to create as much realistic light as possible and I think they did great!
Great inspiration for character design.
Source:
Pressbook
Gorgeous render, with a lot of backgrounds and hand-painted textures in short film based on Polish comic by Mateusz Skutnik.
Another great production by Polish animation studio - Platige Image - shows us the curse of perfectionism and what really matters in our lives.
I don't think if I have a right to criticise the animators but I think the lip sync could be more exaggerated. Or maybe it is made on purpose..
Baginski told that their aim was to create as much realistic light as possible and I think they did great!
Great inspiration for character design.
Source:
Pressbook
20.1.12
Animators in their natural habitat
Now, sit down and relax!
See how animators act in their natural habitat!
Long story short: I've recorded my reference (which I didn't upload) and Mark asked if anybody wants to give a try.
As the dance moves are quite hard (it took me three days to learn), Mark suggested I should stand in front and the rest should just do the same.
And as you see, it worked out!
Perfect memories!
We are students! We are animators!
See how animators act in their natural habitat!
Long story short: I've recorded my reference (which I didn't upload) and Mark asked if anybody wants to give a try.
As the dance moves are quite hard (it took me three days to learn), Mark suggested I should stand in front and the rest should just do the same.
And as you see, it worked out!
Perfect memories!
We are students! We are animators!
[WIP] Dance - Sneak a peek 3
Ok, so I've finished whole video.
Now it is time for bug fixes!
Stay tuned!
Now it is time for bug fixes!
Stay tuned!
[WIP] Lip sync RC1
So, here it is. Release Candidate 1.
As said before - changed lip sync.
Also: I've rendered it out and added Ambient Occlusion.
However, I have to revise 'S' phoneme which apparently got lost somewhere..
[WIP] Dance - Sneak a peek 2
Still, LOTS of mistakes and popping.
(Didn't change the animation from yesterday, just going forward).
Just showing the progress, because it takes ages!
However, I'm doing whole animation on FKs, I guess.
Most comfortable way to do dance.
Day two it is.
19.1.12
Oh Maya, I love you
Just before saving my today's work Maya have decided to crash.
So, I've lost 4 hours progress. It is so nice, that our technicians (IF they exist) haven't set auto backup file as default setting.
So, apparently I did it. Updated my Maya CopyPasta settings.
No more lost work!
But still, it is disappointing..
@EDIT (1h18m later) Well, I've done it better, faster and well.. I must be lucky :-) Got better way to animate now.
So, I've lost 4 hours progress. It is so nice, that our technicians (IF they exist) haven't set auto backup file as default setting.
So, apparently I did it. Updated my Maya CopyPasta settings.
No more lost work!
But still, it is disappointing..
@EDIT (1h18m later) Well, I've done it better, faster and well.. I must be lucky :-) Got better way to animate now.
[WIP] Dance - Sneak a peek
Not even an alfa version.
Got my first animation. Added inbetweens and there you have it. I even didn't move all controllers.
As you can see there is A LOT of bugs or bones popping, so just enjoy this moment with me.
This is day one.
I'm exhausted. It is really hard to animate dance.
Thankfully, this rig has switchable IK/FKs so my work is going quite flow.
18.1.12
[WIP] Presenter task v.4.0
Oh hi! Didn't expect you here..
Since you're here, just read what I have changed in this version:
- Changed layout - I don't like it but.. we will see how far it goes
- Eye contact with audience
- Phonemes lowered down
--
Also, I think I will change the speed of minimizing presenter window. It's way too fast, and I didn't see it in AE.
[Short] A Good Wife
I've just seen one of the most confising movies ever.
Georgious animation, beautiful render and perfect music creates astonishing mood.
Then, when I watched it second time I understood the message.
Great short!
Also: I might use that color pallet and render type in my final animation. That is what I was thinking about.
Georgious animation, beautiful render and perfect music creates astonishing mood.
Then, when I watched it second time I understood the message.
Great short!
Also: I might use that color pallet and render type in my final animation. That is what I was thinking about.
Dance - Reference (also: Animation student)
Do you recognize this video?
I'm sure you do!
This advert was made by T-Mobile couple of years ago and with huge impact it could be seen around the world.
Needless to say, this brilliant video was so good, I've decided to make animated version of it in.. 2009. Yes, I was young and stupid animator who could barely use Maya, but with wild idea of making it.
The level of my animation was perfect for my mark - I got: D-.
So, I've deleted the animation from over the Internet and totally forgotten about it.
But, couple of days ago another wild idea appeared in my kinky mind - Why won't I try to do it again?
At first, I thought, I'm insane and I should not step the same river twice but then, with the lack of other ideas for DANCE TASK, I thought it might be a good idea.
So, brief scenario is:
1. Empty museum/library/quiet place. A guy with headphones walks around and looks at things.
2. Suddenly, track changes to 'Do you love me' by The Contours
3. Positively shocked, closes his eyes and start to do the T-Mobile dance:
4. As soon as choreography ends (around 40 seconds), he opens his eyes and see the guard staring at him like o_O
5. Shot on our dancer with stupid smile and CUT!
Now, fun part. From two days I'm trying to LEARN THE MOVES. Yes! You read correct.
I think I'm able to do this on Friday, when we will shoot our reference but.. I will see if I can make it.
Probably, I will just do it for fun (and to tell someday my grandchildren how grandpa's twisted mind is) so I already started animating body with reference shown above.
Yesterday, for TWO hours I was doing 6 seconds of animation - hips, knees and feet ONLY.
I think this is the hardest animation I had to do in my entire life (always too ambitious), but also, I can't wait for effects!
My only hope is not to end like on undergrad..
I'm sure you do!
This advert was made by T-Mobile couple of years ago and with huge impact it could be seen around the world.
Needless to say, this brilliant video was so good, I've decided to make animated version of it in.. 2009. Yes, I was young and stupid animator who could barely use Maya, but with wild idea of making it.
The level of my animation was perfect for my mark - I got: D-.
So, I've deleted the animation from over the Internet and totally forgotten about it.
But, couple of days ago another wild idea appeared in my kinky mind - Why won't I try to do it again?
At first, I thought, I'm insane and I should not step the same river twice but then, with the lack of other ideas for DANCE TASK, I thought it might be a good idea.
So, brief scenario is:
1. Empty museum/library/quiet place. A guy with headphones walks around and looks at things.
2. Suddenly, track changes to 'Do you love me' by The Contours
3. Positively shocked, closes his eyes and start to do the T-Mobile dance:
4. As soon as choreography ends (around 40 seconds), he opens his eyes and see the guard staring at him like o_O
5. Shot on our dancer with stupid smile and CUT!
Now, fun part. From two days I'm trying to LEARN THE MOVES. Yes! You read correct.
I think I'm able to do this on Friday, when we will shoot our reference but.. I will see if I can make it.
Probably, I will just do it for fun (and to tell someday my grandchildren how grandpa's twisted mind is) so I already started animating body with reference shown above.
Yesterday, for TWO hours I was doing 6 seconds of animation - hips, knees and feet ONLY.
I think this is the hardest animation I had to do in my entire life (always too ambitious), but also, I can't wait for effects!
My only hope is not to end like on undergrad..
Today's TO-DO list
So today is Wednesday, which is SHOW n' TELL day.
I got good feedback from everybody and I'm not hesitating to use it.
LIP SYNC TASK
- Lower down UPs and DOWNs
- Lower down WIDEs
PRESENTER TASK
- Change the layout - Presenter centred - Nominated actors around him
I will be honest here. I don't like this idea. I've imagined my layout completely different - as in real Oscars ceremony. But.. I will do it and see how it looks like.
- Make eye contact with the audience
- Same as in lip sync task - lower down phonemes
One word about my exaggerated phonemes - I like to make my lip sync more dynamical, that's why I got so big 'wides' and 'downs'. But, as I'm not professional animator and I might be wrong, I will submissively change it.
Then, if I still got time, I will continue my DANCE task, which I'm going to briefly describe in my next post.
I got good feedback from everybody and I'm not hesitating to use it.
LIP SYNC TASK
- Lower down UPs and DOWNs
- Lower down WIDEs
PRESENTER TASK
- Change the layout - Presenter centred - Nominated actors around him
I will be honest here. I don't like this idea. I've imagined my layout completely different - as in real Oscars ceremony. But.. I will do it and see how it looks like.
- Make eye contact with the audience
- Same as in lip sync task - lower down phonemes
One word about my exaggerated phonemes - I like to make my lip sync more dynamical, that's why I got so big 'wides' and 'downs'. But, as I'm not professional animator and I might be wrong, I will submissively change it.
Then, if I still got time, I will continue my DANCE task, which I'm going to briefly describe in my next post.
Insomnia is Coming!
Couple of weeks ago, I have received an interesting e-mail, titled: 'Animator needed for FPS game'.
At first, I was sure it's a scam or another fake e-mail to subscribe something but.. further reading showed, that it is a real game developed by over 300 people from all over the world, including many artists from contests like Dominance War.
Then, I was sweetened by phrase 'which must be animated with such master like You.'
Yes! I know it's a template sent to hundreds, but still.. it's nice :-)
An interesting thing is, the team is driven by one man - Krzysztof 'Mr Game' Galus. Yes, he is Polish, which also amazes me (not many games are produced in Poland).
So, technically, this horror game is based on free game engine called FPSCreator.
At first, I was really concerned about that. Why won't they use something more professional like UDK or write their own engine but.. the point of the game is to prove, that no engine matters but script and graphics.
Here is technical demo created long time ago (so it's probably not actual at all):
The team has 50 members (+300 people, who donated game by their models) from countries like Italy, India, Iran, Korea, China, Australia, Russia or USA. Everybody works online, like SO/HO.
My duties are Rigging (most of the characters are not rigged and as far as I know the team has only few of riggers) and Animating.
The first character I have to animate (fortunately not rig) is sweet named 'Mr Dead':
This post is an perfect example of how you should take care of your portfolio and make it looking good for potential employers.
At first, I was sure it's a scam or another fake e-mail to subscribe something but.. further reading showed, that it is a real game developed by over 300 people from all over the world, including many artists from contests like Dominance War.
Then, I was sweetened by phrase 'which must be animated with such master like You.'
Yes! I know it's a template sent to hundreds, but still.. it's nice :-)
An interesting thing is, the team is driven by one man - Krzysztof 'Mr Game' Galus. Yes, he is Polish, which also amazes me (not many games are produced in Poland).
So, technically, this horror game is based on free game engine called FPSCreator.
At first, I was really concerned about that. Why won't they use something more professional like UDK or write their own engine but.. the point of the game is to prove, that no engine matters but script and graphics.
Here is technical demo created long time ago (so it's probably not actual at all):
The team has 50 members (+300 people, who donated game by their models) from countries like Italy, India, Iran, Korea, China, Australia, Russia or USA. Everybody works online, like SO/HO.
My duties are Rigging (most of the characters are not rigged and as far as I know the team has only few of riggers) and Animating.
The first character I have to animate (fortunately not rig) is sweet named 'Mr Dead':
model by Kruku
I have to animate 24 frames cycles like:
- Getting of the meat (yes, meat) walls
- Reaction, when sees the player
- Run
- Attack
- Damage from player
- Death
I have got the model but.. it's in MAX format. Well, as I'm MAYA animator, I have to wait till somebody exports rig to fbx file.. which is okay with me, because now I have much things to do on uni.
Here is an example of previous work from our team:
This post is an perfect example of how you should take care of your portfolio and make it looking good for potential employers.
15.1.12
Maya CopyPasta!
Maya CopyPasta! v.1.0
Grab your stick and double click!
So, I was really tired of setting everything (settings, projects) up everyday. As our technicians are REALLY lazy and can't do their job.. I came up with a solution.
Couple of years ago, I used to be a programmer (rather my mathematician hobby). So.. I've written short batch file which will copy all my settings with one click!
Yes!
As I'm Good Guy Greg, I want to share it with you!
DOWNLOAD:
http://www.rafalschubert.com/Files/MayaCopyPasta.zip
Working on uni machines (Windows 7 x64).
PREPARATION
Copy everything from Maya settings folder:
C:\Users\USER_NAME\maya\2012-x64
Don't copy a folder, but folders inside (prefs, presets, scripts).
Then, paste it to your stick/external hard drive/student drive.
For example, student drive:
U:\settings
So in 'settings' folder we will find those three folders mentioned above.
Next, right click '!Maya CopyPasta! and open with notepad.
Set your student number and from patch (if it's different) and save the file.
DA JOB
Double click.
Check if patch and your student number is correct.
If it is, just press 'ANY' key.
YAY! Done :-)
Then just store this file on your drive (or student drive) and run when needed.
If intrested, I can make CopyPasta! for other software you use.
Grab your stick and double click!
So, I was really tired of setting everything (settings, projects) up everyday. As our technicians are REALLY lazy and can't do their job.. I came up with a solution.
Couple of years ago, I used to be a programmer (rather my mathematician hobby). So.. I've written short batch file which will copy all my settings with one click!
Yes!
As I'm Good Guy Greg, I want to share it with you!
DOWNLOAD:
http://www.rafalschubert.com/Files/MayaCopyPasta.zip
Working on uni machines (Windows 7 x64).
PREPARATION
Copy everything from Maya settings folder:
C:\Users\USER_NAME\maya\2012-x64
Don't copy a folder, but folders inside (prefs, presets, scripts).
Then, paste it to your stick/external hard drive/student drive.
For example, student drive:
U:\settings
So in 'settings' folder we will find those three folders mentioned above.
Next, right click '!Maya CopyPasta! and open with notepad.
Set your student number and from patch (if it's different) and save the file.
DA JOB
Double click.
Check if patch and your student number is correct.
If it is, just press 'ANY' key.
YAY! Done :-)
Then just store this file on your drive (or student drive) and run when needed.
If intrested, I can make CopyPasta! for other software you use.
14.1.12
Animations in 2012
The Pirates!
Release date: 28 March
Pirate Captain sets out on a mission to defeat his rivals Black Bellamy and Cutlass Liz for the Pirate of the year Award. The quest takes Captain and his crew from the shores of Blood Island to the foggy streets of Victorian London.
Ice Age: Continental Drift
Release date: 06 July
Manny, Diego, and Sid embark upon another adventure after their continent is set adrift. Using an iceberg as a ship, they encounter sea creatures and battle pirates as they explore a new world.
Dr. Seuss' The Lorax
Release date: 27 July
A 12-year-old boy searches for the one thing that will enable him to win the affection of the girl of his dreams. To find it he must discover the story of the Lorax, the grumpy yet charming creature who fights to protect his world.
Brave
Release date: 17 August
Determined to make her own path in life, Princess Merida defies a custom that brings chaos to her kingdom. Granted one wish, Merida must rely on her bravery and her archery skills to undo a beastly curse.
ParaNorman
Release date: 14 September
A misunderstood boy who can speak with the dead, takes on ghosts, zombies and grown-ups to save his town from a centuries-old curse.
Frankenweenie
Release date: 05 October
Young Victor conducts a science experiment to bring his beloved dog Sparky back to life, only to face unintended, sometimes monstrous, consequences.
Hotel Transylvania
Release date: 12 October
Dracula, who operates a high-end resort away from the human world, goes into overprotective mode when a boy discovers the resort and falls for the count's teen-aged daughter.
Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted
Release date: 19 October
Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe and Gloria the Hippo join a traveling circus in an effort to get back home to New York.
Rise of the Guardians
Release date: 30 November
Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, Jack Frost and the Sandman band together to form a united front against the Bogeyman.
Source:
IMDB.com
Press releases
Release date: 28 March
Pirate Captain sets out on a mission to defeat his rivals Black Bellamy and Cutlass Liz for the Pirate of the year Award. The quest takes Captain and his crew from the shores of Blood Island to the foggy streets of Victorian London.
Ice Age: Continental Drift
Release date: 06 July
Manny, Diego, and Sid embark upon another adventure after their continent is set adrift. Using an iceberg as a ship, they encounter sea creatures and battle pirates as they explore a new world.
Dr. Seuss' The Lorax
Release date: 27 July
A 12-year-old boy searches for the one thing that will enable him to win the affection of the girl of his dreams. To find it he must discover the story of the Lorax, the grumpy yet charming creature who fights to protect his world.
Brave
Release date: 17 August
Determined to make her own path in life, Princess Merida defies a custom that brings chaos to her kingdom. Granted one wish, Merida must rely on her bravery and her archery skills to undo a beastly curse.
ParaNorman
Release date: 14 September
A misunderstood boy who can speak with the dead, takes on ghosts, zombies and grown-ups to save his town from a centuries-old curse.
Frankenweenie
Release date: 05 October
Young Victor conducts a science experiment to bring his beloved dog Sparky back to life, only to face unintended, sometimes monstrous, consequences.
Hotel Transylvania
Release date: 12 October
Dracula, who operates a high-end resort away from the human world, goes into overprotective mode when a boy discovers the resort and falls for the count's teen-aged daughter.
Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted
Release date: 19 October
Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe and Gloria the Hippo join a traveling circus in an effort to get back home to New York.
Rise of the Guardians
Release date: 30 November
Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, Jack Frost and the Sandman band together to form a united front against the Bogeyman.
Source:
IMDB.com
Press releases
[SFS] The Ark
Unknown virus decimates population. Those who survived, guided by one man, are travelling to the unpolluted lands.
Work on the film was completed in April 2007. The relevant stage of production took about fifteen months, but from the first concepts passed two years.
Ironically, it turned out that the work on eight minutes length film engulfed such a long period of time.
Image was created using an unconventional technique of animated films.
Everything is based on hand-made miniatures, which were photographed using a Nikon D70s. For moving shots used Motion Control system that allows you to repeat the same motion at the perfect preservation of its trajectory. Use of this system enabled the performance of individual shots in several different variants of lighting. With such a solution, natural stage lighting could be simulated on a computer.
Thus, to the obtained 'photographed' material were added characters and items using 3D software for digital mock-ups. Creating a detailed computer scenery would be very complicated, laborious and in some cases perhaps even impossible.
More than this, lighting and rendering such detailed scenes would require enormous computing power. Using this technique allowed to avoid this problem. On the other hand, manual work for the implementation of such mock-ups was the break (and relaxation) from several hours daily spent at the computer - says Marcin Kobylecki, producer.
'The Ark' was created mainly using Softimage XSI. Also were used programs such as 3DS Max, LightWave or Modo, while the composition was made using After Effects and Digital Fusion.
Ironically, it turned out that the work on eight minutes length film engulfed such a long period of time.
Image was created using an unconventional technique of animated films.
Everything is based on hand-made miniatures, which were photographed using a Nikon D70s. For moving shots used Motion Control system that allows you to repeat the same motion at the perfect preservation of its trajectory. Use of this system enabled the performance of individual shots in several different variants of lighting. With such a solution, natural stage lighting could be simulated on a computer.
More than this, lighting and rendering such detailed scenes would require enormous computing power. Using this technique allowed to avoid this problem. On the other hand, manual work for the implementation of such mock-ups was the break (and relaxation) from several hours daily spent at the computer - says Marcin Kobylecki, producer.
'The Ark' was created mainly using Softimage XSI. Also were used programs such as 3DS Max, LightWave or Modo, while the composition was made using After Effects and Digital Fusion.
My commentary
I saw that short three years ago, when it appeared with a big boom on Polish sites about 3D graphics, but recently (this is probably a reason for shame), I got to know the details of the production. At a last year's meeting with Grzegorz Jonkajtys in Warsaw, I had the pleasure to see it once again. It amazed me. Although, Platige Image studio 'a little' helped in the production, their style (previously seen for example in 'The Catherdal' or 'Fallen Art') was clearly adapted by Grzegorz Jonkajtys after leaving their team.
Read more:
http://www.cgsociety.org/index.php/CGSFeatures/CGSFeatureSpecial/the_ark_-_short_film
Source: Press release
13.1.12
[WIP] Presenter task v.3.0
And here I am again after feedback from Penny.
Now, with a lot nicer phonemes.
Lowered down all mouth moves and now, it is more smoother and believable.
That's why I love feedback! <3
Now, with a lot nicer phonemes.
Lowered down all mouth moves and now, it is more smoother and believable.
That's why I love feedback! <3
[WIP] Presenter task v.2.0
After feedback from Em, I have completely redone body moves. Now, he moves from leg to leg and is less static.
A lot better, I must say.
A lot better, I must say.
[WIP] Presenter task v.1.0
Here it is! Results of DAY 2.
First, checklist:
David Falbert animation Change 'Best actor' Ceremony logo - Got intro from YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSKd5ySx2F4) Presenter body moves 720p resolution - Changed whole composition Added piece of paper rig Audience backgound (still without people)
Uhm, it's 3 am now but as my memory is fresh I will try to describe today's work.
Had a lot of problems with After Effects -> Adobe Premiere. I was trying to solve different resolution problem for like 40 minutes, when suddenly I realized, that instead of playblasting 1280x720, I did 1080x.. So.. I had to change composition in After Effects (automatically created by first file - old playblast).
Then, sound! I couldn't export mp4 with sound from AE. Don't know why. But after another tries it magically worked.
Also, new version of ElevenRig came out! (David character in my scene). There is slight difference in animating, but I will get use to it.
Umm, yeah, and I think that's it.
Enjoy and ZzZzzZzZZz...
Had a lot of problems with After Effects -> Adobe Premiere. I was trying to solve different resolution problem for like 40 minutes, when suddenly I realized, that instead of playblasting 1280x720, I did 1080x.. So.. I had to change composition in After Effects (automatically created by first file - old playblast).
Then, sound! I couldn't export mp4 with sound from AE. Don't know why. But after another tries it magically worked.
Also, new version of ElevenRig came out! (David character in my scene). There is slight difference in animating, but I will get use to it.
Umm, yeah, and I think that's it.
Enjoy and ZzZzzZzZZz...
12.1.12
[WIP] Presenter task - David
And here it is! Second character for presenter task.
Now, fun begins! Animation!
Now, fun begins! Animation!
[WIP] Presenter task - Inspiration
Just a quick post:
This is my inspiration for whole ceremony layout. I like the background, however I do not have much time to make similar (that's why I just animated still image).
Also, I would love to have that classy music - I will try to find it somewhere.
Embedding is disabled so.. CLICK CLICK CLICK -> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AAZCNd3Cj4
This is my inspiration for whole ceremony layout. I like the background, however I do not have much time to make similar (that's why I just animated still image).
Also, I would love to have that classy music - I will try to find it somewhere.
Embedding is disabled so.. CLICK CLICK CLICK -> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AAZCNd3Cj4
[WIP] Presenter task - Day 1
Well, had really good day yesterday. I did:
- Lip sync (and revamped it again couple hours later)
- Facial expressions
- Head movements
- Blinks
- Scene and first test renders
8 hours of work.
And.. I could do better but... how could I forget about our machines, that are automatically switched off at 2.00 am. Just when I had the best productivity boost.. BAM! Turned off.
I know computers have to reboot from time to time and install those silly updates but.. uni technicians (yeah, those legendary Teesside technicians - nobody knows if they exist or if they come only to the good students) decided to set the reboot time on 2 - when people are STILL working and love to work more.
Okay, I agreed with my fate and went home. There, I thought I might write a huge note complaining our technicians but.. my Internet suddenly stopped working (bloody virgin media!). With all signs on the sky, I just peacefully went to bed.
Well, I will use the day (it's 1 pm now) and go and see the offline world.
Ah! And here is fast screen from yesterday, which I managed to take just before rebooting.
Everything is animated (even the background!) and perfectly timed.
What I'm missing (talking about layer only) now is:
- David Falbert animation - I have to create character and lip sync 'OH-SHIT'
- Better quality of John Daniels photo - This one was taken from original clip (that's quite difficult, I have no idea who John Daniels is and Google doesn't give best answers)
- Change 'Best actor' - now I don't like it
- Ceremony logo - INTRO!
- Rotating ceremony statue - I will place it in some corner
What I have to do in Maya:
- Presenter body moves
- David animation (lip sync, facial expressions, body moves)
- Audience background (just behind David - I will put some more rigs and animate them basically, then.. BLUR!)
- Ceremony statue
- Possibly, ceremony logo
Bah, okay. I think I got everything.
- Lip sync (and revamped it again couple hours later)
- Facial expressions
- Head movements
- Blinks
- Scene and first test renders
8 hours of work.
And.. I could do better but... how could I forget about our machines, that are automatically switched off at 2.00 am. Just when I had the best productivity boost.. BAM! Turned off.
I know computers have to reboot from time to time and install those silly updates but.. uni technicians (yeah, those legendary Teesside technicians - nobody knows if they exist or if they come only to the good students) decided to set the reboot time on 2 - when people are STILL working and love to work more.
Okay, I agreed with my fate and went home. There, I thought I might write a huge note complaining our technicians but.. my Internet suddenly stopped working (bloody virgin media!). With all signs on the sky, I just peacefully went to bed.
Well, I will use the day (it's 1 pm now) and go and see the offline world.
Ah! And here is fast screen from yesterday, which I managed to take just before rebooting.
What I'm missing (talking about layer only) now is:
- David Falbert animation - I have to create character and lip sync 'OH-SHIT'
- Better quality of John Daniels photo - This one was taken from original clip (that's quite difficult, I have no idea who John Daniels is and Google doesn't give best answers)
- Change 'Best actor' - now I don't like it
- Ceremony logo - INTRO!
- Rotating ceremony statue - I will place it in some corner
What I have to do in Maya:
- Presenter body moves
- David animation (lip sync, facial expressions, body moves)
- Audience background (just behind David - I will put some more rigs and animate them basically, then.. BLUR!)
- Ceremony statue
- Possibly, ceremony logo
Bah, okay. I think I got everything.
11.1.12
[WIP] Presenter task - Reference
Productive day today!
We had a lot of fun while shooting reference for everybody.
So, according to my storyboard I present... THE REFERENCE! *evil music* DAH-DAH-DAH-DAAAH
Enjoy!
We had a lot of fun while shooting reference for everybody.
So, according to my storyboard I present... THE REFERENCE! *evil music* DAH-DAH-DAH-DAAAH
Enjoy!
7.1.12
[SFS] Skhizein - 91 centimeters apart
Every week I'm going to post a note about interesting short film I watched. This will be called 'Short Film Saturday'.
Struck by 150-ton meteorite, Henry has to adapt to living precisely the ninety-one centimeters apart.
A short animation, that lasts less than 13 minutes, in a comical way tells a story about a sad man 'affected by a meteorite'. When Henry was hit, he discovers, that his body is constantly being shifted by 91 centimeters from where he should be. To open the door, sit on a chair or pick up the phone, he must perform actions exactly offset by such a distance.
My word:
With a warm, well-rendered scenes, great detail and completely abstract moments, this modest piece of animation wows and requires independent interpretation of film by every viewer.
And Jérémy Clapin, director, writer and animator fully deserved (and won) many awards including Kodak Short Film Award at Cannes Films Festival, and Students Jury Award at the Krakow Film Festival.
Totally worth seeing short film - also, great piece of inspiration.
Enjoy!
A short animation, that lasts less than 13 minutes, in a comical way tells a story about a sad man 'affected by a meteorite'. When Henry was hit, he discovers, that his body is constantly being shifted by 91 centimeters from where he should be. To open the door, sit on a chair or pick up the phone, he must perform actions exactly offset by such a distance.
My word:
With a warm, well-rendered scenes, great detail and completely abstract moments, this modest piece of animation wows and requires independent interpretation of film by every viewer.
And Jérémy Clapin, director, writer and animator fully deserved (and won) many awards including Kodak Short Film Award at Cannes Films Festival, and Students Jury Award at the Krakow Film Festival.
Totally worth seeing short film - also, great piece of inspiration.
Enjoy!
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