CompuServe Messages

I am working on a project that involves a bowling scene. What is the best way to animate the ball knocking the pins down? Specifically the actions of the pins getting knocked away from the bowling ball. should the pins move on a path, along with the motions created in action, or do the whole thing in action? Since the pins end up at different spots than they start at Im not sure of the best animating technique. Any ideas would be appreciated. Steve PS I never ever thought I would spend time trying to find bowling on TV to watch! 🙂