#"Reboot"-Sat. morn. sho
40 messages in this thread
John
Have you seen the Sat morn animated show "Reboot"? I don't watch TV on
Sat morn and was passing by the set while my daughter was watching it and
almost had one of those "home accident" thingies where you slip and skid into
the "Popiel French Fry slicer"!!!!!!
I registered evrything about the show except what it was about!!! I kept
saying WOW! and my daughter kept saying "it's not a terribly good show" and I
kept saying The mapping is really well done……….etc.!
What studio produces this show and what app is used? I see motion
capture really work to
create excellent non-verbal communication!!! The meshes are really wonderful
to look at even up close.
What I am curious about is the time in production…….can studio create this
kind of show quickly and
cost effectively now at the current level of app development? For curiosity I
was wondering how this
company or others like it are set up in terms of hardware and apps and hot
bodies. Thanks, Gary
I think its a company named BLT they are based in Canada. They use Softimage
Will
Will, I read an article about them in Post magazine last month, and it
mentioned BLT using 3DS along with SI for elements of Reboot.
– G
I did not know about 3ds, Thanks
Any how it is a great show, I know it is more for kids but I find myself
recording it every SAT. =)
Will
It is an amazing show. I'm particularly impressed with the facial animation
work that they've been doing. Very expressive.
– G
>> It is an amazing show. I'm particularly impressed
>> with the facial animation work that they've been doing.
>> Very expressive.
When you say "amazing", I take it you are talking about the art work. I like
that also.
Did you actually listen to the audio? The pseudo-techno-gibberish they spout
is total nonsense, in my <humble<g>> opinion. And they have no story line
except perhaps; lets act insane for a while and then act more insane. But what
the heck, I am over 50 and don't even like what is called modern "music". And
I HATE the Simpsons.
I'm a pretty big Simpsons fan, actually. <g>
– G
Im pushing 50 and I even like Bevis and Butthead.
<< Will, I read an article about them in Post magazine last month, and it
mentioned BLT using 3DS along with SI for elements of Reboot. >>
From looking at it, I could have sworn that it did….but I never heard any
credit given to 3DS before now. Do you happen to know any specific elements ?
Just curious as usual,
BILL
No specifics… If you look at the last issue of Post Mag, they mention that
BLT is using 3DS along with SI, but that's about it.
– G
Bill
I didn't see the article but I was really surprised by an article in the
May\June issue of "Interactivity" Magazine called "SoftImages New lineup" to
read that they mentioned specifically that "SoftImage has translators of import
and export (including support for 3dStudio files)." (I'm sure this must be
common knowledge). How is this beneficial to a company? Thanks, Gary
<< "SoftImages New lineup" to read that they mentioned specifically that
"SoftImage has translators of import and export (including support for 3dStudio
files)." (I'm sure this must be common knowledge). How is this beneficial to a
company? >>
Gary, I don't think I unserstand the question. If you mean how is supporting
another 3D app's file format beneficial….heck, I wish *every* 3D app. did
this. I must not be grasping your question tho', as this should be an obvious
answer. I believe what I've read indicated that SI would directly support 3DS
FF, but……they don't consider 3DS on an "equal level" with SI, now or in the
future. From that sort of comment, I'm guessing that means they will be priced
higher than 3DS or 3DS NT.
What is amusing to me is that the provider of the new 3DS OS, is probably going
to also be the nearest-match competitor with the 3D app's. I'd think MS would
be sending Gary & Co. phony doc's or something <gg>. I guess MS is too arrogant
to do that anyway <g>.
BILL
Bill <from that sort of comment, I'm guessing that means they will be priced
higher> <LOL> that was funny, and almost subtle! Jeffrey
<gg>….but true, I'll bet.
Hi Gary,
No I haven't seen Reboot. As GY mentioned it has 3DS elements in it. Its not
really something I'm hot to pursue. I do think its an interesting application
but more a novelty than anything else. I think this technology is actually
better suited to game development. I have heard of other similiar productions
in the works, and different formats, so apparently there are other people
willing to explore the possibilities. My experience with Virtual sets is not
something I would want to repeat, but it was also several (maybe 4 years) ago.
I have some reservations regarding the economics of producing a show like that
but with a good concept it might be viable provided that other ancillary
production costs are either eliminated or dramatically reduced. As you pointed
out, from your daughters comment that "it isn't a very good show", they've
probably sacrificed everything for the animation, including script writers. <g>
Which I guess is o.k. except that without content, the show isn't going to have
any kind of shelf life, which means syndication will be limited etc etc. In
other words it'll get dated fast.
John
Im up here in Vancouver. Reboot is made by the company of the Same name located
in downtown Vancouver. I aggree that the show lacks content but it is the most
popular T.V. show on Saturday mornings. I heard they are even coming out with a
line of Toys. In Vancouver the advertising is big for the show. Its on
Billboards and on the sides of Buses. I think for a Saturday morning cartoon
its really impressive. I mean you cant expect Pixar quality Animation for a
Morning cartoon.
Andrew
Andrew,
I think its possible that you misunderstood the point I was trying to make. Its
got nothing to do with Reboot as a show per se. What is has to do with is
animation as a vehicle for television, and in that context, because of
production costs it is not likely to be attractive to producers unless they
have another reason or means from which they might benefit. A line of toys
certainly makes sense. Industry recognition makes sense; the fact that they
have the skill and technology to produce a show like that, makes it a flagship
product which a producer might be quite willing to sponsor because of the
attention and recognition it is recieving, which would attract clients for
better paying projects etc. The city of Vancouver might even be willing to
subside it in an attempt to draw world attention to itself as an animation
creation center, but the bottom line economics of it are not good, and the fact
that it lacks content does not give it a great chance for any longevity. That
doesn't mean that it won't serve its purpose, whatever that purpose is… and
if you're enjoying it, all the better.
John
>>fact that it lacks content…
John there is plenty of material on the tube that lacks content but does great
with attracting and holding an audience. I like the Reboot storyline, but
would prefer to watch Porky Pig, Bugs Bunny, and Wile E Coyote.
pHred
PMJI,
>>> but would prefer to watch Porky Pig, Bugs Bunny, and Wile E Coyote. <<<
Then there's that Mrs. Roger Rabbit Charcter…….Who did that voice again?
<BG>
Murph'
pHred,
>> plenty of material on the tube that lacks content…. Porky Pig, Bugs
Bunny…. <<
I beg to differ, Porky Pig et al.. DO have content. <g>
John
good-humored violence) was what they added . . . MUSIC! I don't recall the old
cartoons having much more than lead-in and fade out music, with the rest of the
time filled only with sound effects.
I only just realized this. That cr****y sound track always used to irk me. And
I thought it was just my age showing!
John,
I guess what I'm asking is how is a product like "reboot" created from a
logistical point of view?
To create 30 min of this kind of program what assets need to be present?
I'm only curious … I don't see this kind of endevour comming to the
architectural community in the next….oh, say, millennium!!!!
Reboot characters show me that the future for this kind of show is very
bright! I wonder what the
next generation in gaming hardware (like Playstation) will bring to interactive
entertainment?
Thanks, Gary (dodging super-cell Tstorms wondeing if it was something I
said
a
d praying for no data loss) Angle
Gary,
>> I guess what I'm asking is how is a product like "reboot" created from a
logistical point of view… <<
Its too broad and complex a question. Put me on retainer and we'll discuss it.
<g>
>> Reboot characters show me that the future for this kind of show is very
bright! <<
O.K. Lets assume you're right. For the record I have my doubts.
John
Folks,
I read that Reboot needed about 10 million in start up/first season costs.
The
Sat. morning biz is 13, 22 minute episodes per season. That's about $750,000
per episode. I'm told that the usual cost is between 2 and 4 hundred thou. for
a
cel animated show. I also read that the first 5 mil. went for eqiptment, so
the next
season should be significantly cheaper there, as well as they can re-use tons
of stuff, models, enviroments, etc.
I think that this kind of a thing is feasable using PC's, but only just so.
I would love to prove it. We are developing a full 3d project for broadcast,
but it's going
to be geared towards a more adult crowd. We'll see.
Tim Miller
BLUR
Tim,
I know you'll be very busy with this project, but if its at all possible, and
you can post your progress, I'm sure many people would be most interest. And I
certainly don't want my comments to dampen your enthusiasm. I just think that
the key to successful projects like this, is keeping ones feet firmly planted
on the ground, when the tendency is to get caught up in the magic your trying
to create. I keep the two very seperate. I think that's what makes me a
professional. And this in no way implies that your team is anything less, I
just make the point to those who would rather not look at the practical
considerations, which are vital to the success of a project of this magnitude.
On that note, I wish you the best of success and look forward to hearing more
as things develop.
John
PMJI – I'll print out your comments for my son, who wants to know "how come if
Reboot can do a whole new show every week, it takes you so long to do what
you're doing?" <g>
John
Retainer? The only retainer I can relate to is the metal thing that
I've had
installed in my kid's mouth so that later,when she bites the hand that feeds it
will have a perfect
pattern.<g> I had to choose between the PVR and retainer……had it
installed to
shut her up. I made sure that it was dps upgradeable so that when she outgrows
it I'll stick it in a pci slot and use it for a fax-modem!
After a call to "Reboot" inc. in Vancouver (604-681-3595) I was told
that
there is a staff of 55 w/ 25 of these being animators using Softimage on SGI's!
It's produced in Vancouver but it's actually distributed from Toronto. There
are a series of toys etc. due for
release next month. (the T shirt is MINE)
The person I talked to in Production was Helen Dutoit and Reboot
address is (for snail mail)
1045 Howe St. Suite 500
Vancouver, BC,Ca V6Z2A9
There are a couple of Internet adresses but they are more Fan club
types non-technical :<
and their Email address at the production site is for inhouse and related
contractors only but she told me that tech stuff can be adressed via the postal
service.
Your proximity to this kind of digital effort is old hat for you, I'm
in an area that doesn't have the
kind of companies you have in great abundance there so pardon me for being a
little wide eyed over
something like this!!(G) Gary B>-
Gary,
Go back and re-read what I've written, take it at face value and realise that
is how I think about it, nothing more, nothing less… I think your projecting
way too much into my comments. Its my personal perspective which I expect to be
taken in that light. I think it should carry some weight but not to the point
you start feeling defensive. There's nothing in my comments for you to take
that way, and as far as being "old hat" goes, nothing I've said would indicate
that interpretation.
I was partly serious about the "retainer" because I don't think you realise
that its not a simple subject on which I could write a couple of lines and
produce all the insight you apparently want. Apparently you feel I'm dampening
your enthusiasm for this kind of project. No, I'm just expressing my dampened
interest in it. Big difference.
John
John
Helen Invited me to the "Reboot" company backyard BBQ next month as long
as I brought my famous
"Wick Fowler's 6 Alarm Chili".!! I had to decline since it takes 3 weeks to
properly age the goat entrails
I use in the recipe. However I plan to send my wife to her daughters's baby
shower next week!!
Gary (lyin' thru his teeth) Angle
Yeah Gary,
You be lyin through your teeth alright, in more ways than one, and you be
implin' the same as well. Well I normally wouldn't stoop to this but on the
other hand it would be fun to show you up, just for being such a smart alec.
<g> So calling your bluff, what would it take to satisfactorily prove that I've
"been there and done that"? Hmmm <g> The project is over four years old, so
there's no liability in showing off my efforts, which in fact are the best part
of the show. 🙂
Let me know and I'll see if I can make you eat your hat. <G>
John
John
Remind me not to play pogs w/ you! I think you'd open w/ a 200 pound
anvil!!
Sorry for the delay!! But I have to be honest……I log on from my
residence……my Wife just finished
wall papering my office bathroom….she got to the part where I'm supposed to
say "OOOH, marvelous,
let me finish cleaning up, you must be bushed!"…At this crucial juncture she
caught me reading your "where are you" msg!…..BIG MISTAKE!!!…….Fear DOES
have a kind of coppery taste! I accidentally vaporized you msg at this
time…..maybe you could re-send it if it's autofiled..
At any rate send me your address and I'll come on over! I've been looking
thru my "hat" collection
and the cap that says "Madonna sat here!" seems the tastiest of the lot!
I'm still not clear on this innuendo thing. If it's not an ancient French
dance I guess
it must be that when you look in from the outside of any industry it's easy to
feel invisible. Poof!
I liked your comment to Tim.. "the key to successful projects like this, is
keeping ones feet firmly planted on the ground, when the tendency is to get
caught up in the magic your trying to create. I keep the two very seperate." is
very similar to my professional point of view. There is a time when the magic
takes on a life of its own and it's alright to get caught up in it then!! It's
a Love-Hate kinda deal (as the tattoos on my knucles proclaim).
My wife's comment upon dicovering me at the keyboard was "Talking to some
of your buddies…?"(oh, so ICILY!) So we've been unknowingly reduced to
pals……….aren't relationships complex?
Your Buddy, Gary
>>Madonna sat here!
Ouch!
– G
Yech!
-GdeN
Its O.K. Gary, I'm get a little tired of it all the time… If you want to post
me your address e-mail I can send you a copy, the show is pretty awful but the
graphics are cool, I'll catch you later…
John
>>> My wife's comment upon dicovering me at the keyboard was "Talking to some
of your buddies…?"(oh, so ICILY!) So we've been unknowingly reduced to
pals……….aren't relationships complex? <<<
After the first 25 years it get's better….Hang in there Gary! <BG>
Murph'
Jim
Thanks……..My reaction time is amazing!!!! I think(I know) this is usless
against
Intuition!!!! I can grab just about any object in the vicinity of the computer
and weave an intricate story around it!!! but being caught cold…………?
My mouth
was open but nothing would come……Drat! <G> Gary (Caught, Tried, Found
Guilty and sentenced in a nanosecond) Angle
What's the matter Mr. Angle, are you so embarrassed, that you don't want to
know the truth. Hey, you've been more honest than most in your suspicions. I've
taken a heck of alot worse in ineundo and implication. So you would have
actually been doing me a favor had you taken up the challenge. What I really
don't like is the double standard around here when it comes to pulling threads.
You can make vieled insinuations and that's O.K. where if I do the same they're
immediately pulled. That's wrong Anne Brown. Its a double standard. And this is
at least the sixth or seventh time, I've experienced it, recently. Not one of
Ana's threads got pulled for example, and the implications were much harsher.
There is no question that its discriminatory, and I'm putting this undue
attention on notice.
John
John
I'm sorry for not getting back sooner……I've got a problem here….I'll
be back
(in the voice of the terminator)(BG) Gary
I have seen REBOOT on T.V. also. You stated you have'nt even seen the show.
Watch it, review it, then comment next time.
Doug,
I don't think I have to watch the show to make the comments I've made. And I
don't think anything I see will change that. Don't get caught up in your
enthusiasm for the show, to miss the points I've been making. Even if I think
its the best animation I've ever seen, its not going to change any of the
practical considerations. So as much as you may want it to be otherwise, that's
were it is. If you think I'm wrong you're free to produce your own and prove
it. And frankly all the power to you, I'd be happy to be wrong about it, but my
experience would indicate that there is alot of evidence to support my
perspective. It could change but at this point I really don't see how.
John