#character animation
11 messages in this thread
I'm interested in hearing from 3ds artists with emphasis on character
animation, specifically can it be done on a tv production schedule.
Are we talking 2D or 3D character animation ? Either way, the answer is yes.
BILL
Can you recommend any good character animation done with 3ds that I could
check? I do a lot of flyby and simulations, but I have a hard time believing we
could meet tv production scheds if we needed to do character animation too (And
I would very much like to). I am talking about fluid organic shapes and
movements of a rather realistic nature. Even in Wavefront, using Kinemation and
motion capture files takes more time than a running tv production schedule
would allow, unless it is very simplistic or without reference to "reality"
which is when we know something does not look right. But bring me back to
reality if I am off the mark @:|
-Arturo
Arturo,
I think you're being extremely vaque in regards to your reference of "TV
production schedules" Production schedules for broadcast tend to parallel the
other parts of the industry. We are currently working on two different
television series, and I think your assumption that the television industry
imposes deadlines far above and beyond the rest of the animation market is off
base. Also as someone who has used Wavefront w/Kinemation, SoftImage and is
currently using motion capture in Alias extensively, your statement about the
use of motion capture files taking more time than a running TV production
schedule would allow is also way off base.
FWIW,
Paul
Sorry I was vague. I was thinking more in terms of advertising than a
pre-planned tv production with enough time ahead. One year I shot 44 comercials
(that is almost 1 per week) and I just remembered those fast times and
shuddered. I guess I was just feeling bogged down by the hundreds of motion
files that I need to adjust and it seems that there will never be enough time
to do things with the level of perfection that I would personally like (this is
using Wavefront). Of course like Bill said, if you have the man&machine power
available then you can meet any crazy schedule. Oh, and sleep? who does…#)
-Arturo
I've worked on LOTS of tv commercials, and can tell you that plenty of
pre-production happened, especially if there was animation involved. When a
commercial has the budget for character animation (not usually cheap), it's
probably not going to be a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants,
grab-the-camera-and-pull-the-trigger kind of production. TV shows have, in my
experience, a _MUCH_ tighter production schedule.
John Tissavary (LUNA cie)
I believe Paul & Brian have you covered with their responses. If you can, get a
copy of this year's SIGGRAPH demo reel. I believe Gary said there would be some
available after the show, for those who could not attend. Personally, I believe
any imposed deadlines can be met utilizing any type of animation – you just
have to have the man & machine power available, and not require much sleep <g>.
BILL
<<3ds artists with emphasis on character animation, specifically can it be done
on a tv production schedule.>>
It certaintly can. In fact there are many artists who make their living at this
who frequent this forum….
….however most of them are at SIGGRAPH this week, so we might not get a huge
response. Make sure to stick around and ask questions after SIGGRAPH and see
what people have to say. Also, if you can, take a look at the Siggraph video
tapes. They show character animation.
-Brian
There are currently several companies producing character animation for
television. Your question is extremely vague and the subject matter quite
vast, so you may want to elaborate…
John Tissavary (LUNA cie)
Hi john thanks for responding. Your reply asks the exact question I'm
interested in. Which animation studios are getting work done by which 3ds
artists? Are their presently large companies that 3ds artists are employed by?
Or is it a looser structure i.e. 3ds artists sub-contracting work on their own.
Also, do you know any specific series that are employing 3ds images? Any info
you have would be greatly apreciated. Thanks in advance
Yes, yes, and yes <g>. This is a pretty big market, as far as I've
expereinced, and there are folks employed at larger facilities as well as
working on their own as sole proprietors or freelancers. I've got my own
company, since I can't stand working for others, but it's not for everyone and
there are times when I think it would be nice to let someone else worry about
running the show and just play 3DS. As far as specific series go, there was
some 3DS used for digital f/x in a couple of series last year, but nothing as
high profile as Seaquest or Babylon 5 (which sucks tragically, IMHO). There
should be some stuff this season, though, as a few pilots have been filmed that
incorporate 3DS animation. Also, there's some film work being done with 3DS,
typically for titles and pre-vis, but also some possible on-screen work in the
future.
John Tissavary (LUNA cie)