New Forum Section - 3-D Printing, Digital and Virtual Reality

animateclay wrote: Yes, I think that eventually costs will come down and someone will figure out a way to turn this into something anyone can use. Probably the best app I know for animating CG characters is Mindshow. It's more like puppeteering but has some advantages over SMODO currently in some ways. Especially since it's instant.

WOW .. I am so blown-minded at Mindshow, Marc. This is awesome. I found it really hilarious and unique. There are definitely elements of puppeting, as far as acting performance and as far as CrisisZone from the beginning, it is even on stage. So funny. I really hope all these pioneers keep developing. Sticking always with stop motion charm in it, though.

animateclay wrote: Yes Dan, SMODO is an interesting project that we briefly talked about on the live show. It's a lot like the Dinosaur Input Devices from Phil Tippet but using a webcam to capture the movements. think if you want to animate in CG, it's not a bad idea to use. If you have a flying rig everything would translate fairly nicely. Only I don't see a way for changing face expressions, so I don't know if that's something they plan to add. I also kinda wonder how they do head turns and things with twisting motions. Either way I do think the tech has some limits, maybe that's why they haven't done an update for a while?

As far as limitations concern, maybe I was anxiously thinking about the future and where it all could lead into. But yes. I recently read about Mr Force input, what he said regarding SMODO.

Mr. Force wrote: its just a Plugin for 3DsMAX used with their Cams & Puppet. Only larger studios can afford 3DsMax @ 250$ monthly or 5700$ for the Lic. They would do better to offer it as a plugin for Blender so anyone can work with it

Sure. Value and just being a plugin would not be as effective as it may seem. I am thinking however the outcome of such experimentation four or five years from now. This can be a beginning of a snowflake turning into a big snowball one day.

Great section, Marc. we could also mention SMODO eventually. It is still a brand new techonlogy that hasn`t even been tested by all animators yet.

As for 3D printers. Blending new and old technologies to me is THE FUTURE.

Seriously, what could be better than embracing the past with the present if not by unifying two mediums into one?

I personally find more advantages than disadvantages. From saving time to even enegies to allow you to produce even more of what you have in mind. Possibly a disadvantage may be the price these machines cost. I am not really aware of its price, but doesn´t seem affordable for anyone. For those who enjoy the craftmanship aspect above all, then maybe is not the ideal scenario. But still I would not simply discard this for not being my one preference or approach with animation. It is not forcing you to sacrifice your creativity under any circumstance. I mean, it is always up to you adding more or less manual things, from props or sequential shots, or whatever you wish additional off printer-process. It is a matter of being pragmatic and giving value to time management with the possibility this new century is providing us. Maybe, the first question that we should make to ourselves: how much time do I really have on my favor to produce what I want to produce? From there you can make a CHOICE. Simple as that. It makes perfect sense to me. You are not resigning your signature, your stile or or any creative skills over the machines. (as if that could be the case) Perhaps people, as soon as they hear of anything involving machines they may feel its art will be taken away from it, .. or fear it may be? Certainly not the case. It is more of an advantage than anything. For the good!