Grand Space Opera 3D Entry: sam rossetti

[nataz]

Hi all,

as i was thinking about a concept for this challenge i thought a lot about opera, i wanted something unusual. First i thought about related opera topics, like opera singers, opera halls, etc. suddenly i felt on "soap opera" which led me to TV series and especially a particular line in the "dream on" series (starring Brian Benben) where the ex-wife's hero discover her husband had an affair with someone during their marriage life. And when she learns who was the girl she exclaimed: "Nicky Rosen? The girl with the kabuki makeup?!"...
So i found my idea, nothing to do with "Dream on" anyway, but about Kabuki. Traditional japanese opera.

A kind of movie poster for a Space Kabuki production.

We'll see what is coming out of this... i'm starting sketching these days.

Happy modeling to everyone! :wip:

[mmoir]

nataz,
Looking forward to your sketches.

Mike
My space opera entry.
http://www.cgtalk.com/showthread.php?t=180886

[Dark_Drako]

Soap, heh this will be interesting. Very unique concept, and I look forward to seeing it!

[nataz]

Well here is the pitch of my project:

[remember that the whole thing will be in a traditional Kabuki opera decorum mixed with sci-fi materials.]

Far away from our galaxy [it does remind me of something :D], a very old and martial civilisation is ruled by two powerfull families leading epic battles against each others.
The main character is the heir of one of these family and is torn apart between is duty to his family and his willing for peace. [there may be a love story with a girl from the other family... :love: soooooooo usual!]

Here I need your help to find names to these families and for the hero... does anyone speak japanese and know names that could sound good or being meaningfull?
Thank you for your help

I'll post my first sketch soon...

[mmoir]

nataz,
Don't know enough about kabuki to suggest any appropriate names, names that popped into my head are Darius and Karina for the girl. Start sketching, sometimes when sketching names and concepts sort of just happen.

Mike

My space opera thread
http://www.cgtalk.com/showthread.php?t=180886&page=3&pp=15

[nataz]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/7/4166/4166_1099322871_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/7/4166/4166_1099322871_large.jpg)

Based on several researches on the web. This sketch is my first shot, i'll do another soon in a more "action" mood. But i want to keep the solemnity and dark mood of the faces.

[nataz]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/7/4166/4166_1099511018_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/7/4166/4166_1099511018_large.jpg)

Here is a more "action oriented" sketch; this is just to see the character's disposition. I draw them with traditional clothes but i'll make it definitely futuristic on next steps...

[nataz]

Thanks mmoir for your reply; i think Darius & Karina are just a little too occidental names for this subject. I guess i'm going to go with more japanese names.

[Kadastrophic]

Intresting I like the whole movie poster feel that you have going on. Makes me think "Coming soon..."

[nataz]

Yes, that is pretty much the feeling i want to give!
I was wondering if it was clear enough: thank you for this answer Kadastrophic :thumbsup:

[Virtuoso]

sam...................A really unique approach.................something fresh,and it seems to fit.I like your take on this,traditional Kabuki opera decorum mixed with sci-fi materials seems quite interesting to me,and I will follow to see your progress as you go.:arteest:

[nataz]

Thank you Virtuoso. I'll stick to your posts as well, i really enjoy your modeling so far :thumbsup:

[nataz]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/7/4166/4166_1099657296_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/7/4166/4166_1099657296_large.jpg)

:: Update ::

[overcontrast]

hey good concepts man... very movie posterish!... keep it up :thumbsup:

[nataz]

thank you overcontrast; i'm now working on the big mask in the background... it's getting fine i think. I'll post it a.s.a.p.

Stay tuned :D

[nataz]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/7/4166/4166_1099793612_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/7/4166/4166_1099793612_large.jpg)

I think this will be my final concept sketch. I'll do some more if needed while modeling.

C&C much appreciated :D

[nataz]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/7/4166/4166_1099918765_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/7/4166/4166_1099918765_large.jpg)

Modeling the first character... for now i don't really try to fit to any particular one. It is just a shot to see where i get (by the way it is mainly based on this great tutorial http://www.secondreality.ch/tutorials/modelling/head.html ). If i manage to shape it like one the character that will be ok, otherwise i'll start over with a precise character as target.
The nose is definitely too small, i'll correct that in the next steps...

[nataz]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/7/4166/4166_1099962727_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/7/4166/4166_1099962727_large.jpg)

I think i'll keep with this head for the men on the side of my concept board.

C&C welcome

[MadB]

Excellent modèle!! Polys super propres... :thumbsup:

[nataz]

[english mode = OFF]

Merci, je vais m'atteler à l'armure...

[english mode = ON]

Thank's i'm now working on the guy's armor.

[Virtuoso]

Looking good.....The concept is unique and it's good to see you moving on in this direction sam,you are doing a good job,keep it up.................:arteest:

[nataz]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/7/4166/4166_1100002775_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/7/4166/4166_1100002775_large.jpg)

Just a wire from the last image

[nataz]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/7/4166/4166_1100008129_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/7/4166/4166_1100008129_large.jpg)

starting the armor. I used an image in the background to start this mesh from a cube. I'll post some "making of" screens in a couple of days.

[nataz]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/7/4166/4166_1100008209_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/7/4166/4166_1100008209_large.jpg)

armor's wire

[nataz]

@ virtuoso; thanks a lot, i don't think i may compare my entry with yours :bowdown: , but it's really nice to have support from :arteest: like you.

back to the :wip:

[CineMac4D]

<french mode "on">
salut sam! excellente mod' , le filaire est très propre et il n'y a pas de faute de mod'
par contre l'armure et le casque sont peut-etre trop brillant et propre.un peu de dirty NUTS devrait arranger ça, et ce sera magnifique. le sujet a l'air très bon, t'est bien parti.
<french mode "off">
good work! now, go to the :wip:!

Stay Wild! :thumbsup:

[nataz]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/7/4166/4166_1100200411_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/7/4166/4166_1100200411_large.jpg)

a little advance for the armor and a first attempt for a space colony which will be used in the background as i felt my concept sketch point of view is a little too close... So i will give a little room around the character and use some "props" as this in the background to emphasis the space opera feeling. I'll post a new concept sketch with these modification in a couple of days.

What do you guys think about it?

[nataz]

<french mode "on">
salut sam! excellente mod' , le filaire est très propre et il n'y a pas de faute de mod'
par contre l'armure et le casque sont peut-etre trop brillant et propre.un peu de dirty NUTS devrait arranger ça, et ce sera magnifique. le sujet a l'air très bon, t'est bien parti.
<french mode "off">
good work! now, go to the :wip:!

Stay Wild! :thumbsup:

Merci mon grand, les textures ne sont pas définitives, mais j'ai pris ton avis en compte pour la suite... cf. le dernier update...
Merci pour le C&C et bosse ton anglais :D

Thanx CineMac4D, the textures are not definitive yet, but i took your opinion in acount and i've changed the armor shine down (see the update pics)
Thanx for the C&C and work out your english :D

[CineMac4D]

<french mode re"on">
"Merci pour le C&C et bosse ton anglais "
roooh l'autre..

t'a deja de la chance que j'ai daigné d'essayer de jeter un coup d'oeil a ton truc... :cool:
non plus franchement, pour les textures j'imaginais bien qu'elles étaient pas definitives, mais j'essaie toujours de descendre les gars lors de leur WiP et c'est mon argument n°1..

zut alors maintenant tu vas pas te gener sur mes prochains WiP :D

Stay Wild!
<french mode re"off">

[Deadlyforce]

Mmmmh ! good start !
I'm waiting for updates...

[Virtuoso]

Sam................I like the idea of opening up more......More space,it does not have to be endlessly large,but enough to give that Space Opera feeling.......Sometimes when things get too large most is lost.......Just keep a nice balance of Foreground Background and that all important middle ground...The middle ground leads the eye to the back-ground and allows the eye to leave the foreground and then get to the back-ground......Too many cases I notice the middle ground is left too open..................


Well it'ss good to hear you will open things up a bit more,I'll check back later..........:arteest:

[nataz]

@deadly force: thank you, I'm also waiting for your first shots

@virtuoso: Thank you for the advice, i'll keep it in mind

...back to the mine :wip:

[JamesMK]

This is a most interesting take on the theme, and I do have a soft spot for this particular type of traditional japanese design. The only problem would be to open it up for the 'grand' bit of the brief, though I see you're already brainstorming for a solution. Keeping an eye on this. The modeling looks really solid so far.

[nataz]

@JamesMK: You're right about the "grand" side of my project i have to improve it. As Virtuoso gave me a good advice i am going to keep it in mind while thinking it over. But it doesn't change the modelling part of the project so i have some time before i'll improve that part.

I'll post an update for the guy real soon.

[nataz]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/7/4166/4166_1100305640_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/7/4166/4166_1100305640_large.jpg)

Continuing the guy's armor; i'll finish the hand for sure but i don't think i'm going to go below the knees; unless i need this guy standing on his feet on the definitive picture... so far, even though i'll upgrade my concept sketch soon, this guy is supposed to be as drawn. So no real need for feet. I'm trying to model only what is needed for the picture and i have 3 more character to do :argh: (and a lot of tweaking for sure... 2x :argh: ), so i won't loose the precious time left with unused geometry.

[nataz]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/7/4166/4166_1100558778_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/7/4166/4166_1100558778_large.jpg)

the hands, not too accurate but as it won't be really close from the point of view... anyway, i'll add some detail with the texture i guess.

thanks for your comments

[JamesMK]

Good modeling! This is shaping up nicely :thumbsup: Only crit I've got to offer is that his belly looks a tad bit squarish. That aside, it's pretty much perfect.

[nataz]

Thank you JamesMK,
you are right, i think that his belly is definitely too squarish... i'll do it again. But i want to start his hips first to know how i'll need to model his belly again (for example with a belt it'll be different than without...)

Thanks for the comment; it is very helpfull when it come to parts we are not sure of :thumbsup:

[JamesMK]

i think that his belly is definitely too squarish... i'll do it again. But i want to start his hips first to know how i'll need to model his belly again (for example with a belt it'll be different than without...)
Right on. We'll see after the belt comes on then :thumbsup:

[nataz]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/7/4166/4166_1100625623_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/7/4166/4166_1100625623_large.jpg)

Here's the guy finished; i'm now going to start the lady. I may change some stuff when all the characters will be modeled (of course the textures will ahve to "fit" together).

Let me know if you feel something is wrong.
C&C most welcome

[CineMac4D]

yeah!!!
the modeling is very good, good work.
but..the head is maybe too big compared to the body..

[nataz]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/7/4166/4166_1100764208_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/7/4166/4166_1100764208_large.jpg)

Here is a side view for you CineMac4D, i think the point of view was making the head bigger... let me know if it is still looking to big.

What do the other guys (and girls) think?

[nataz]

@ CineMac4D : ...and great to read you in english :thumbsup:

[Virtuoso]

Coming along quite well sam...............Some nice modeling,this will be quite nice,and match your concept/story very well.......It's good to see,I think your idea is unique and it's good to see some nice modeling to match your ideas..........:arteest:


I think the proportions are right on,the side angle shows this very well.......For me I seem to always go for the caricature style or the human/toon cross,the realistic toon,so I almost dont know what real proportions are anymore;) ......But in looking at your's i think they are just fine....:cool:

Keep it up,your doing a fine job,see this to the end,I think it will be something for you to be proud of,I'll be watching as you go,you can count on it..................:arteest: :beer:

[nataz]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/7/4166/4166_1100781625_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/7/4166/4166_1100781625_large.jpg)

@Virtuoso : thanks for your comments and support! It's really helpfull and pushing forward when you know people are following your project's evolution, thanks again.

Here's the start of the mean lady. I'm not happy with her face, i tweak it soon to give her more wrinkles. I'm now fighting hard for the cloth material modelling :banghead: ...
:wip: :wip: :wip:

[Deadlyforce]

That armor suit looks really cool you know !
Maybe I have a small crit to make :

Your characters seem to be well proportioned but there is something wrong with their face.
In fact it depends of the look you them to have. I think that their head, I mean their face is too flat. It should not be very difficult or time consuming to round their shape assuming that you want some realistic looking heads (maybe by pulling the nose ahead and moving some points at the corner of the eye backwards).

Anyway your work is excellent so far and I must admit that those squary looking heads fit nicely with the shapes of the armors.

See ya !

[nataz]

Hi Deadly Force,

yes the faces are really flat... it was an attempt to give these guys some asian look; unsuccessfull obviously :blush: But as you said it is not going to take a lot of time to fix that up. I'll do some try and post the results with the next update. Thanks for your C&C :thumbsup:

BTW, i'm looking for a good tutorial or advices regarding unwrapping UV's in cinema4D (bodypaint 1), since i've tried to make some texture for their heads and it is really hardcore. I'm more used to procedural textures so... :banghead:

Thanks for your tips

[Deadlyforce]

I'm a Lightwave user so I'm not sure this will help you. But I guess the process of creating UVs is nearly the same in every package. The most efficient method is to unweld the geometry manually using morph maps. That is the most efficient method I'm aware of anyway.

There is a great tutorial by Joe Lertola (LW) that explains it :

http://www.joelertola.com/tutorials/tutor_frmset.html

However, for the mapping of the head (in LW) I often use a small plugin (unwrap) that makes clean cylindrical unwraps of the geometry. I then use cylindrical (of course) mapping. Not sure if such functionnality is available natively in Cinema4D.

Hope it helps a little. Good luck !:)

[JamesMK]

Oi... not sure how much different BP1 is from BP2 (which I'm using), but the general approach would indeed be to start out from a cylidrical projection, as indicated by Deadly Force, and then basically hand-tweak the problem areas, moving UV-points around. Use a fairly hi-res checkered map to see where you've got distortion and stretching.

A good idea is to separate the inherently tricky parts (ears, nose) first, and make separate unwraps for those. Then just paint out the seams in the 3D paint mode to clean things up once you've applied the final textures.

[nataz]

Thank both of you for the advices, i've unwrapped the face's UV's according to your posts and, so far, it works well (spherical unwrap + lots of manual tweaks on the eyes and nose); the checkerboard trick is most appreciated, a great help :thumbsup: .
Now i still got some problems to actually make the texture in PS to make it seamless (bodypaint 1 was really confusing me with the brush presets...).

Thanks again for your help :beer:

[nataz]

my computer hard drive "melted down" :cry: a few days ago... no updates for the next couple of days as i can't work. Then i'll have to take back my work first :argh: and eventually i'll manage to get some times for this great challenge. :bounce:

See you soon :thumbsup:

[Lelantos]

Nice modelling on the charachters i really like that samurai keep it up:thumbsup:

[nataz]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/7/4166/4166_1102262587_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/7/4166/4166_1102262587_large.jpg)

After my HD crash recovery i'm back to hearth... here's the women so far; i'm not pretty happy with her clothes and armor stuff so i won't push it forward for now. I'd rather work on other charadcter than really mess this one up.

[nataz]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/7/4166/4166_1102262732_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/7/4166/4166_1102262732_large.jpg)

Here's the big vilain (first steps) he is the guy in the background of my concept sketch.
I used the same base mesh i did for the two other characters.
C&C most welcome.

[nataz]

Nice modelling on the charachters i really like that samurai keep it up:thumbsup:

Thank you Lelantos. Comments are always most appreciated :thumbsup:

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