CGTalk - Motionbuilder for $100 !!!!!!!!

xzevlin

12-13-2002, 08:50 PM

Is it only really useful for those that already have a highend animation program, since there are only FBX plugins for the major packages? Or could I model something in Wings, rig and weight it in MotionBuilder, and render using MotionBuilder's realtime renderer?

toast3d

12-13-2002, 10:22 PM

To get that deal it can only be ordered directly from www.3dBuzz.com. Jason "Buzz" Busby has also produced close to a couple of hours of video tuts that are available in the downloads section of that site as well.

regards,
Larry W

chadlychoo

12-13-2002, 11:18 PM

Originally posted by ggg
how do we order it? there's no link

http://sv1.3dbuzz.com/store.php

AJE

12-15-2002, 12:09 AM

Does anybody know if MB can export an object sequence so that I can take the squence and make an .mdd file in Lightwave?

Or better yet, can Lightwave handle .fbx files?

toast3d

12-15-2002, 12:21 AM

Lightwave is supposed to be able to utelize the .fbx interchange format. My copy of MB hasn't arrived yet, so I haven't personally tested this. You can d\l the latest set of fbx plugs from the Kaydara web site. It has a decent set of docs that gets into specifics of what is and is not supported in Lightwave and all the rest of the packages.

regards,
LarryW

thedaemon

12-15-2002, 01:34 AM

this sounds really good, I might just have to try it out. $100 bucks for a year liscense for a over $3k program isnt too bad. :applause:

AJE

12-15-2002, 03:30 AM

lol... I was all impressed with the program, then I found out the package is $3500 USD, and the *licence* is $100 for a year...

Or am I missing something?

Either way, it does seem like a great program...

Online Sales Page (http://www.kaydarastore.com/site/Products.asp?ProdStock=002&SID=2FG4F5MOKT)

Lunatique

12-15-2002, 03:50 AM

Are there any persuasive reasons to get this when someone is already either using Maya or XSI?

toast3d

12-15-2002, 04:10 AM

128 bucks for a year, full licence, boxed and shipped to your door with manuals and full support...that's pretty persuasive in my book. :)

regards,
LarryW

AJE

12-15-2002, 04:51 AM

LarryW...

That IS on top of the purchase price for the sotware right? Or am I not 'armed with intelligence' as my avatar suggests...

Is it an introductry offer? Use it for a year for $100, then if you decide to keep using it, buy the full priced version next year once this licence runs out?

If that's the case, it's a very smart marketing move...

SheepFactory

12-15-2002, 05:55 AM

No matter from what angle you look at it , $100 for a FULL production bundle of kaydara botionbuilder is too good a deal to pass.

excellent opportunity to learn this software.

i am ordering mine soon

Ali

ohsama

12-15-2002, 06:13 AM

This is a great deal!!! We use Motion Builder/Filmbox at work and being able to get my own copy for $100 is a deal that I can't pass up. Thanks for the heads up guys.

Joviex

12-15-2002, 06:32 AM

This is the real jammy, right? Motionbuilder version 4 for 1 year license, 128$ with shipping?

Am I reading that correct?

Just waiting to burn a card. Excellent deal.

LFGabel

12-15-2002, 07:44 AM

http://www.3dtrainingvideos.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=98155-TH6GFRB99F9&Product_Code=MOTIONBUILDER

1 - Year license: $100.00
Shipping (FedEx Ground 5 - 7 days): $20.00
3D Buzz handling fee: $8.00

Due to the special nature of this order, the shipping and handling charge has been pre-combined with the product cost. This product is being shipped directly from Kaydara.

Kaydara MOTIONBUILDER™

This is a one year production license.
This special is only available to individuals.
Studios and corporations are not eligible.

thedaemon

12-15-2002, 08:18 AM

You cant model in it, but u can setup shaders and such, and some other stuff. And it doesnt have a renderer, so yeah, basically u export it/render it when you are done.

rock

12-15-2002, 04:29 PM

What about cloth, particle, hard and soft collisions with other objects? Can we interact these motions in Kadara with Lightwave particles, Maya Fluids, or XSI hair dynamics?

Thanks.
Rock

Joviex

12-15-2002, 11:01 PM

Got another question.

How long is this offer good for, anyone know? Only have so much left in the coffers after the presents arrived :\

On a curious note, I realize that the price is very very good, and will hopefulyl get to buy this before its gone, however, is it me, or does anyone else find the 8$ handling fee to 3dbuzz rather funny considering they don't ship the product ? :)

xzevlin

12-16-2002, 01:22 AM

Well, since the transaction goes through their webstore, they likely have to pay a fee to handle credit cards. Alot of online transactions cost the store owner between 5 and 10%

The offer seems to be available as long as Kaydara decides it will be on for. At least that's what all the posts by admins on 3DBuzz say.

froggyplat

12-16-2002, 02:45 AM

Originally posted by xzevlin
Well, since the transaction goes through their webstore, they likely have to pay a fee to handle credit cards. Alot of online transactions cost the store owner between 5 and 10%

i'm fairly certain that is the case. those merchant accounts aren't free, and since you have to have them for both amex and visa/mc the fees can add up.
knowing buzz i doubt this is pocket money. he steadfastly refuses any kind of money (except from sponsors, of course).

PNelson

12-16-2002, 03:13 AM

LightWave can load FBX files into Layout!

See Ya,
Philip Nelson
NewTek

railsldr

12-16-2002, 03:22 AM

Originally posted by toast3d
To get that deal it can only be ordered directly from www.3dBuzz.com. Jason "Buzz" Busby has also produced close to a couple of hours of video tuts that are available in the downloads section of that site as well.

regards,
Larry W

couple hours?!?!?!? more like close to 100 hours for everything he does. Each VTM they make is about 6 hours in length, 14 VTM's have been made so far.

Dominique

12-16-2002, 09:40 AM

OK, 128$ ain't that much,
and next year they'll have v5,

And I just ordered for free my Digital-Fusion CD,
The MAYA4.5 personnal learning edition, will cost only the shipping,
XSI 3.0 , waiting for it, Free

The motion Builder Package promotion sells only to individuals!!
Studios and corporations are not eligible!!

so you can all learn the package for 128$!!
All my respect but they 'are really really smart,

I don't buy!! even if it looks really very good,
anyhow, if I'll find already the time for a good look at Maya4.5 and XSI3.0...,

Dominique
(now if one day they just give us (except shipping) an unlimited learning edition, ..., maybe then...)

ohsama

12-16-2002, 11:33 AM

While it's true that studios aren't eligible for this offer. It's a really good deal for freelance character animators considering it is a full production license. I'm waiting for AW and Avid to offer a similar deal. (yeah, right).

S. J. Tubbrit

12-16-2002, 01:15 PM

Anyone know if the animation is interchangeable between the different packages, can I model/texture/rig in Maya, animate in MotionBuilder and then export to Lightwave for Rendering?

jrsunshine

12-16-2002, 01:22 PM

Does the year licsense mean the software stops working after a year?

Roy

strick9

12-16-2002, 02:54 PM

I just watched the video's and it really looks cool. Can you rig directly in Motionbulder? or does it make more sense to rig in your 3-D app then export to apply the IK stuff?

Also I too am curious what heppens after the year I'm guessing only the lisence runs out. Can you renew at the same low price??

Lee3dee

12-16-2002, 04:12 PM

This is very tempting for me, the program seems very powerful from the videos on the website, but what i need to know is, if i rig it in MotionBuilder and animate it too, does it export sucessfully back into maya.
If it does do this, it will be like having character studio for maya, all the IK has been done for u, and spend more time animating and less time tweaking. because the foot doesn't stick to the ground properly, or the arm bend's the wrong way again!

policarpo

12-16-2002, 04:19 PM

watch these 3dbuzz tutorials to see what you would need to do as a Maya user using Motion Builder...

http://www.kaydara.com/support/documentation/kb/index.php?filename=video

i'm currently trying to see how MB integrates with LightWave but i'm not having much luck with a source file i downloaded via a user of the kaydara forums...try this .FBX file and see how it imports into the software you use.

all i got were a bunch of Null Objects in the form of a characetrr rig and no geometry and animation was only present on the Shotgun Blast layer of the 3 imported objects/layers.

here's the link to the .FBX file i was talking about...just Right Click and SAVE AS to download it since it's on GeoCities....
http://www.geocities.com/ezmotionbu...RAGORexport.zip

thanks a lot E-Z if you are hanging around here. :)

Joviex

12-16-2002, 07:03 PM

Would check that FBX file for ya, but it says geocities doesn't have that file.

Is it possible the file itself is screwed up. I have imported a bunch of Filmbox files into 7.5 and never had an issue.

AJE

12-17-2002, 01:30 AM

Ordered mine today... looks like a really solid app...

I really hope it plays nice with Lightwave...
We'll see.

Gregwid

12-17-2002, 08:23 AM

Looks real cool. I think I will take the plunge. Thanks for the tip.:beer:

toast3d

12-17-2002, 12:05 PM

There's a poll on the Kaydara forum site in the FBX catagory asking which software/fbx plug you are using. Its important that Lightwave users vote here since Kaydara has stated this information will have an effect on the quality of future development for the Lightwave fbx plugs.

Quote from Michel Besner, Kaydara President:
"Please go to the "What other 3D softwares do you use with FBX?" under the FBX forum and let us know how many of you are using LW. This will help us establish if we need to increase the quality of the FBX plug-in."

regards,
LarryW

trevlb

12-17-2002, 03:51 PM

i saw a post on cg channel last night that said the $128 motion builder was only a personal learning edition. if i remember correctly it claimed to have this info from 3d buzz.

i can't seem to find that post today on the cgchannel site, and the 3dbuzz site still lists it as a full production version for one year. does anyone know which one is true?

xzevlin

12-17-2002, 04:13 PM

Originally posted by strick9
I just watched the video's and it really looks cool. Can you rig directly in Motionbulder? or does it make more sense to rig in your 3-D app then export to apply the IK stuff?

I just checked in Kaydara's forums, and from some posts there it seems that you can import a mesh and rig and skin it inside using their bone and skin tools.

toast3d

12-17-2002, 06:47 PM

Originally posted by trevlb
i saw a post on cg channel last night that said the $128 motion builder was only a personal learning edition. if i remember correctly it claimed to have this info from 3d buzz.

i can't seem to find that post today on the cgchannel site, and the 3dbuzz site still lists it as a full production version for one year. does anyone know which one is true?

There's been quite a bit of confusion concerning this whole deal.
In a nutshell: It is a full, unrestricted 1 year licence, shipped to your door with manuals. It is restricted ONLY to individuals for personal use. Kaydara has stated that freelancers using the product for paying work is acceptable under the terms and conditions of the licence. It does NOT allow companies, corporations or studios to use the licence for profit. So, full production licence for individuals for personal use--yes. Full production licence for companies, corporations, studios--no. Pretty damn cool imho for Kaydara to extend this type of offer to the little guy.

regards,
LarryW

Link on the 3dbuzz site:http://sv1.3dbuzz.com/vbforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=18846

I hope that helps clears it up a little.

SheepFactory

12-17-2002, 07:20 PM

thanks for clearing that up. That "personal learning edition" quote confused me too.

ordering mine soon :buttrock:

AJE

12-18-2002, 02:19 AM

Does anyone know if I have to model my characters in 'da vinci' pose like the alien character in the Buzz VTM's?

busbyj

12-18-2002, 06:14 AM

Thank you toast3d!!

I just wanted to let everyone know the following: 3D Buzz is in no way making money off this. The handling charge is for e-commerce transaction fees only... in fact, we've even lost a little money doing this... no big deal though.

As with the free training videos, I try to do everything I can to help those that want it. This really is a GREAT deal for freelancers and those wanting to learn 3D. As an individual, you CAN do work for hire with MOTIONBUILDER. Very nice of Kaydara to offer such a great deal.

Well... I've got to get back to work. There's a TON of GREAT new things on the way. I can't talk about them just yet... but if you liked the Houdini online class, just wait until you see the next step forward we take. People are going to be shocked. ;) And yes... 'it' will be FREE.

Take care,

BuZZ

AJE

12-18-2002, 09:00 AM

Hey Buzz, is there anywhere we can just send you money? Like a donation or a really expensive poster or something? Perhaps a cause that you support that we can send money to?

I mean, I ordered your free Maya VTM a while back and found it useful, you've set up this incredible deal with Kaydara, and put all the time into supporting their product with incredible VTM's...

I have always held the philosophy of passing on what I have learned to those who need help since I remember that it would have been so much easier for me if I had had someone do that for me...

But in your case, you're helping thousands for free... and in my books that's just not right.

I've got MB ordered but I'd like to send some $$ to you guys or help out in some way... it would really help my conscience...

:)

AJE

busbyj

12-18-2002, 12:20 PM

Hi AJE,

Thank you VERY much for the offer, but I really don't accept money. That never was my goal. I want you to spend it on something for yourself or your family. If you just have to do something, CD-R donations are always great! I can never have to many of those ;) You can email me at busbyj@3dbuzz.com for my shipping address. But again, you don't have to do this.

Oh yea.. for those that are interested; I have a 2+ hour Combustion 2 VTM coming out in the next couple of days. Free as always :) It should be available for download by Friday as well as shipping. Don't worry - it IS complete, I'm just giving the member sponsors a headstart with the files.

Thanks again AJE :)

Sincerely,

BuZZ

trevlb

12-18-2002, 04:04 PM

thanks toast3d for the response regarding the "personal learning edition" issue

that really cleared it up.

i agree that this is a sweet deal.

also does anyone know if:

1) i can import an obj into motion builder and rig it for animation

2) i can map uv coordinates in motion builder

3) i saw on on of the posts that motion builder has no renderer. does this mean that i have to render the scene with a renderer that is fbx compliant?

Michel Besner

12-18-2002, 04:17 PM

Couple of things just to make sure the program is well understood

1. For $100, you get a 1 year license of MOTIONBUILDER PLE. This is a unrestricted, NO watermarks (both on screen and files). Plus you get the complete set of manuals and e-mail support from Kaydara.

2. You can produce work at a personal level (including freelance work). Studios cannot use this license (you can't use it as an employee of a studio) but you can use this at home (even if you work for a studio)

3. With FBX, you can import/export (and in several cases) convert between 3D apps. This includes importing geometry, textures, shapes, clusters, skeletons, etc. More than 20 companies are already on board to support this file format.

4. MOTIONBUILDER does not have modelling but you can render to disk using OpenGL (AVI, QT and Flash). We do not have any ray tracing.

5. MOTIONBUILDER has a pre-built rig that does not require any understanding of IK/FK -> you can start animating a character in a few minutes.

6. What happens after a year : well, if the program is successful, we will find a way to keep you happy !!

Conclusion:

If you are serious about 3D character animation and don't know what MOTIONBUILDER is good for, we need to buy this PLE and get ready to be amazed !!

M.

policarpo

12-18-2002, 05:14 PM

Michael:

thanks again for taking the time to hang out here and keep us all informed about your product. it says a lot about you and your company!

i'm currently trying to order MB via 3dbuzz but the page timed out, so i don't know if my order went through or not. Just waiting for an email reply or call back. :)

wish me luck.

I guess the more Lightwave users who buy this product the better off our import/export functionality will be.

To be honest...i'm going to become a pest with feature requests and bugs reports and all that fun stuff so i hope you don't mind. :P

Let us know if there's anything specific you'd like from me or any of us LightWave users.

I'm all for standards in this industry...i just want to work and get my stuff done and having the ability to share my findings and work with artist's of different packages can only be good for the industry!

LONG LIVE the .FBX STANDARD! Let's make 2K3 a golden year for all of us in 3d!

policarpo

12-18-2002, 07:36 PM

I have another question...i presume the answer is yes...

Is Motion Builder good for animating and posing very heavy meshes for closeup film type and print work?

i only ask because the characters in the demos i've seen are very low res and look a lot like models intended for in engine game play...and not full blown hi res models like we see in Final Fantasy and Toy Story.

Anyhoo...that's it. Thanks again Michel!

strick9

12-18-2002, 07:43 PM

I seriously think I'm gonna go for it, times are tight with Christmas shopping and what not, but Damn for $100 it's just to good to pass up.

My main concern is after watching the video at 3-D buzz is dealing with awkward bends and what not on the models. Say for example my elbow is not bending right, can you add influences and such in MB to coreect unatural folding, or is that something I'll have to jump back to Maya for.

Sorry if my question terminolgy is wrong I'm still kinda a newbie.

Michel Besner

12-18-2002, 07:49 PM

Yes, you can load complex meshes in MOTIONBUILDER....

Also, because MB is using name structures in managing the scenes, it is very easy to use proxy models to have better display and then merger with high-res version.

M.

policarpo

12-18-2002, 07:51 PM

Awesome Michel.

Now i just need to wait for the 3dbuzz people to call me or email me to let me know if my order went through.

guess i'll know tomorrow!

Off to the company Christmas Party. :)

:beer:

Michel Besner

12-18-2002, 07:52 PM

Within the control rig, you have a lot of parameters that you can control to adjust and fine tune your animation. It is very similar to clay animation where you can more around your controls to position correctly your character. Also, you can have multple layers which splits your different level of controls.

M.