How Many Characters?

[chellescreations]

We've tried having 3 in a file before and it worked fine. MB renames joints automatically so you don't have duplicates, so I'd imagine that you'd be able to have as many characters in the same scene as your video card will allow.

[Davewriter]

Just looking for a direction...

If I go to characterize model 1 as a single model in the scene - no problem.
If I characterize model 1 with two models in the scene - sometimes model 1 gets the rig, sometimes model 2 gets the rig - but I can get them both to characterize
When I characterize model 1 with three models in the scene - something will get a rig, the second attempt will either rig a different model - or put a second rig on the first.

The best I've been able to do is get two rigged. Is there a special approach to take?
Thanks!
Dave

[chellescreations]

I'll be honest, I'm not really sure about characterizing when they're all in the scene. The way we're doing it, we're characterizing and setting up each character individually and then bringing in the ones we need for each shot. We haven't had any problems doing it that way...aside from the fact that MB renames all your joints for the second and third characters.

[donShole]

Hi,
1. Export each character to a fbx file of its own.
2. Characterize each character and save.
3. Add the folder/s the characters are in as favourites in the Asset Browser
4. Drag and Drop each character into your MB scene.

[chellescreations]

Hi,
1. Export each character to a fbx file of its own.
2. Characterize each character and save.
3. Add the folder/s the characters are in as favourites in the Asset Browser
4. Drag and Drop each character into your MB scene.

Yeah, I guess maybe I should have typed it out like this...sorry. This is what we're doing and it works just fine.

[donShole]

It seems you typed and posted while I was typing my post:). Glad you solved your problem:thumbsup:

[chellescreations]

Oh, I didn't even realize the post times were that close. I just figured you were simplifying what I said because... let's be honest...it wasn't that clear. :) Your post was much easier to get a procedure out of.

And thanks!

[Davewriter]

Then taking that file back into Lightwave? It won't match up with the "original" LW scene. Or will it not make a difference so long as the number of models is the same?

And THANKS! Love the imput!!
Great Help!!!
Dave

[chellescreations]

Well, you really should just have a Lightwave file for each character. You can always combine them together later.

What we do is animate all 3 characters in MB...then save an export file for each character individually and merge them back into each respective character's scene files...then we combine the scene files. You will have to make sure that the joints are named the same for the second and third character though...MB likes to rename stuff.

I'm not a lightwave user, but it should work the same for you.

[Davewriter]

Most excellent!

I'll give that a try. I've already renamed my bones in LW - the only way you can get MB to come back in without overlaying all animation on all characters.

Thanks to all for time and thoughts
Dave

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