I'm Making Free Video Tutorials...

[NemesisFIN]

Good idea.....

1. Introduction to Dynamics
2. Shag Hair: Basics
3. Modeling Landscapes


I want see those so make them.... :)

[Namroth]

Landscape, lighting and texture. :bounce:

[Dave Black]

I'll take that as a vote.

I also want to have an html tutorial to go along with the video, explaining theory and methods. Then at the end, you could download the animation and watch and listen to me going through the tecniques. Also, the final file would be made available in(hopefully) Max R4, and Max R5 formats. I'd also like to mirror the free plugins I will use on my site, so if you don't have the tools, you can get them.

Looking forward to more input. If few are really interested, I won't go through the hassle.

Thanks all!

-3DZ

:D

[Jurenic]

A really short car tutorial on the splines part.

[Dave Black]

Roger that. I'll think about doing a short spline-based car modeling tutorial. I'm trying to stay away from very specific subjects in these movies, and trying to give a good foundation that will allow you to make whatever you want...But...

I'll think about it. There certainly are enough people wanting to make cars these days...

-3DZ

:D

[ostov]

When will it get up?I can think about anything I relly wanne learn so it would be the same as Namroth said :p


ostov

[Dave Black]

Roger that.

It's looking as if those are some topics of interest.

To answer your question, ostov, I'll keep this thread up for a day or so as I get all the logistics in order. Once I'm confident that people are interested in the concept, I'll begin creating them. It should take me about a week to get the first one up, and then a few days for each after that. (What with my work schedule and all).

I will post a thread when the first one is completed.

If you would like to be notified when they are ready, please leave your email address here:

subscribe@3dzealot.com

I will add you to the list.

Thanks for the replies.

Keep 'em coming.

-3DZ

:D

[NemesisFIN]

Human head elements materials (skin shading, eye material, etc.)
tutorial and brazil tutorial how to use photons... Those would be nice..

[Dave Black]

Eyeballs and skin. Now that's a good Idea.

I am currently using Max 5, and have no need for brazil at this time. I will think about firing it up in Max 4(providing there is still a public beta or demo available) and making some tutorials there.

Keep 'em coming.

-3DZ

:D

[NemesisFIN]

But you can use brazil under MAX 5... Why to make them in max 4...

[Dave Black]

The tutorials will be provided in both Max 4 and 5, though some will differ in methods due to this.

I am well versed in Final Render for Max 4, and have only used brazil in it's initial beta releases. Therefore, I have little experience with the program, and believe my teachings would be better spent on another subject.

Besides, we all know that you only want to learn caustic effects in brazil so that your "One Ring" images will pop out our eyes even more. ;)

-3DZ

:D

[NemesisFIN]

Hehehe... i know how to make caustics......:D

[ZeBoxx]

Heya,

Just curious - what do find lacking about the available Brazil r/s photon tutorials ?
Quality ? Quantity ?

We've got several people who could easily enhance the available tutorials and/or add new ones - but obviously need to know the demand from the clients out there :)

Best regards,
Richard Annema

[mlabrams]

id be intersted in it, i havent seen many tutorials with audio, most times they just confuse the heck out of me,

i my self would love to see a good on on UVW unwrap, making a texture fit to a object, i dont even know how to begin to use it heh

[Cinderno4]

animation tutorial
lighting tutorial

I hope you have the will to make these... I know I'd download them all! Videos would be an invaluable aid!

[Dave Black]

I really am set on making a good solid UVW unwrapping tutorial soon.

Here's what I'm thinking about for my first video tutorial on cloth.

It's compressed with DIVX, and is 289KB. You can DL it here:

www.3dzealot.com/DownLoads/Tutorial_1_Show.avi

Anyone feel like learning how to do this step by step?:

[jarch]

Thanks very much for your time and effort 3DZealot!

Cloth
Shag Hair
UVW unwrapping...

I think you are hitting the nail on the head!

I'm checking out your first one...

Thanks again

j :)

That looks like a heck of a cloth scene.....I'm in! :)

[Dave Black]

Awsome! I'm glad you like it...

Ok, the revised list:

First set:

1st. Cloth (The basics) (will include some material and lighting work)

2nd. Shag:Hair (The basics)(will include some material and lighting work)

3rd. Terrain Modeling


Second set(Providing this all goes well, and you all want more):


4th. UVW mapping

5th. Advanced UVW mapping(Read- The Unwraping part)

6th....?

I'm writing the html for the cloth scene now. When I get my new microphone in in a few days, I'll start recording the first video tutorial.

Thanks for the replies.

Keep 'em coming!

-3DZ

:D

[Stroker]

Might be kind of hard to do, but I'ld like to see something about workflow. You know, customizing things. One thing a lot of non-hardcore people seem to over look is the ability to customize the quad menus, menus, toolbars, and such.

"If you find yourself using function X a lot, toss it into the quad and/or give it a hotkey. Put function X in an easy to reach place - you'll be happier for it."

[Dave Black]

You know, stroker, as always you are full of good ideas.

How about this:

I make 3 different kinds of videos.

Short: Work flow, basic materials, customizing the interface, etc.

Medium: Like the tutorials listed above, such as the cloth, terrain, fx, etc.

Long: Sub-D modeling, UVW unwraping, animation, etc.

Perhaps that would allow me to really crank out alot of short and mids, and leave enough bandwidth left for some nice, in-depth long videos.

I'm still working out the logisitcs of it all. I'm working with my host to see how much I can get away with. I may have to cycle them to keep my bills down, but I think I'll start by fronting some more money for bandwidth.

Keep those replies coming, this is very inspiring.

-3DZ

:D

[Namroth]

I vote for lighting, it is so importent part of the whole proces.

[Dave Black]

Only problem I'm having with lighting, is that it's such a broad topic. Perhaps you guys could offer some examples of things you'd like to learn.

I mean, since the damn GI craze, it seems that nobody uses real lights anymore. I'd love to see a model now and again without GI. I can't remember the last time I used it in a real animation. Just takes too long.

Hmmmm...

Maybe I could just light a teapot or something. Simple...

Any ideas?

-3DZ

:D

[Namroth]

I dont ment GI but how to fake it, how to light a scene with landscape or someting like that.

[Dave Black]

Yeah, I know what you ment...I was sort of ranting...God, can't a guy rant anymore?!! ;)

I was sort of thinking as I was typing.

I think you hit the nail on the head. I'll do a terrain scene and go through it from start to finish. Including lights.

Thanks for the input, man!

-3DZ

:D

[Stroker]

Thought about workflow a bit more:

Show how to install MeshTools and then integrating them into the workflow. How to do the floating toolbar with icons. Adding to the default quad menu. Maybe even how to do their own quad menu accessed via hotkey combo.

(When I downloaded charRigger, the first thing I did was put it in the Character menu.)

Folks will flip for it.
You will become a legend in your own time.

Gotta go.

[eMiG]

I'm prety new with 3D and still have to learn everything. So make a video tutorial about everything :p hehehe Just kidding ofcourse. Don't know much about the programm but I already know that Texturing and Lightning are the most interesting parts for me ... so I would love to see a good video tutorial about this.
Maybe something about animating is also great.

Thanks for the time you putting in those video's .... I bet it will help us all
:thumbsup:

[jarch]

Actually HDRI lighting techniques from basic to advanced would also be of interest to many people here.

Thanks

j :)

[Dave Black]

Thanks for the encouragement, guys!

I'll think about HDRI and GI, but, if I make tutorials about plugin renderers, I'd get alot of hate mail about how I picked the wrong one...not to mention I can't afford to buy them all.

I may do one for MAX 5's new render system, but don't hold your breath.

It's starting to look as though there is some interest.

There are only a few things that I'd ask from you guys when the tutorials are finished:

1st: Just remember my name, and link to my site if you can.

2nd: Once you watch the tutorials, please send me feedback about them so I can make them better, and yell at me if I get something wrong.

Well...

Good ideas everywhere.

Keep 'em coming!

-3DZ

:D

[mlabrams]

cant wait to see this stuff, that cloth looks awsome especially the material,

looking forward to seeing them dude

[aliencore]

Maybe you could do one for rigging a character;)

[Dave Black]

Would'nt mind doing a rigging tutorial...Perhaps something simple like a finger...just to get ya up on the basics.

hmmm...

-3DZ

:D

[aliencore]

Yea man that would be cool. Maybe later on after you finish your first set of videos you could do facial controllers and stuff like that.

[Dave Black]

Yet anther good idea. I'll add it to the list. :D

I'm draging my feet on doing the more complex stuff because of how long it takes. Not sure if I could even host a 30 minute video...But, I'll see how it all works out.

I've been experimenting with animated .gif files a bit. I'm so far quite happy with the result. Looks like some of the more complex and lengthy stuff can be explined well this way. Lots of little animated .gifs. :D

Keep those ideas coming!

I'll be posting the final selection of tutorials over the weekend.

This should be interesting.

-3DZ

:D

[satanatron]

rigging tut would be cool......

setting up weight points would be cool too.

[edaddy]

yea i'd like to see an advanced rigging tut.

[Dave Black]

Now, by advanced rigging, do you mean that you want to see all of max's bells and whistles applied to a completed rig?

Max comes with some very good tutorials on the subject, so I'm not too inclined to take all the time and effort to create such a thing, but if the community as a whole finds discreet's tutorials lacking, I will, of course, do such a tutorial.

Thanks for the input.

Please be very specific as to what parts of "Advanced Rigging" you'd like to see...And "I have no idea" is, of course, a valid answer.

Thanks!

-3DZ

:D

[Namroth]

I find new max5 rigg tutorial the best tut for rigging, I change only spine on that rigg.

[aor]

Originally posted by 3DZealot
Now, by advanced rigging, do you mean that you want to see all of max's bells and whistles applied to a completed rig?
:D

heh, HELL YAH!

that and a car.. those would be good.. this is very kickazz.. thanks for doing this!


can't wait!


:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[Dave Black]

It's really my pleasure, and it's about high-time I did this. I've been wanting to give something back to the community for awhile now, and I'm hoping that I can offer something that is of at least some help along the learning process.

I'll start looking into options for doing more lengthy tutorials.

I'm, again, starting off with something simple, such as the cloth, so that I can refine my methods of creation for the tutorials.

I mean, I don't want you all to think I'm underestimating your abilities. I know cloth is a simple subject. Perhaps you will learn some neat stuff about max that you never noticed when I'm doing the lighting and materials.

Anyway...

It looks like there is alot of interest in character stuff, so I may switch gears for the second round of tuts. Perhaps actually show the steps:

4. Modeling

5. Texturing(unwrapping, uv mapping, painting, etc.)

6. Rigging

The above would take some time for me to develop, as I'd have to consult with several people to make sure my methods are rock solid...would'nt want to instruct bad habits. :D

Thanks for the replies, please keep the requests coming.

-3DZ

:D

[Fede]

Hey guys, i'm sorry i've only picked up on this thread now but i would love to see these video tuts too.

Can't wait.

I would also like to just say thanx cause i made a small Combustion tut once and i know how tedious this can all be.

Good on you 3DZealot.

[Dave Black]

Thanks, man, I really appreceate the encouragement.

I can't wait to get these done, as I think they will be alot of fun for everyone(well...almost everyone).

I'm starting work on the first 2 over the weekend. Once I get 'em together, I'll post 'em.

Thanks to all for your support, interest, and input. I hope I do you all proud.

-3DZ

:D

[edaddy]

sorry about being so vague on the advanced rigging - basically what i meant is not a newbie tutorial, but i really don't care what tutorial subjects you choose to do- I'm sure they will be great regardless... . .

and it's great your taking time out to actually make tutorials for people, i'm sure everyone appreciates it

[paconavarro]

Skinning can be something interesting too, It can be done with physique or with Skin.... :) and it could be a sequel part of your rigging tut :)

[fleedawg]

I'm really looking forward to these tuts, because I think any opportunity to learn from someone who knows what they're doing is a good thing.

I'm sure we all appreciate what you're doing here, especially the semi-clueless like me.

[Aaron Moore]

Just wondering... what tool are you using to record? And are you gonna do it at around 800x600 resolution?

[RaGzMaN]

Indeed im new to the forum...my 1st post :applause: ...

Anyways...i like the sound of this...

What sort of time scale are we talking about, meaning.

VT realease date, duration of each video and so on..

Thanks for your help.

[Dave Black]

Aaron Moore:

Going to be recording it with camtasia at probably 800X600. The newest techsmith codec will possibly allow a 1024X768, but I don't really see the need.

RaGzMaN:

First off, welcome to the forum!

To answer your questions:

The release date will be...soon. Providing all goes as planned, I hope to have the first one done by the end of next week. I'm not 100% sure if I should release them all at once, or if I should release as I go.

The videos will be between 10mins, and 15mins long. Later videos involving modeling will be about 5min to 10min timelapse. Each tutorial will be accompanied by an html tutorial explaining more complex principles with animated .gifs, and alot of screen grabs.

If you would like to be alerted when the videos are completed, you can be placed on the notification list by emailing me here:

3dzealot@3dzealot.com

I hope these tutorials will be to everyone's liking. Again, the first 3 will be of a simpler structure than following tutorials(providing all goes well and you all want more).

Thanks for your interest and inspiration.

-3DZ

:D

[RaGzMaN]

I would think that realeasing the ones that you have completed at the same time would be good....

I mean, not holding out until you have finished them all, and then release the lot....but simply as u complete one, release it..

Will there be sound on these tutorials?

Thanks..

[Dave Black]

I'll consider releasing them as they are created.

To answer your question, yes, there will be sound in these tutorials. I'll be explaining what I'm doing as I go along. Hopefully, I can get used to the sound of my own voice being played back...

Hope that's of help.

-3DZ

:D

[Stygian]

Zealot its great that your doing this for the community I can't wait to see them. I can prolly help you out with a little webspace and bandwidth if you need it. Just pm me or email me and we'll talk about it.
:applause:

[edaddy]

yea, the max community needs to be more close knit like the lightwave one, and projects like this will take us one step closer- good job zealot- and i'm sure the tutorials will be great

[Dave Black]

Again, thanks all for the encouragent, it's really keeping my motivation level high.

I really hope I can deliver a set of tutorials that everyone will find interesting and helpful.

Stygian: That's a very generous offer...one I may very well take you up on. I'll PM you soon so we can talk about it . Thanks!

edaddy: You are totally correct about the max community, and that's one of the reasons I'm trying to contribute to it. Thanks so much for the encouragment, it really means alot.

-3DZ

:D

[ivo D]

really cool that you want to share you knowlidge..

looking forward to you tuts..

the 3 you have are great..

YOU DONT HAVE TO DO AN EYE TUT OR ANYTHING..
someone is allready making the most compleet
anatomicly correct human modelling tut .
with everything in it.. ill put up the links here soon.


NOTE: there making a facial rig.. a very advanced one..

it may not be understandable.. for people like me who havent aniamted faces yet..


*i think a tut of a compleet character rig would be one f the best options.. caus it aint out there.. rigging is one blurry part in the tutorial enviroment, WE NEED A TUT OF RIGGING THAT GOES FROM THE START TO THE FINISH *


that would be great;):rolleyes: :thumbsup:

[SyDemon]

Is this is sticky thread yet? I would love to see the tutorials, and I will be checking back to this forum often :bounce:

[Dave Black]

Ok, a little update.

I worked rather diligently on the tutorials this weekend. I started writing the html portion on the first one, and also began recording the first rough cuts of the first video tutorial.

Now if I can just get used to the sound of my own voice. ;)

I'd like to send out some thanks to Stygian, who has generously offered his bandwidth to host a mirror of the tutorials. :bowdown:

I'd also like to give a big thanks Iain McFadzen for his acceptance to be the technical reviewer of the tutorials. His amazing talent and knowledge in the field, as well as his top-heavy understanding of all things Max, will ensure that all principles discussed and shown will be accurate and well documented. :bowdown:

I'll keep you all posted with updates. I should have a definite ETA in a few days.

Thanks for all your interest and encouragement!

And remember, if you'd like to be alerted when the tutorials become available, please shoot off an email to:

3dzealot@3dzealot.com

-3DZ

:D

[Xilica]

Just a quick question, will there be any video tuts on low poly modeling? If yes, then I'm signin my self up :buttrock:

[Dave Black]

Well...Low-poly modeling is not my focus, so I probably won't do one for awhile. I will, however have a tut on sub-d in general that will easily translate to low-poly.

-3DZ

:D

[Aaron Moore]

still working on them?

[Dave Black]

Yup. I've been working on them when I can, but I just checked and I have temp of 102 degrees...I can't really see straight, so it's gonna be a little while longer...Sorry guys...But I can't actually feel my brain.

-3DZ

:D

[Teckniel]

could you do a shipment of the cd's i would even pay you for it would pay 50$ even 100 if there where good ;)

[knifejuggler]

Get well soon 3DZ!

I am really looking forward to these videos, especially the UV mapping stuff as I have built a couple of heads recently, but am struggling with texturing them. :annoyed:

Also, have you considered the DivX codec, it compresses files to much smaller sizes than the Camtasia's own and still keeps quality up enough for tutorials.

[Dave Black]

knifejuggler: Thanks for the kind words. I think you are right about the DIVX codec...The more I play with compression, the better it's looking. Feel like sharing your settings? :D

Teckniel: I'd be more than happy to ship them to you. The only thing I'd ask for is the cost of the media and shipping. You are from belgium, right?

I'll get on those tutorials as soon as I can feel my brain again.

Take care, all!

-3DZ

:D

[ivo D]

eej.. nice going..

i wish you lots of luck on creating the tuts..

i have camtasia to..
you are a max user right.. ?..

keep in mind that all the panels have to be readable.. sometimes with to much compression it will be blurry.. so you cant read it all..

but well i wont go bla bla blaing here..


GL on creating them.. we will all be waiting with much delite:)

[jadedchron]

whoa, i've never had the opportunity to touch my brain :-)

[ivo D]

aint it wonderfull these days.. all the things that you can do these days.....


but well.. there are other things i would like to touch.. my brain aint one of them..

...

[knifejuggler]

3DZ, sorry I don't have the software here at home to check the settings, if I get time during the week, I'll fire up my kit & check it out. I'm still pretty new to this stuff myself, so I'm no expert, but I do agree with ivo D, make sure that stuff is readable. May be worth capturing a short section & trying different settings & see what gives best quality per Mb. Bear in mind that the sound is very important (some of the 3DBuzz tutorials seem pretty quiet, and some that have been given away on magazines appear to have been re-compressed & the sound is awful) so I'd advise, when testing, that you record some speech & make sure that it is nice & clear.

[Aaron Moore]

I've been looking into vid caputere and I also have the camtasia software cuz it was great for showing clients previews of the work right out of 3dsmax!

I was wondering about the settings and all. Its hard to do much with a screen rez less then 1280x1024 but thats kind of big for a video... especially if the output is going to tv or dvd... I was wondering what peoples opinions where on this issue?

Do you want to see the whole app?

Do you want the whole screen recorded at 1280x1024?

What then? Should it be reduced to 800x600 or 640x480? Or should the active area be cropped to folllow the mouse?

Anyone know what the Gnomenon videos look like?

[Dave Black]

Well, the thing with the Gnome vids, is that there are on DVDs. So they can use whatever size they want...well...you know what I mean.

And to all a out sound. I'm making the sound a critical thing. It really must be. I'm not 100% sure about seeing every setting. If I call them out as I enter them, I'm not sure they need to be utterly visible.

I'm experimenting with zooming in on certain areas during the tutorial to show the settings. Though a bit annoying, it seems to work pretty well.

P.S.

Touching my brain is not a pleasant experience...I would not recommend it.

-3DZ

:D

[jadedchron]

mr busby over at 3dbuzz.com has his videos in 720x540. they look small when viewed at 100% but when you view them full size you can see the entire app from head to toe. so 800x600 is more than enough real estate space. also on the camstudio and camtasia software they have autopan so whereever your mouse goes the region around it goes w/it. which is pretty good if you can only record like a 300x150 movie or something. but 800x600 is a butt load of space and still retains visual quality.

btw he compresses them with the divx 5.02. and you should too! :surprised

[Egyt]

I've seen a dude use a plugin to record video tuts in flash format? Anyone follow? I'd love to get my hands on that!

[jadedchron]

you can import video into flash mx.

[Teckniel]

when is it ready???

[Aaron Moore]

Originally posted by Teckniel
when is it ready???

I've also been working on some vid tutorials... after doing 2 or 3 I've realized that the audio got totally screwed up... it takes a good hour to produce 10min of video...

give us time and we'll deliver...

[Fitharn]

I think this is an incredibly great initiative and I'm very curious for the results. Good video tuts is exactly what I need :bounce:

Keep up the very very good work! :thumbsup:

[ivo D]

why not all make video tuts once in a while

or just get a sticky thread on this site.. with video tutorials only.

[treed]

Hey 3DZealot, in the future you should some on particle effects. That is if you know a lot about them.


-explosions
-volcano's
-dust
-other misc visual effects




treed

[Dave Black]

Yeah, I'm pretty good with particles, so I'll add that to the list.

After the sub-d doc is done, I'll be getting started on these.

-3DZ

:D

[Oktavian]

I have no special suggestion for a tutorial but I want to thank you in advance for your effort :thumbsup: .

[sledgeweb]

Wow, this will be great. How's the progress going? Is there an ETA for the first tutorial?

Definitely put me on the list.

All the suggestions seem great so far. I'm sure I'll gain wisdom from whichever you choose to do. My wish list would be:

Character - textured
Planetary - with maps, atmosphere, etc.
Landscape
Particles
UVW Texturing - detailed
Animation - detailed (not just moving from point a to point b)
Car
Machines/Robots
Character Rigging, Animation
Compositing 3D with Video

Thanks for the efforts.

-Sledgeweb
sledge@cubit.net

[ivo D]

..hhm..

one thing i see now.. and it gets me thinking about what sort of tuts are allready ther.

enough car tuts..
enough texturing tuts very globally good ones etc.

but the ones i do miss are

-a good particle tut..with all its options.. and some short tuts in the one big tut.. that gives an example.

- and ther aint good 3dmax animation tuts..well oke ther are animation tuts.. but are all bits and pieces.

for example.. for modelling and texturing you have full tuts from modelling to the end.

but not with animation, i would like to see a tut with a character fully animated and rigged up.. with facial animation, and interaction with its enviroment.. just an all inone tut.

now it are all bits and pieces you have to do.. and lots of old animation tuts.. and.. like me a reall noob in animation..dont know wher to start and what is good.

id love to see a tut on that thing from A to Z

[JeffPatton]

I just wanted to make sure people know about the free 3DS training videos at 3DBuzz.com. They cover alot of the topics requested in this thread. I have checked alot of these out and they are VERY good training videos, with sound.

However, I dont see a video on lighting and particles at (two that I could use).

http://sv2.3dbuzz.com/vbforum/uunr_vtmlist.php?c=2

[ivo D]

i find does tuts..way to basic.. its only for real beginners.

they dont gow into the details.. just some box modelling of an alien and so on.

i think everyone here... who says.. i would like to see a tut of..... *X* something.

they mean.. a better one than thats out ther allready.

but how to do that is difficult.

i have lots of tuts.. like the rest here does to..
but it would be nice when you have a texture tut or particle or animation tut..

that you just need one, to learn everything.. well allmost..

just everything you need to know in it.. oke maybe it will be long..

but than you got it a one place.. and it makes the tut more interesting.. the rest depends of the creativitie of the artist.

well ill shut up.. hehe..

[conio]

Hi there!

It be great to have a tutorial on soft selections and morph targets (facial animation)!

....just another idea...

[dchavez]

Just thought I'd throw my hat into the ring to add my encouragement to you 3DZ for the time and effort you're putting into this. VTM's are a fantastic way to learn new skills (as opposed to read,read,read) and I'm sure your work is greatly appreciated by all who lurk on these forums.

Keep it up!

DChavez out.

[Cyberdigitus]

great! looking forward to it... :applause:

[jadedchron]

Warning: OLD THREAD!

I was wondering if you've gotten around to doing any video tutorials? I saw the timelapse video and it was neat. Anyway, that's all :D

[barbapapa]

im having really bad troubles with cloth , and i saw the video sample on cloth that dave has on this thread...i know that this is a really old thread , but im wondering if any of you know where i can find a good tut where i can learn to do that. or even if dave came give me some advice

thanks

[grundelboy]

sweet! Are you planning on doing brazil? and or Vray?

[CHRiTTeR]

First of all, verry cool what u are doing here! :thumbsup:

As for what tuts i'd like:
- Full Rigging
- Good faking GI
- Car/mechmodeling
- Mental Ray light setup and shading
- Maybe some really basic to advanced scripting? plz plz plz ;)
- Expressions and controllers

Thanks again ;)




why not all make video tuts once in a while

or just get a sticky thread on this site.. with video tutorials only.

yeah, that'll be great!

[pcbyers]

That stuff all sounds pretty sweet - I eat VTMs like Doritos, so if they're free, I'm all over it.
I was euphoric over the 3DBuzz VTMs, but got a bit peeved when they locked them into their "star" system.
My suggestion would be "MENTAL RAY FOR DUMMIES"
Or maybe "Mental Ray for Rocket Scientists" - this is coming from a former aerospace engineer who is banging his head against the wall over MR. Yikes. I'm trying to get a listing going of MR scenes that actually work, and the settings used.

Cloth is also good. Basic scripting is good too, though a VTM about that is a bit awkward - I mean, who wants to watch you sit and type? Maybe HTML is the best option there.

[mengy]

can a mod delete this post please?
I asked a question but found the answer

[barbapapa]

why should be deleted?

[gustavogf]

Hi! That's really kind of you. I've your timelapse videos and my jaw is dropped and can´t go back.:D You're a very talented artist, thanks for sharing your knowlege with us!

I have a sugestion: make a tutorial about lighting a scene. Outside, inside, dark ambient, bright ambient, etc.

Another good deal is to make a tutorial of texturing skin, human skin. Using VRay or Mental Ray or Brazil or whatever rendering system would be great!

Thanks again man!
Cheers

[f97ao]

Hi there. Great idea.

Here are some random ideas on decoders. I been experimenting with things like this for a while myself, this is what I came up with.
Myself I can do a movie that take roughly 300-500k/minute with sound and is sized 400x500, it also has high fps 10 if I remember correctly. In your case you probably need far less fps though.

Here are some tips from my memory:

- Use Camtasia or a freeware program I found, called CamRec I think.
- Set desktop to 16bit, this makes the movies smaller.
- I would recommend to make the windows smaller than full screen. Then you move the floaters inside this window when you need them. This takes far, far less size, and is normally fine. But you do not have to scale the movie anyway, just have max window smaller.
- Zip or Rar the movies after they are finished, often this can reduce the size enormously. From 7 to 2mb often.
- decoder. Camtasias decoder is ok, but I found I could do much smaller movies with Intel Video with detail setting at about 70%.
- For you I would recommend a low fps, about 1-3fps perhaps.
- Remember that you can Pan the record window if you need to record another part of the screen.

here is one movie that is 5.5minutes and is 7MB large. It has a high framerate and quite alot moving, so it's bigger.
www.fusion-wave.com/polyspeed/speed3.zip (http://www.fusion-wave.com/polyspeed/speed3.zip)
here are some more, but they use a mix of techniques since I was still experimenting:

http://www.fusion-wave.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8

Myself I found it best to write text instead of talk, since the file sizes were alot smaller. It wasn't that much extra work to add the text, but for you talking is probably a better idea.

I'm still experimenting myself, but these are the best results I managed myself at least.

Good luck with your project.
/Andreas

[PaulNBurns]

removed my post to the appropriate thread

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