The Beginning ... (a MUST READ for anyone interested in helping)

[JDex]

Hey kirt,

love the hero... any thoughts on my gun... is it still to half-life-mod-ish... I still have some work to do (top-rear) but I'd like to hear your thoughts as it stands now. :D

[Grosserfrosch]

It'd suck to have to do, but you will probably just have to cut the polygons and pull them back by hand. I haven't used Wings in the longest time but I don't think they've added Boolean operations like subtraction and such.

[JDex]

No boolean... I'm not really as pressed about the grooves at the moment as just making sure I'm on the right track... I'm getting XSI when I get my tax return and I will be finishing this up in there (export as .obj)...

[Grosserfrosch]

Does Wings share any file types with 3d Max? If so, I can import it and boolean the grooves then export it back for you to make them look how you want.

[Rice ManX]

Kirt i know your pressed for sketches, but another view as if you were looking at the pilot's faces of the cockpit would be great (to see how the dashboard connects, where they get in, seats, etc...) i started on the inside tonight and got most of the dashboard finished but there isn't enouph to be worth posting.

[Kirt]

JDex - The gun looks pretty good, but I think you can cut back on some more of the details. With toons, less is more. On the markups (see attachment):

1. Make the barrels bigger.
2. Bring the top cover lip (red line) down some more so that it hugs the barrel.
3. Get rid of the excess edges (purple X) above the barrel.
4. Remove the side ledges (yellow line) and bring the grip down almost to the bottom edge of the handle (orange line).

Do you still have the covers as separate objects? It looks like the gun is one piece again. Maybe you should just model the gun without the covers and I can add them in Maya w/ spline modelling. It would solve your problem with the side vents and keep the bottom barrel from being part of the cover (kind of important because it's supposed to open).

Rice ManX - I'll get some more sketches to you as soon as I can. Basically they jump in like getting into a convertible without opening doors. The dashboard should wrap around the sides and follow the curve of the cockpit opening. I'm still working on what the back of the cockpit should look like. Some sort of lifting mechanism is needed for the windshield.

[Kirt]

Ugh ... I spent a good hour researching Roger Wilco to make sure I wasn't ripping anything with the costume designs. Damn you! :argh:

j/k

I don't think it's a problem. It's going to be hard to compare a sprite based game to my CG character. :D
If anyone has further doubts, check out the attachment. :p

[Rice ManX]

Ok cool :)

[Grosserfrosch]

Oh wow, I didn't mean he looked enough like him to cause a problem. The differences(especially 3d vs 2d) are enough that there couln't be a problem. If I had realized that you thought I meant exactly, I didn't say exactly(did I? I hope not). Its a passing resemblance that is easy to find because of the tight, futuristic(space opera) costume he's wearing. And some old art for one of the Space Quest games shows him doing one of those run/jump looking poses.

Also, you should play the games. They are hilarious.

[MaDeuce]

Thanx Kirt, the profile sketch helps considerably, im still tweaking the shapes, but I wanted to post something to let you know im still working on it. I changed the torso as well as per your sketch(higher pecs, chunkier backside). The rightmost shape is the old torso, so you can see how much your sketch helps. Also Im gonna have to model him with droopy eyelids, so i know I have enough geometry to close them.

[Kirt]

Yeah, that looks pretty much like my sketch. :D Good job!

It's kind of hard to tell, but it looks like you've defined his cheekbones. Babies usually have pretty pudgy faces and cheekbones don't start showing that much until 1st or 2nd grades. I probably shouldn't have defined the jawline as much in the sketch either.

Find some baby pictures for reference, but stick to the character design. Basically, inflate baby to 45psi. Hehehehe. :D :thumbsup:

[MaDeuce]

Couldnt sleep, so I did a little more tonight. Using Maya of course. Eyelids need work, I refined tha cheeks and nose. Should we make the cheeks even fatter still?( probably a fatter neck if so).

[TheFreak]

man i would so love to do something for this short.....

I have web design experience if that is of any use, HTML, Flash and ASP.

I'll also have a go at some of the models when there are more concepts about.

Everything looks amazing at the moment though, can't wait to see things come together.

Thanks

[Kirt]

http://www.kirtstanke.com/alienz/images/cow-concept-01.jpg

I had to work on the cow design a bit for my storyboards. This is the result.

TheFreak - Only one more character to do (the cat) so if you want to model a character ... better get on it. There are only 7 characters and 3 are in progress (alien1, alien2, & baby). :D

MaDuece - Looks really good to me. Block out the rest of him so we can see the character as a whole. Then I'll offer suggestions for tweeks.

Where's everyone else? Vacation time already? Heheheh.

[ilasolomon]

I'm here, just looking for others to respond.
I'm finished with the alien#1, but I've a problem with shoulder skin, when I want to pull the arms behind. I'm solving it.

[MaDeuce]

ila, have you considered an influence object? You can use a polygon plane and its quite simple to set up. That way you can achieve deformation away from the bone, rather than in an arc with the bone. But after checking out your website, i see you probably know what your doing. Just a thought

[lurifrax]

just wanted to say that this project looks amazing! can´t wait to see it finished..
and Kirt.. I really amazes me..

good works guys! keep it up! :beer:

[Wiz]

hey guys ,sorry i bailed on you :(
but i really don't see like ill have any time to proceed ,so i guess you will need someone else to do it ,if he wants my file to start with ill just send him ,anyways later! thanks :)

[MaDeuce]

Heres a little more. Lower leg needs work and top of hand is a bit boxy i know. Ears and diaper are placeholders of course. I wouldnt mind doing another character after this one. Looks like only 2 characters are in tha works now, so I wouldnt mind doing the cow and ide luv to through some soft body on those teets. I think Ill wait on the baby's setup till i have an idea of how hes animated. I have tommorrow off so maybe i can finish the model and do some texturing and post another with better lighting

Kirt- how many teeth if any does he have, or is he even going to be opening his mouth?

[Kirt]

MaDeuce - The baby will have no teeth ... just gums and he will open his mouth. He has basically two appearances in the short. I'm still debating the first shot.

Originally, he was just a voice crying off camera, but I think it'll add a bit of humor to have the mom shoot a glance over to where the baby was sleeping in the trailer. This happens when the aliens are trying to steal the trailer with thier tractor beam. The trailer and it's contents are effected by the anti-gravity and slowly lifts up from the planet's surface. Mom will obviously be scared and bewildered. I thought it would be funny to show an interior view of the trailer and have the baby floating in the room with other objects. Baby will cry or giggle ... not sure what's better.

The second shot will be after our hero disables the tractor beam on the ship and the trailer comes crashing down to the surface again. The mom steps out of the door carrying the baby under one arm and she's dizzy from the fall. She falls back into the trailer whle holding the baby after our hero tells her to stay inside.

Just for fun (in the closing credits) we could do a "dancing baby" gag ... because I know how much 3D folks hate that trend. Baby starts dancing, hero shoots at ground around baby scaring him off camera and hero steps into frame saying, "Hey! Hey! No dancing babies!" :D

all - It was a busy week at work for me (end of the month always sucks) and I'll probably be tied up for the next couple weeks. So, I don't know how much more drawing I'll get done. Be patient all ... I'm working on it as much as I can. :wip:

Here's a summary of modelling for main characters/objects ...
We have no modellers for:

Alien2 (abandoned by Wiz)
Hero
Mom
jellyfish (on storyboards)
mobile home
cat (pending concept sketch)

WIPs:
Alien1 - ila_solomon
Spaceship - Rice ManX
Gun - JDex
Baby - MaDeuce
Cow - MaDeuce

I would love to see all these done and ready to go before July (4 months should be enough time right?). I'm setting a deadline for myself on the storyboards. I am going to do my best to have them all finished and online by the end of April.

Hopefully that will allow me some time to try some modelling as well.

[MaDeuce]

LOL, the 1st shot sounds halarious, especialy if you decide to have him giggle. Also, the cow concept looks like enough for a modeling sheet, so ill keep busy for a while

[ilasolomon]

Kirt, Consider Alien#1 is finished, i'll post you the final rigged version very soon.
4 months is good, if we had more modeler...
well, I think i should continue on alien#2 or the Hero, one of.
is there anybody who want to model the other stuff like jellyfish, trailer, car, junkies, ... ?!
Kirt, I think we should place a POSTER & advertisment in general forum & some others (uncle sam's 'we want you' style!) buddies do not come here much.

[Kirt]

ila - I've sent lildragon info to add us to the short film repository in the General Discussion forum. Also, I agree we should promote it in the WIP and Finished work galleries. Feel free to show off your excellent model and link to this thread!

Modellers - I've made a quick sketch to show the scale of the main characters and vehicles. This should give you a good understanding of how the characters will look together.

http://www.kirtstanke.com/alienz/images/character-scale.jpg

[Rice ManX]

Cool 4 months is real good time period, cuz as of rite now i don't have too much time on my hands. And sadly no updates for u on cockpit, but like said, whenever you can those other cockpit sketches would be much appreciated:D ttyl guys

[ilasolomon]

:) ok kirt
this is a preview for the 'we want you' poster.
http://207.219.13.92/ila/temp/Kirt_Alienz/alienz_poster1_copy.jpg

you tell me what parts/texts should be chanegd? or I'll post you the PSD file?

[Kirt]

ila - That's really cool! Thanks for taking the time to put that together! Here's my thoughts (you know there would be something, huh? :D) ... I would down-play the "Kirt Stanke" bit.

Yeah, I got it started and it's my story, but in the end it's going to be a film made by members of CgTalk. So it's as much a film created by all those involved - so credit should go to everyone. How about "AlienZ: A Short Film by Members of CgTalk.com"?
I can boast in the credits later that it was "Directed by" <insert big cheezy grin that an icon won't cover>.

It would be nice to use our title logo (you listening Tommy?) but we're still very much WIP so I think we can get away with a substitute.

Maybe I'm just having one of those "brain fart" moments ... but what's a TD? I'm sure it'll come to me right after I hit the submit button.

You could send me a psd file or I could hack-n-slash at the image you have here. I'm sure I could come up with a couple alternatives while I'm not busy at work. :D

[ilasolomon]

:) hehe, thanx kirt
well TD is Technical Director, I don't know why I put it there, but sometimes a TD is a MUST HAVE, especialy for MAYA.
I prefer you modify the poster, you can change EVERYTHING but the figure (cause you still don't have the model, nor maya 4.5!)
if you want some changes in alien1 figure just tell me.
& here is the psd:

http://www.topleftpixel.com/ila/temp/Kirt_Alienz/alienz_poster1.zip

[Kirt]

OK ... I got the file. I'll play around with it tonight and see what I can do with it. A couple other poses of the alien would be good, but not really neccesary if you don't have the time. Thanks again!

[TheFreak]

Just seen the poster, i hope that pulls a few heads for you. Well anyway as i have seid before i am willing to help out.

Not to good at the character modeling so far but when you get to the props and stuff then i'll certainly be here to lend a hand.

Also i do some web design, HTML, Flash, ASP so if you need anything in that area i'm up for it. Prolly a bit early for that stuff yet though.

Keep up the great work

P.S. And Kirt you are too modest man, but it's nice to see there are people left in the world who arn't fame hungry and are willing to just leave the credit to a flashing dancing logo with it's own personal music score and a small 25 minute movie of how brilliant they are untill the end of the movie :D

[Kirt]

:surprised You sort of lost me at the end of that sentence ... but OK thanks! (I think) :D

Honestly, I want everyone who works on this to say at the end (when they are telling their friends/family/potential employers about thier involvement) that this was "our" film and not just something that they "helped Kirt with." That's what collaboration is about, isn't it?

Anyhoo ... before I embarrass myself and call for a group hug ... http://www.cell2000.net/~users/kirtstanke/images/grouphug.gif

Heheheheh

Don't think you can model characters huh? How about taking a crack at that mobile home then?

*points back a couple pages to a 3/4 view I posted*

[TheFreak]

Hmmm sorry about that at the end, i can kinda go off on one every so often.

The caravan looks good, but i don't know if i'll have time for something that big.

I'm helping Jaxx with his project as well so maybe i'll give the caravan a miss but it looks really great and i think it would be fun to model. Anyway i'll keep checking back and see what else crops up, and I'm definitly up for helping with the web site when it's at that stage.

Later

[Rice ManX]

Ok well its 4 in the morning here, and after having a creative surge that resulted in probably the ugliest thing ive ever made, decided to see what happened here :scream:

@Ila- I really love your model man! good job and good job on poster too. Altho i would fix the "Texturer" word on there.

@Kirt- I know ive been slow past few days (i know i keep saying that) but its true im really bogged down with my work schedule. Although i have had some time to tweak the spaceship a tad bit. Ahh, i could try posting it up here, however i do not have an external host to link the image too. So it will be low quality.... And ide like to thank you for your support and your guidance, i however feel that even though we are a big part of this project, if not for you, it would be unorganized, and without direction. In which case i feel u deserve a great amount of respect (u also came up with the story, the sketches, the ideas...etc) anyways, it gettin late for me so im gonna hit the sack.

[Frinsklen]

Congratulations on your new poster guys. :D!

Ila: Since this is a WIP, here's a couple of thoughts about that poster. The alien looks a slightly off balance, I would move his hips a little forward, or maybe his right foot a bit backwards. I don't know what is the expression you want to achieve exactly, but if he's trying to "convince" us maybe his eyes should be more opened to show excitement. You could also take the time to improve that lighting, we all know that's easy for you.
And I hope this doesn't sound too picky, bit the "ALIENZ" text could be more readable... ok, it's not hard to figure out what it says, but you know what I mean.


:thumbsup: keep it up guys, this is getting better and better.

[dobermunk]

Hi. I grabbed the poster and played with it. Hope ya'll don't lynch me. Brought it closer to the UNcle Sam original ...

whattyathink?

[Kirt]

dobermonk - He looks more sinister now and the text is hard to read at the bottom. But I do like the way it closely resembles the Uncle Sam poster.

ila - Frinsklen brings up some good points about the model itself. I'd like to see him a little more inviting and friendly looking even though he's supposed to be a little hooligan. Here's what I came up playing around with the text layers.

http://www.kirtstanke.com/alienz/images/alienz_poster2.jpg

[ilasolomon]

Hello friends & mates.
Rice ManX :) thank you very much pal, I don't know your real name, I prefer call my workmates by their real names!
Andres, I'm on it! ... ;)
David, That's really original! :thumbsup:
Kirt, You da MAN! :D I like it, once I send you the new pose render you can upload it here & there, attracting people.
Regards

[ilasolomon]

download the New Pose Image (http://207.219.13.92/ila/temp/Kirt_Alienz/Maya_rendertest_09b copy2.png)

[link updated]

[Kirt]

Hmmm ... :hmm:

If you have time for one more render ... could you open his other eye, push the end of his tongue back in his mouth more and lean his upper body forward so it looks like he's more centered over his legs?

His stance is probably a bit deceptive because of the size of his feet, but from this angle it looks like he's leaning back too much.

I'm such a pain in the ... ain't I? :D

[ilasolomon]

No, of course you are not! ;)
Done, above link is updated. wish it's what you wanted. cause I'm a little sleepy!
Cheers
Ila

[Kirt]

Perfect! Get some sleep. :thumbsup:

[unLevel]

Boy, Kirt, this project's gonna rock the cg world!!!!

I'm sorry I haven't done anything for this project, yet, still trying to get my personal life and school sorted out...I HATE research papers...

[Rice ManX]

haha, cool. Ila, and all u others, can call me Parnell. I know its a strange name!

[MaDeuce]

Well, you can call me Steve coz MaDeuce is pretty corny:surprised
Im working on tha diaper tonight, it took me forever to model his ear and patch it into tha mesh(there cant be a harder humaniod feature to make.)ill be sure to post him once more before i start to texture

Tha poster looks great, and the last pose is really good, where are you guys gonna post it?

BTW- whats with my posts being attachments? Whats the diff on getting it to just display an image?

[TheFreak]

The poster looks really cool now, and if that doesn't pull in the punters then nothing will.

oh and btw you can call me Rick, Richard, Dick, Fat Bloke, Hey You, Buckaroo, Big Man and a personal one for the ladies "You ugly fat bag of puss".......of course they love me really :D

Oh yea and Freak :P

[Kirt]

MaDuece (Steve) - I'm going to post it in the WIP forum first. If we don't get any additional help I'll post it wherever I think it's appropriate. I'd like to try and get CgTalk members before I post-whore this to other forums. Hopefully I won't have to. :D

If you use the attach image function of CgTalk it'll show up like that. I'm using my own webspace to host my images so I can use the IMG tags around the image URL. Do a right-click > Properties on one of my images and you'll see the address pointing to the "alienz/images/" folder on my site.

Rice ManX (Parnell) - Strange? Try going through grammar school with a last name like "Stanke" (rhymes with "stinky"). Kids can be so cruel ... :cry:

Yeah, traumatizing childhood ... until I learned to laugh at it all. I paid a kid $1.00 once for coming up with a clever taunt that I hadn't heard before. He never bothered me again. :D

Why am I boring you with this ... let's see that spaceship again!

unLevel (Trent) - Hey now ... your enthusiasm is appreciated, but we have a long way to go still. I'll have no fat heads on this project until we're done, understand! Heheheheh :p

[jeroentje]

Originally posted by Kirt
[b]Yeah, traumatizing childhood ... until I learned to laugh at it all. I paid a kid $1.00 once for coming up with a clever taunt that I hadn't heard before. He never bothered me again. :D
LOL sounds like the Kirt that I know :D

[Kirt]

:blush:

[jeroentje]

Shame? Why shame? I think that was a pretty good act :D

[Kirt]

:blush: << that's a blush jeroentje

:D << laughs at the Mod who doesn't know his emoticons

[Rice ManX]

haha lol, ya people make lots of fun outa my name: popular ones, Pornell, or Cornell, or Horny Porny... :scream: Ships, well hmm i worked on it lastnight, not much though. I will just post a small 1 on the board or somthing, cuz my ISP is still having tech probs with its hosting solutions :scream:

Whew seeya guys around!

[Carlocki]

nice nice nice

[Kirt]

New poster is up in the WIP Forum (http://www.cgtalk.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=48001)

Long day for me ... I had a freelance job to do. Now I'm going to bed and hoping that Friday goes by quickly.

[dobermunk]

we have liftoff!

[magicm]

That poster's lookin great!
Got one point of criticism tho ;)
the aliens' shadows seem a bit too sharp, especially around the eyes. Apart from that, I think he's great. thumbsup ila!

[Kirt]

Hmmm ... page 3 and slipping fast. I guess no one is interested. :shrug:

No body loves us ... waaaaaaaah! :cry:

[SEL]

Great job guys!

Ill keep an eye on your progress here! I really like the concept and characters you got there KIRT! Keep going..

SEL

[MaDeuce]

Ok heres the latest. Minus some diaper detail, and belly button and textures. nipples, eyebrows, fingernails will probably be textured, especially coz it sounds like there wont be close shots of these parts

Kirt- does this little guy have any hair? Your sketch shows 2 little hairs, Im not sure how it will translate to 3d, but I can try. Or maybe some sparse hair on top via texture?

Ila- were gonna have to establish a global scale which is gonna be important for the rigs and animation. Since your character is rigged we can go ahead and use his height to determine global scale. Can you tell many how many Maya units tall he is. Also, what are your Maya units set as(cm or feet)? Then I can refer to Kirts previous sketch to determine height of the baby

[Rice ManX]

lol kirt, u stil have us buddy!

Madeuce- its looking awesome dude, but, his toes loook way too symetrical with eachother, at first i thought he had 7 toes or somthing, make em more irregular.

[Kirt]

MaDeuce (Steve) - Overall proportions and design look pretty good. Very close to the concept illustrations. But I think he needs to be toon'd up some more. I suggest working on the legs and feet first. The front view that I provided seems to be the problem. Let me see if I can explain it better ...

All of the characters and objects have a bottom heavy appearance. Meaning that they will bulge outwards at the end of thier extremities. Arms are thicker at the forearm, feet are large and pudgy, and fingers/toes resemble the shape of drops of water.

On the baby, you should drop the arch of the foot down so it's not pronounced as much. The toes don't need the extra joints. Just make them little round fat globs at the end of the foot. The ankles need to be as wide as the foot and suggest that fat in the lower legs rests at the ankle. The whole leg could use more baby fat on it as it looks more like the leg of a toddler rather than a newborn.

Think of the characters as water balloons and how the skin would be weighted at the bottom due to the gravity and elasticity of the 'container'.

Coincidently, I recently picked up the DVD version of Lilo & Stitch. On the bonus features they talk about the character designs and how they have the same type of appearance as what I'm doing here. Watch that if you have it ... that's exactly how I want these characters to be.

Additional tweeks for the baby:

Diaper needs to hang almost to his ankles and be more bulgy at the bottom (like he's got something really stinky in there).

The head seems narrow from this view. Is it about the same width as his belly? (See front view concept (http://www.cell2000.net/~users/kirtstanke/alienz/images/mother-and-baby-concept-01.jpg))

Forearm to knuckles could use more baby fat. Definition of the wrist could be made with a subtle skin fold or wrinkle which isn't real clear in the concept. (See side view concept (http://www.cell2000.net/~users/kirtstanke/alienz/images/baby-side.jpg))

Hair will be just two or three strands and I don't want to paint it onto the surface. You could use a primitive plane with transparency map to create the hairs. Then use soft body dynamics to make them react to the movement of his head (have you seen the Salty the seal tutorial in the book, Learning Maya 2 from A|W education?)

Wooo ... long list of tweeks! Don't let that discourage you. You're doing a fantastic job on this character.

:thumbsup:

[MaDeuce]

Ya kirt, thats quite informative. I guess I had the impression that he was more toddler like coz hes walkin around. But the mesh is 99% ,complete so it will be very easy to shape him up with with deformers and such. Ill get the hang of this toon style, (at one point in time I was being too rational and making the head and wrist more narrow on porpose). However I dont quite catch your drift when you said "teardrop" shaped feet. But anyway Ill find some reference on Lilo and Stitch as well. So Ill be posting something tonight.

I bet people will start jumping on board when we have more content. But Ill be here in tha mean time

[Kirt]

I drew the baby upright because I knew it would be easier modelling that way. Sorry if that confused you. He won't walk in the film, but we'll still need to rig him the same so we don't run into any problems later. I'd rather have a complete rig than to find out later when we're animating that we missed something.

Also, I didn't say tear drop "feet" - I said "toes and fingers". :D

[ilasolomon]

Hiii!, sorry I was offline for a few days.
so, Kirt, that poster looks great, post it in some other forums! :)
Steve, his height is exactly 9 cm in maya unit.

I'll be busy with a freelancing work till next 10 days, after that here is the NEW YEAR (first day of the spring), & probably I'll have some good free time afterward! :)

[Kirt]

Yeah, well I don't want to spam the other boards with the same thing right now. Maybe if you guys would reply to the thread it might help a little. Feel free to post additional images of your models, let them know what a nice guy I am to work with :D, or just ... uhm ... whatever you think will help get some interest (and some new members here).

I'll be pretty busy for the next week also. I have an entry I'm working on for a contest over at eatpoo.com (www.eatpoo.com) and there are a few upcoming things that need attention for CgTalk. However, on my breaks I'll see if I can't get those ship interior shots done and some more character drawings.

[Rice ManX]

Hmm im not kidding this time! i just spent all last night rendering a bunch of diffrent views with GI (hopefully it looks ok!) but! one problem, it just wouldn't do to put them on the Forums at 20kb! so i was hoping for the time being if i could get somone to host my images on their server?!?! it wouldn't be long at all. if not possible then i will just resort to the smaller images.

@Kirt- those interiors good thing much appreciated! :)

[ilasolomon]

feel free & post your pix to me, i'll host them for you. :)

[Rice ManX]

thank u Ila!i hope it won't be too much of a burden! could i get an email address from u?
or just send me an email and il reply it to u?



:)

[ilasolomon]

yes, sure:

ila_solomon@yahoo.com

[Rotamus]

OMG i only just descovered this thread and i wanna join in!!!
gimmi something to model (i would love to modle that cow it look kool) but if ya need some minor objects done i'd be more then happy to help

[ilasolomon]

Hi, welcome to the board Rotamus.
the Cow is yours now, but remember these aspects:

1. the final mesh must be polygonal, not very low-poly but not high poly so it could be modified easily (for then using it as smoothed or subD) put enough polygons (that's not for realtime game you know!)

2. the mesh should be convertable to OBJ format (for using in Maya) but if you model with maya then you can use NURBS directly.

3. If you can texture it or at least can do the base UV setting, do it

4. test some basic bone & rig afterward to see the weaknesses.

5. share us your progression time to time! :)

6. stick to the original cow concept, try to model exactly like that.

may the force be with you...
btw, please introduce yourself to the other members of the crew. :thumbsup:
:beer:

[Kirt]

Hi Rotamus :wavey:

Ditto what ila said ... sorry I'm short on time this week. :argh:

Thanks for the help ila !! :thumbsup:

[Rice ManX]

Welcome Rotamus. ahh well u can call me Parnell if you wish that is my real first name :p hope u have fun here with us. ttyl

[Kirt]

Tommy Lee was working on a title design. I don't know if he's still doing it or not. So, you're welcome to give it a shot. Just post your ideas in the thread and we'll see which ones we like the best.

The title/opening sequence is going to be storyboarded along with the short. It sort of sets up the characters of the film. So, no real work to be done there (except the animation of course)

:D


dark_lotus wrote on 03-11-2003 06:11 PM:
Kirt,

Can I do a logo/title sequence for the short film project, if no-one has offered to take this up yet.


Many Thanks!

Robert (dark_lotus)

[Rotamus]

sweet and nice to meet you all
your models look great so far and the second i saw the cow
concept it made me laugh so much
:bounce:

[JIII]

Hello all i just discovered this Thread. Wish to heck i had found it earlier. But any way If you need a sorta okay modeler/ texturer.
or a pretty decent film editer let me know.

would love do anything related to this project.

also a question. do you need locations/secnes modeled?

[JDex]

I think we've got a ton of video editors, but I think we need a trailer modeled still... there's a concept a few pages back... Speak up everyone if I'm wrong...

Welcome newcomers!!!

Update... I've been slammed with school the last two weeks plus I got a few freelances so I had to crank those to pay for the school.

Kirt, the gun is still in pieces, i will hopefully be able to jump back into gettin this gat right after next week, I will be sure to post an exploded view on the next iteration. I will see what I can do with your comments then... The July time frame sounds about right to me, also I'll be getting XSI in a few weeks, so I'll try to do it up with nurbs and then convert and export as an .obj file.

I know you are slammed too kirt, but after you take care of some of the other (more pressing) sketches, can you maybe list out some of the other environment props (buckets, haybails you know stupid easy stuff that we'll need) so that there's a complete list of assets. Then some of the newb's like myself can work on those during those frustrating "I just can't do these complicated bulbous covers, arghh" moments (also to give our rambunctious buddy Unlevel something to do).

Sorry if I rambled, hour 39 of html approaching, need scotch!!!

[JIII]

Found the Trailer(page 15 is anyone wants to know), this looks interesting I will give it a go if no one else has taken it that is. :P

[DimitrisLiatsos]

:wavey: :bounce: :bounce:
Jesus!!!....guys u make me so jealous ...u really have fun....:bounce: :wavey:


ouaaaa :cry: ..why haven't i seen this thread before...i am so blind some times:cry:

[Kirt]

DimitrisLiatsos - You're more than welcome to join in on the fun. The Mom needs to be modeled still :D

Everyone else - Here's a good shortcut to the images I've created so far. Bookmark it so you don't have to search the thread.

AlienZ: The Folder! (http://www.cell2000.net/~users/kirtstanke/alienz/)

[Rice ManX]

Ok Kirt few Q's.

After you just posted, i saw that other cockpit pic really helps:thumbsup:

Guns and mechanical arms for ship. Hmm since it seems like you don't have much time on your hands for sketching, would you mind if i tried a few designs then showed them to you for approval?????

I think soon when i can get a few images over to Ila so he can host them for me, you can see the ship. I did tweeks to the pad that the tail fin rests on, and some tweaks on the back (u will see, i hope u like it too). Should i add a kinda engraved ladder on the side of the ship near cockpit so the aliens can get in and out?!? Hopefully soon i can work more on the cockpit!!! And ive got a few idea for the back (engines wize). I hope you like it when you see it!!

Ok i think im gonna goto bed for now, real tired.

[MaDeuce]

Geez those sound clips are funny. Anyways bossman, heres a few more images. Im kinda a newb and I dont have a website just yet so im gonna have to deal with these itty bitty pics for now
heres a quick render, still with default lighting,and.......

[MaDeuce]

...and here is a wire of the base mesh. I Widened the head, enlarged the feet, made the wrists and ankles fatter, reduced geometry in the digits, spread his legs, crapped his pants, and widended his overall base. Keep the crits comming guys

[Kirt]

Rice ManX (Parnell) - Go ahead and sketch the guns if you want. I'm not sure myself how they're supposed to look. :D I figured it would just come to me when I got around to drawing them. The original storyboard had nothing more than a quick couple boxes to indicate where they would be and their size.

I'd like to see the new changes to the ship. It's been awhile since we've seen your progress. Go ahead and send them to me if you want and I can put them on my webspace. I always have room if I dump my archieved images (old crap anyway).

A step ladder isn't really needed, but if it adds some character to the ship, then give it a shot. Important thing to remember is to not over-do the details. We're not going for super realism and somethings don't even have to make sense in the designs (i.e. the ship's guns). Only add if it improves the character/object ... otherwise "NO!" :D

MaDuece (Steve) - Send me the images also. Looks like a tweek needed in the wrist/back of hand, but those images are so darn small. :surprised

The crapped diaper looks much better :thumbsup:

[DimitrisLiatsos]

:bounce:

OK!:bounce: :bounce: ...:bounce: MAMA !!! here i come

...must check all thread again for any closer pic of MAMA and see all the little details ( where to send model and what format...):thumbsup:

Wheeeeeee !!!!!:beer:



EDIT : Didn't find any but just one....so i will start with that.

Kirt, Ila and anyone else .. my email for this thread is

Liatsman@msn.com . So send there Kirt anything closer details for Mom ( I am modeling in Maya 4.5 , i know u have Maya 3, so before painting any textures i will go to Maya 3 for rig and textures...i am doing all theese ... or just modeling ?) :bounce:

[JDex]

Front Page Plug!!!

Yeah!!!

[illustrativ]

Front Page, yeaaaah. Good work Kirt and the Crew.

[ed209]

Need any help on the animation side of this project?

[Astral]

Hey fella's

I would like to model the trailer if it is not taken? If not then I have some free time to model something needed.

Just let me know what's open.

Great job guys

[Rice ManX]

Ok that sounds cool il go ahead and shoot for it, and once i get my scanner up il send the sketches over to make sure its all ok. haha before i read the post i just sent Ila over a few update pics, so u will get to see them soon. (i could send a copy over to you if you would like?????) and the progress isn't amazing:rolleyes: but i did lots of cleaning and tweeking etc... ok cu guys later!

[Grgeon]

I wouldn't have known of this place if not for the front page ad :)

Seems you guys have a lot of help already.. Any character animation or drawing positions still open? :)

It's look good,
George

[Kirt]

WEEEEEEEE!!! Front Page!! Thank you CgTalk Admins! :xtreme: :bowdown: :applause:

Anyone New - Welcome! Take a project and go with it! I can give you feedback as long as you post your progress. I'll be pretty busy until Monday, so no time for new sketches right now. You'll just have to do your best with what is provided so far.

Up for grabs -

Modellers: Alien #2, our Hero, a cat, interior of spaceship (high detail to be used as set), cows (we need more than one and duplicating the same model doesn't appeal to me) & the intergalactic jellyfish (see storyboards).

2D Artists: We need interior layout designs of mobile home, layout of a trailor park (relatively small population and a very rural area in a foothill location), crop circle design (should reflect wimsical nature of our two hooligan aliens), and instrument panel graphics for spaceship.

That should keep everyone busy until I get some free time again. :D

[DimitrisLiatsos]

:bounce: :bounce: I will have have the model of MOM in a pretty descent point until the end of week...:bounce: :bounce:

:wip: :wip: :wip:

[Astral]

Sound's great Kirt

[Swoop]

Well i have NEVER helped on something like this before but feel the Jellyfish is my kinda thing as a beginner...hehe

Anyways i'm gonna try and model a Jellyfish tomorrow, and we will see how it goes :D

Edit: What program to use ? I would prefer modelling in max (as thats basically the only proggie i know) so if max models are no good then consider this post invalid (or whatever).

However i hope it will be good as i'm gonna start modelling a galactic jellyfish tomorow :D

[JDex]

Well, if you can export an .obj file from MAX that will work... I don't remember if you can though... the final product will be done in MAYA so we need compatable files...

The only problem I see with doing it in max would be rigging and textures... but I'm sure if you model a great galactic jellyfish the wonderful folks here can wrap it up in maya.

:D

[Dreamer]

Hello i would like too model alien 2. Im pretty decent att modeling.

[JDex]

Go for it dreamer... :bounce:

[Kirt]

Thought I should add this for the other artists who are contacting me ...

Animators: We're really not at the point were we can start animating scenes, but I would love to see the characters put through test animations before we get there. So far ila's model is the only one that is ready (or close to ready) for animation. As the other models get completed, you can contact the modellers here to see if there's some way of getting ahold of the model for tests.

Character Riggers: Same as above ... if a model is completed, contact the modeller or request the file here so we know who has what or what work is being done.

FX Artists: Eventually, we'll get there also. You can work on a few tests also if you're really bored for something to do. I'd like to keep the cartoon look to things like lasers and explosions. Not neccessarily a toon shader, but something in between that and realism. The effects should also carry the same style as the characters ... plump, water-balloon-like & deep saturated colors. Other effects needed ... runny nose/snot bubbles/mucous strands, liquid substance in a clear vial, electric charge running along a wire, UFO lighting for tractor beam/time suspension/cattle mutilation and the spaceship's engine thrust.

Texture Artists: I haven't done a texture myself, so texture artists are going to have to show me what they can do with the models. Get a mesh from one of the modellers and show me how you can improve the model. I'll provide more feedback as I see the results.

Composite Artists: You probably have the longest wait of all the folks. Maybe we'll get some animatics going and you can play with those to test out scenes and camera angles for the final renders.

Modellers: The film will be completed with Maya (I'm working on getting the latest release before the end of this year), but you can model in any application you like. As long as the model is polygon and you can export to .obj file for Maya.

Other: We still need voice and foley artists for this. Anyone have access to good recording equiptment? It's going to be needed before we start animations. We have someone for music, but contributions/collaborations there would be welcome.

Everyone: The story is written and storyboards will be complete by end of April? Well ... that's what I'm shooting for. :D

All I'm asking is to keep the progress reports here. I know working with other folks you'll be tempted to PM each other with questions/observations/critiques. However, we're keeping the discussion on the board so that other members can see what we do and learn from our progress (or mistakes).

I'll try to address everyones individual comments or questions later tonight when I have a moment at work.

Until then ... keep up the good work! :beer:

[Swoop]

sounds good... i'm gonna be making a jellyfish then... expect 3dsmax and maya work good together..

catch ya later with some progress hehe

[ilasolomon]

hehey! hello everyone
before everything, these are from Parnell:

http://207.219.13.92/ila/temp/Kirt_Alienz/perspective01.jpg
http://207.219.13.92/ila/temp/Kirt_Alienz/Rear01.jpg

then...
Dimitris, do all in maya 4.5! kirt have to upgrade at all! ;)
Swoop, go for MAX, no problem, thanx for joining :thumbsup:
ed209 & Grgeon, wanna test animate the alien? it's rigged in maya 4.5
Dreamer, we will be glad :D ... you know the aspects: polygonal, exportable to maya, etc., ...
Kirt, you said everything... :) :beer:
damn, this freelancing money-making job is killing me! ... busy for few days...

[JDex]

Hey ya kirt,

As previously mentioned, I have a bunch of good sound gear and can try to do some voices if I have some ideas of what is needed...

Also I'll be taking ProTools this coming quarter in school, so I can prolly do some things that will apply to both Alienz & Class...

Let me know when ya get around to it.

[nottoshabi]

Hello everybody.

I'm a little late, but I would like to help any way I can, I can rig and animate. I'm willing to do a test for veriffication. I use maya 4.5 or 4.
www.nottoshabi@yahoo.com

[Viper]

I might be interested in doing the interior. I need to ask a couple of things though:

1) Will it need flexible animation stuff? If so, i don't think I can do it, cause of the export from MAX to Maya.

2) I won't texture it, mostly cause I work in MAX, and I believe the dude that would convert everything would not be able to get the same results as I do (I have a pretty complicated material setup ;))

Anyway, let me know :)

[Poco]

I would like to help in this project (especially the props).
I did some testing for style.

What do u think?

[JIII]

Nice but remember unless you are using maya i dont think you can get away with nurbs.

[JIII]

here is a quick and dirty as hell trailer. just a little 15 minute test. this is gonna be hard as hell with out nurbs.

[Poco]

Thats not nurbs, just normal polygon with smooth on top.

[JIII]

ohh okay looks nice

[JDex]

I believe you can use nurbs as long as you convert it to poly's... let me know if I'm wrong...

[JIII]

well i spoke too soon but I am using C4d and when i convert to polys I will get triangle city. so thats why i am avoiding them. I just figured that thats the way it went for all of the other apps.

[Astral]

Ok, I got the cat (I have 3 in real life). Will be done in Max 5.1 and exported as obj. Perhaps it would be better to do the fur in Maya so I won't use shag hair.

I will update as it comes along.

[JIII]

okay here is a little update of a still ugly as hell trailer.

[BlueCougar]

Awesome! I'm game if you need a modeler. I'd like to knock out the Hero for you if that's alright. Do you have any 3 view sketches? I saw your concept sketches I can start with those as a reference. Also do you want him modeled nude then clothed or just model what is seen? Let me know, I'll start on the head and post a WIP soon!:thumbsup:

Kenn :airguitar

[Kirt]

BlueCougar - No nudies! (the baby is the closest exception) :D

As you've probably seen, I have a backlog of sketching to do ... as soon as I can they'll be here. :argh:

JIII - Keep at it ... no need to post updates that frequently though. Once you get the basic shape down, put up the image and I'll let you know what needs to be changed.

Astral - Fur or Shag is not needed. There will be no close up shots of the cat so I think a painted texture over poly shapes will suffice. The cat has 3 states of being in the film - wondering the trailor park, sleeping & scared as hell. So, 'scared as hell' is the only facial morph needed.

Poco - I think that matches my propane tank wonderfully. I'll get quick sketches of props when I can ... er ... I'm starting to sound redundant. :p

Viper - The interior of the trailor will be a stationary set. The outside of the trailor will need to squash and stretch. I'm sure we can find someone to texture the interior if you get the modelling done and exported to .obj

JDex - Cool! The aliens wont have speaking lines so basically I need two distinctive voices laughing, coughing, sneezing, grunting, etc. In the context of the film, you'll have to wait on storyboards. Our hero is the only speaking character ... the rest just make noises.

nottoshabi - Get the alien model from ila_solomon and lets see what you can do. Make him walk, pick up something, lip sync a short movie clip or whatever else sounds good to you. I can't wait to see him in action.

Swoop - Looking forward to it!

Rice ManX - I'm doing a sketch over the top of your ship views ... The scale needs to be adjusted again. I will show you with the 2 aliens sitting in the cockpit area. I also have an idea for the back end. I'm hoping to have these up tomorrow.

Gah! I need to make inventory of who's on this project now. I should mention that this is expected to take 2 years to complete. We're all working in our spare time, so if you're in it for the duration we're happy to have you.

E-mail me your full name and what you did when you finish something, Please! It's for the credits at the end of the film.

[Rice ManX]

Ok thatd be awesome Kirt, i still have to do headlights on it but thats it (other that more tweeks). Ahhm if you get sketch i can compare it, because the Gi render kinda distorts the perspective? but yes skets are always needed.

And while waiting for you to respond, i began on the Alien's ship seats! and those are almost practically done and will be waiting for your crit soon. I will also keep working on dashboard, i have good idea of what to do for interior.

all we need is TIME! hehe and hopefully i will be with you guys through the long haul:wavey:

[Rotamus]

i started modelling the cows head not finished but ill keep the updates of the head commin

[CuTnPaste]

Hello...I'm a 3D animator and I use maya4.0 ----


I'm still working at videogame company, but i love this work and............can I try to help you?

I have not a lot of time....but i can help you ....

c u soon

CuTnPaste

p.s. warning...maya3 is really fill of bugs !!! we made e 10 minutes short movie with motion capture character and we found terrible bugs...

[orangefisk]

Hello fellow artist!
I'm at your service as a humble 3d modeller!.. I wanna join! Sign me up!

Lemme' have a look on that hero character... :bounce:

Let's kick some alien ass!

[DimitrisLiatsos]

:bounce: :bounce: ila ... Yes sir!!!:beer:

And a small first update of MOM....lol


Who wants to animate her when i finish ? :wip: :bounce:


maybe cutnpaste ? Check with Ila and Kirt
I am making MOM in Maya 4.5...so it's ok by me ....


wheeeeeeeee!!!!

[dobermunk]

Them are some skanky toes there! Looking good!

[Rotamus]

ok now just trying to refine the face to show the humor kirt had shown in the concepts some oppinions (btw its not textured yet im just a lil color to liven it up)

MooOOoo

[Rotamus]

damn forgot to attach file derr i smart in the head

[DimitrisLiatsos]

:bounce: dobermunk ...i don't know what skanky means (i hope something discusting..lol )


and one breath and...:wip: :wip:

[Swoop]

Looking good people.. looking good :D

[DetoxIllusions]

I've been follwing this thread for a few weeks now and would like to texture some of the models. If there are any models that are finished I would like to help.

[ed209]

Love to do some animation tests with the character ... email me to fill me in on the details.

burke23@hotmail.com

[DimitrisLiatsos]

ed209 are u talking about MOM or you are reffering to someone else ? :bounce:

[ed209]

Actually it was in response to ila_solomon. Asking if I wanted to test animate the alien a few pages back.

[Viper]

Originally posted by Kirt
Viper - The interior of the trailor will be a stationary set. The outside of the trailor will need to squash and stretch. I'm sure we can find someone to texture the interior if you get the modelling done and exported to .obj


Ok, so I can do any interiors it's requiered. Those sketches that has the alien dude and his friend are the interior of the trailer or of the ship? This one:
http://www.cell2000.net/~users/kirtstanke/alienz/images/inside-ship-01.jpg

Or is the ship the trailer? :D

[Kirt]

:surprised The aliens are inside the spaceship. Mom and the baby live inside the trailor. The interior of the trailor has not been designed yet.

Everyone who has joined recently (or has sent me an e-mail or PM), needs to go back and read through the entire thread. Most of your questions will have already been answered, and we really don't have time to go back and restate what has already been said.

If you don't read the whole thread, we probably don't need your help on the film. Sorry if that sounds harsh or you don't have the time to read a long thread, but that's the way it has to be.

[Poco]

I have some new props ready or under development.

The coolbox (or whatever that thing it is called) is still unfinished.

Would like to know what you think about the style, colors, ...

Hear ya,

Poco

[Kirt]

Rice ManX (Parnell) - Here's what I could get done for now. I have an idea for the back engines, but I may have to do a quick model in Maya to show you what I want. Tried drawing them, but they didn't come out right.

http://www.kirtstanke.com/alienz/images/ship-concept-02.jpg
http://www.kirtstanke.com/alienz/images/ship-concept-03.jpg

As you can see from the overlays I did with your model, the cockpit is still too small for the scale of the aliens. I also reversed your hatches which will look better with the gun ideas that I have. Other changes: main engine exhaust, main engine intake cone, main engine shell design, sunroof, brake lights/turn signals in back, fuel intake valve and canopy opening. The little square by the sunroof and leading edge of the tail is supposed to be a running light (red and flashing). It may look better as a round light instead that sticks up a bit (like a LED light).

[Kirt]

Poco - Those are really good! I can't see any changes that are needed. Good job! :thumbsup:

If you haven't already found it ... there is a color pallette (http://www.cell2000.net/~users/kirtstanke/alienz/images/color-pallete.jpg) that we've been using so far. The characters will have more saturated colors so they are easily seen. Background objects can be desaturated a bit, but we'll probably handle most of that with lighting.

[nottoshabi]

Kirt sure no problem but who is ila_soloman?I went throw the thred and I can seem to find it, if you could just email me the adress or put it on this post that would be great. And how soon do you want the alien done? Cause to model blend shapes will take at least 2 days or 24 hours? To model and get the expressions just right. So the sooner I have the model the sonner I can start.

[Kirt]

ila_solomon (http://www.cgtalk.com/member.php?s=&action=getinfo&userid=4986) modelled, rigged and textured the 3 eyed alien that you saw on the help wanted poster. Blend shapes for facial animations are done already. The model is ready for test animations you just have to get the Maya files from ila.

[nottoshabi]

Ok I emaild him so as he gets back I will get to work.

[DimitrisLiatsos]

:wip: :wip:

Wheeeee!!!

[Rice ManX]

ok cool. btw if you can get direct side and direct overhead sketches whenever you have free time, those help the most, because the perspective is always distorted:hmm: but i can see what u want with the overlays (thank you for those btw). But like i said Direct overhead and Direct side are what help most (so that i can use them as a template to model against and get porportions rite.) i will work on it some tonight. Thnx again for doing those they help alot!!!!!

I will see to posting a side view and top view, so you can see the shape less distorted also. cya round.

[CuTnPaste]

Hello world,

ok...I've read all the posts......really interesting. I think it is really hardo to find persons like you....serious and strongs.

I'm ready to animate. I would be glad to try on the ready alien . I can manage maya file 3.0, 4.0 or 4.5 . It's the same.

I've contacted Ila and Kirt ....

I'm just wainting for the model....

bye

:wip: CuTnPaste :wip:

[Kirt]

Sorry ... no time for comments. I got to go to work.

http://www.kirtstanke.com/alienz/images/alien-concept-03.jpg

[ilasolomon]

ok...
ed209, your PM seems not working, please send me an e-mail (see below).
Hey, ... I like that COW! seems everything goes right...thank you boys.

some advice:
. copy every concept in this thread in your local drive
. copy/paste all Kirt's guidance & letters too
. choose only one task @ the moment & please FINISH it! then you can go for next one!

this is the ALIEN #1 MODEL, RIGGED & SKINNED, + FACIAL BLEND SHAPES, READY TO ANIMATE IN MAYA 4.5, the file is password protected so only the members of the team that want to EXAMINE, TEST, IMPROVE, ADD, ADJUST, MODIFY or ANIMATE the model should send me a request PM or e-mail ( to ila_solomon@yahoo.com ) to get the password.
If you encounter some errors & problems with the rigging please correct them if you can or at least let me know. (I didn't have enough time to do a test animation)

attention:

agreement:

1. you should finish what you choose to do.
2. you should not pass this model to anybody outside the team.
3. you must provide your work & modifications to the director or the modeler or share here (but password protected)
4. by downloading this file you agree to be involved in this project until the end of it!

DOWNLOAD the ALIEN#1 Rigged Model (Maya 4.5) (http://207.219.13.92/ila/temp/Kirt_Alienz/Alien_01d_Skinned.zip)

& this is the LEGEND of the Controlers & Bone structure:

http://207.219.13.92/ila/temp/Kirt_Alienz/alien1_riggingGUIDE.jpg

Ila

[Viper]

Originally posted by Kirt
:surprised The aliens are inside the spaceship. Mom and the baby live inside the trailor. The interior of the trailor has not been designed yet.

Everyone who has joined recently (or has sent me an e-mail or PM), needs to go back and read through the entire thread. Most of your questions will have already been answered, and we really don't have time to go back and restate what has already been said.

If you don't read the whole thread, we probably don't need your help on the film. Sorry if that sounds harsh or you don't have the time to read a long thread, but that's the way it has to be.

That's ok, I already got it. So, once I have the time, I'll see what I can do (Probably this weekend)

Cheers!

[DetoxIllusions]

I don't know if anyone did this yet but I just felt like making it. Concept is Kirt's.

[Poco]

These are the props i have for the moment. Any suggestions for other ones.

http://www.art-at-large.be/foto/Props02.jpg

[JIII]

Well I dont know about props but we are gonna need a good tree generator eventually.

(I brought this up because I dont know if maya has this inbuilt.)

[Rice ManX]

ya good point Tree's will be needed, any 1 here got XFrog???? otherwise we will need to model it :\


and ya Detox JDex has most of the gun model done already i think.

[kokoro]

hello - i just found this super thread yesterday (and the forum), saw the poster on the front page.

such great idea, and wow i really love it. is it too late to jump in ? i could do some modeling (and may be texturing, if the export works fine), but no rigging etc.

i am working with zbrush - which exports .dxf and .obj with uv coordinates and textures. is that the format you need ? i am sorry i can not try out if it works, for i have not maya.

kirt, please, let me know if i could be of some help. (and if yes, i would really love to try a second cow, for you said you want to have different ones, also i would do props if needed more.)

[MaDeuce]

Sorry ive been out of the loop for a few days yall ive been studying a little, but i did get a chance to look in here and there, and just wanted to say welcome to all the new guys. This project is looking more and more promising, and Im looking forward to seeing what you guys come up with

Anyhow, Kirt- I emailed you a larger image of the baby, and did a few tweaks since the post- put a little more chunk on a few spots like the back of the legs and hands/wrist. the daiper strap is a little stiff looking I noticed and also, I was wondering if the ear has too much fold detail for his style. As always, keep the critts comming.

[Kirt]

DimitrisLiatsos - So far, upper torso looks pretty good. The lower legs need some 'pudge' and the feet are definately too small and boney looking. Keep going though! :thumbsup:

MaDeuce - The baby looks fantastic! Only a few minor tweeks and you're done modelling. His diaper appears to intersect his right leg The hairs on his head could be about 3X thicker and go with a group of three strands (reoccurring theme in the short) You're right about the ears, but you modeled them as I drew them. Good attention to detail, but we need to fix that. Reduce the folds as much as possible without making it look like a rolled up washcloth I want to widen his mouth some more. Pull the inside corners of his mouth out so that they line up with the outer edge of his irises. I think you have it close to center point now. His eyes probably need the most work. He looks like he's scowling at us. The bottom eyelids look OK. The top ones need some more hieght near the nose and the eyebrows as well. Think cute puppy dog stares :D

Poco - Put a few dents in that chair's legs. Things need to look used in the trailor park scene. Maybe hang the handle of the ice chest crooked like one side is broken? And the propane tank should have rusted and scratched white paint.

Since you seem to be modelling the props in that setting, how about the rusty old Ford pickup? That should keep you busy for awhile. :D

[MaDeuce]

Ok Kirt Im on it- The daiper is symetrical now(funky shadows imply asemetry) and the diaper was modeled with a dented area to almost hug the leg, hence the overlapping perspective, but ill double check the mesh to make sure the geometry wont penetrate during animation. I see what you mean about the eyes, also the upperbrow is to thick between the eyes giving him that scowl look

Poco -nice props, I like that propane tank. My only crit is (And I may be being to knit picky and it may not matter at all) but it looks like the handle on the ice chest is a bit small, especially for a cartoonish hand to grip(Again not like it will be gripped by anyone....just a thought)

[DimitrisLiatsos]

:bounce: Kirt thx...u are right about lower part of legs, i will correct everything there 'cuase i also see them and want to cut them off (it also needs cleaner geometry there)...i am on to it !!!



:wavey:

[DetoxIllusions]

about 1925 polygons

http://www.detoxatron.com/images/gun.jpg

[Poco]

OK, I'll try that car (will take me a while).

[Rotamus]

just thought i should keep the Wips commin and yes i know the ear looks pretty strange but im workin on it . im more then happy for another person to be making the cow aswell so there not all identical but doesnt livestock all look the same when there in a group? real cows have little differences so shouldn't we just have same cow model with different spot patterns and a few size differences?

[lildragon]

Wow Ila, that looks like an incredible rig!, do send me the password, would love to check it out (even tho I'm not in the group :p)

Nice job guys

You know something? This looks to be a very promising project. So I'll start a sub forum for you guys.

*note* This isn't going to be a regular thing, but the way this project is going I will gladly open a forum for you guys to keep things organized as this thread is getting much too big, and it might lose focus and updates and such.

salud

[Rice ManX]

Cool thnx Lil Dragon! :)

Kirt and the rest of the guys, just wanted to let u know il be out for about 5 days im goin up to LA for spring break. So hopefully i won't miss toomuch, il make sure to do some updates tho before i leave.

[Poco]

By the way, for the people working with 3D Studio Max there is a good export plugin to .obj for Maya, called MAX2OBJ

Discription;
MAX2OBJ generates an Alias|Wavefront OBJ and MTL file from a 3DStudio MAX scene

Here is the link

http://www.habware.at/duck4.htm

Hopes this helpes some of you out there.

Greetings

Poco

PS: If everybody already knows this, sorry for the trouble. :D

[Rice ManX]

Thanx Poco that is helpful :)

[Frinsklen]

Originally posted by ila_solomon

4. by downloading this file you agree to be involved in this project until the end of it!
oh.... ..........ehmm.... wh... ....... oops!

[MaDeuce]

Hmm, i would agree with Roto about the cow modeling. Also it would be more efficient and have better results if we were to take his cow mesh, duplicate it a few times and throw some lattices and alter it to quickly make several different looking cows, while keeping consitencey with the style of them. Of course different textures for each of them. Ill do this often with generic body parts I have modeled in the past

[ilasolomon]

Tito the lildragon, Yes Sir! check your PM, thanx a lot for the forum :D :thumbsup:

Andres, You are hooked!

Rotamus, I Loooove that cow! :love: :drool: just like the sketch.

[Kirt]

Rotamus - Most cows do look the same, but I offered for others to do a cow because we seem to have an abundance of modellers here now. That's all I have at the moment for others to work on. Your cow is looking fantastic too! :thumbsup: The only suggestion I have at the moment is to save the colors for later so we can see the geometry better.

DetoxIllusions - Not a bad looking gun, but we'll need more detail on it. I think the gun is covered anyway. JDex has it almost done. Look for something not done yet in the thread and we'll be more than likely to use it.

[CuTnPaste]

hello men,
I'm rendering my first animation test and:

1. The setup seems to be great. My problem is that I love to animate in FK without tons of colored manipolators :) , but
I learn quicly.....or I should learn....or could....or....ghhhhhh..

Can I try to setup the character in my personal way?

If you think this is a stupid idea (because other animators could use the model and so on) don't esitate to stop me. ok?

2. cause I suck, I don't know how post the movie in the forum....I havenot a ftp space to shared to you. :( . !! help me. !!




:wip: CuTnPaste :wip:

[ilasolomon]

My problem is that I love to animate in FK without tons of colored manipolators
just delete or disable which IK you don't need.

Can I try to setup the character in my personal way?
Why not? :)

I don't know how post the movie in the forum
Since you can't do that, so feel free & send it to ila@parsonline.net then i put it in the server & link to it from here.

[CuTnPaste]

Anyway....The test rendering is at 45 %...and I'm going to jump into my bed for 29.000 seconds....so...c u soon...

CuTnPaste ---zzzzzzzz...zzzz.z.z.

:insane:

[ilasolomon]

is it an animation test? so do make a QUICK HARDWARE RENDER PRIVIEW! not an actual render buddy! ;)

[Kirt]

OK, since we have this new forum ... let's take advantage of it. If you're working on something right now, start a new thread with a subject line that looks something like these examples: Alien2 - modeling & rig Mom - animation test Trailor park - props FX - lazer blast

I'm going to close and sticky this post and I encourage everyone who's interested in this project to read it all. A lot of useful information has been provided here already and we don't have the time to bring anyone up to speed by repeating things already posted here.

I'm going to start a General Discussion thread where you can post comments, questions, etc. not relating to specific project threads in the forum.

In another thread, I'll will outline the deadlines that I've set and what's coming up. A loose schedule that we can hopefully keep on track with. This will probably be a locked thread so it doesn't get cluttered with a bunch of posts.