CGTalk - Strange Behavior FAQ

safakilemur

10-24-2007, 11:38 PM

ddiakopoulos

10-25-2007, 01:15 AM

[QUOTE=djdimitrious]Mibus,

On behalf of myself and the leaders from a few other groups in the Short Film category, we wish to know if it's possible to petition for an extension of the deadline

Eh... I dunno if thats fair for everyone else in the competition. Unless there is an extention for the whole contest, then it's fair. Yes, the short film catagory has more work to do, but thats why you have a team of people. So on an individual basis, pretty much everyone is doing the same amount of work in the whole contest. It's all about time management, unfortunately I had to cut back loads from my origonal plan too, including a completely finished charector model, and an almost finished enviroment. Yes, it would be wonderful if there was an extention for the whole contest, but it would be pretty unfair if only one category had an extention.

Yes, then I agree. But it would be silly of me to speak for the most participants outside of the short film category. No one has to lecture about time management or deadlines, it's just that in the interest of seeing a larger amount of quality artwork up for judging, perhaps CGSociety could allot a slightly longer amount of time.

My only regret has been not discussing this at an earlier time.

Mibus

10-25-2007, 01:27 AM

On behalf of myself and the leaders from a few other groups in the Short Film category, we wish to know if it's possible to petition for an extension of the deadline in the interests of seeing a minimum of 10 completed entries for our category.

A good number of teams, including ours, will not be able to our work by deadline, considering team members having to fulfill professional and freelance work outside of the competition.

Unfortunately, extending the deadline simply isn't possible. Please, if you can't submit a 100% finished work, just submit a 90% finished one! Even if you're not entirely happy with it, there are plenty of "category" prizes (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/strange_behavior/prizes.php) to go around. (In addition to Master/Excellence for each main category, there are nine open category prizes).

ddiakopoulos

10-25-2007, 01:28 AM

Unfortunately, extending the deadline simply isn't possible. Please, if you can't submit a 100% finished work, just submit a 90% finished one! Even if you're not entirely happy with it, there are plenty of "category" prizes (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/strange_behavior/prizes.php) to go around. (In addition to Master/Excellence for each main category, there are nine open category prizes).

Thanks for the quick response. We will, as from the beginning, try our best! :)

Mibus

10-25-2007, 01:44 AM

is a image uploading down atm? i been trying to upload an update for 20 mins now and it just keeps timing out.

Not that I know of. Have you had success since?

safakilemur

10-25-2007, 04:19 AM

Ahhhh, the deadline is so close! Good luck everyone, and may the force be with you all XD

authentic

10-25-2007, 07:59 AM

Are song free of use in Usa after a long time like in France ? I want to use one song of luis bacalov wich is more than 30 years old. Is it authorized or do I have to submit my final film without music ?

Tremoside

10-25-2007, 03:57 PM

Hi Mibus,

Soon i want to upload my final sequence. The situation is:

At deliverables page of SB, there is an issue:

"Videos need to be encoded with a screen ratio of 4:3, common resolutions would be 640x480 or 320x240." It's all clear, letterboxing too. The problem for me is: I have only 480x320 VistaVision aspect (not too much render capacity i have). Do I letterbox it to 480x360 as a final, or letterbox it to 640x480 to avoid confusing upsampling? You know antialiasing problems etc. Please let me know which way...

Thank you,
Mark

Ps: Congrats for the WIP baby of yours :) You're a lucky man with this family :)

darkcerberus

10-25-2007, 05:53 PM

Can you tell me the the exact quality of compression for the FLV ( rate in Kbit/s) ?

Thanks

graphicgolem

10-25-2007, 08:49 PM

I am little confused about the exact deadline for final submissions. The posted dated on the instructions is 29th October but when I go to submit entry it reads as: Time left: 4 days, 16 hours. This would be about 1pm on Tueday 30th October. I have checked my time settings against my forum postings and these are correct and concurrent with my local time (GMT London and DST+1). Any help would be appreciated -thanks.

Mibus

10-26-2007, 02:20 AM

Do I letterbox it to 480x360 as a final, or letterbox it to 640x480 to avoid confusing upsampling?

You can try uploading it at the native (480x320) resolution - there's some support for non-640x480 video in the page, under some conditions. (It's possible that it won't work, email me - robert@ballisticmedia.net - and I'll do everything I can to make it work at the native resolution, since we don't want to limit people in the future). Ps: Congrats for the WIP baby of yours :) You're a lucky man with this family :)

Thanks! I'm pretty happy :)

Can you tell me the the exact quality of compression for the FLV ( rate in Kbit/s) ?

Whatever works for you, there's no rules on that. (But don't go too nuts! :) )

hungthai

10-26-2007, 04:11 PM

melkao

10-26-2007, 04:16 PM

i wanna know how i can upload my final animation...or i can post it by youtube?....:eek:

GrandGourou

10-27-2007, 06:51 PM

patrickdeza

10-27-2007, 07:45 PM

Need to know how to edit my final entry image,
i don't the tiff file on the ftp, but from the entry-page

EDIT:
well, i just posted a new version, if possible please delete the one before with the same info text

MarkSnoswell

10-27-2007, 09:59 PM

Hello everybody, we have one question... finally our short is not so "short" as we thought... it's almost 8 minutes of animation now, so, our question is, do we have to cut some scenes to fit the duration asked, or will it be ok ?

Thanks in advance for your answers

The lengths were only recommendations so you can enter what you have. However I strongly recommend that you try to keep the pace up and cut out anything that is not needed that may slow up the pace -- your decision.

cheers

mark.

SteevieWoo

10-28-2007, 12:33 AM

HI. Fast Q's. Don't like to bother much:D
I just FTP'ed the big 'final illustration' one at the Submit Final page, then hit refresh and saw a thumbnail, hit the thumbnail an da low-res jpg appears, Is that OK?

And if so was it generated from the zipped file or is that the 'final' milestone I just posted on my thread? (Just curious).

Is the "file name number" suppsed to be the name of both the ZIP and the TIFF file?
I did so, but again kinda curious....

What about the explanatory text? should I post it on my thread as usual with a 'final image milestone'?

I ask this beacause I plan to upload an updated one tomorrow.....

Thanks again for all !

alvin-cgi

10-28-2007, 08:49 AM

Tremoside

10-28-2007, 10:11 AM

Hi Robert,

I had to upload twice the final stuff. At first the FLV was upsampled just as we thought. After that, I rendered out a higher res from post and it works fine now at 640x480 with some letterboxing. I wrote an email to you that contains the same information. Can you cut the first post of finals from my challenge page (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/strange_behavior/view_entries.php?challenger=13727) ? At submit entry page it says I fullfilled the requirements of milestones. However as a crazy, excited, tipical challenger I want to be sure my stuff is ok. Please let me know if its done in a good way!

Thank you so much, :wavey:
Mark

Tremoside

10-28-2007, 10:17 AM

Hi mibus,

I have problem upload the final animation flv file, the uploder freezed after 100%... did not get any "ok" message, have tried few times, can you help. please.:sad: I am wondering any file size limlited for uploader... mine is about 30mb flv.

Alvin

As I know 50 MB is the limit. BTW my 1min stuff was around 10.9MB with stereo and quite high settings at 640x480. Probably you can use a different bitrate with no quality problems. Just a thought. (ania's final was around 26MB)

JurajMolcak

10-28-2007, 02:41 PM

Hello admins ( Mibus)

could you tell me what´s the time left? Submit page says its almost 2 days to deadline, what is good but somehow it doesn´t fit to 29.october so I am bit confused. Is this submit page counter suppose to be our guideline...

alvin-cgi

10-28-2007, 03:06 PM

Thanks... still dont work, the uploader was freezed after 100%, I have no idea why, the file has down size to 25mb already.:cry:

Is 3am now, I am sleepy... ZZZZ

HELP!! Mibus!!:scream:

As I know 50 MB is the limit. BTW my 1min stuff was around 10.9MB with stereo and quite high settings at 640x480. Probably you can use a different bitrate with no quality problems. Just a thought. (ania's final was around 26MB)

darkcerberus

10-28-2007, 07:43 PM

Hey

Can you tell me the way to post a matte paiting in the short film sub category ? Cause i want to enter the challenge of matte painting( not illustration)?

sorry for my poor english

alvin-cgi

10-28-2007, 09:43 PM

I got it!:buttrock:

Don't really know why, after I used my old pc to upload... it went through fine, got "uploaded ok" message... finally...:)

Thanks!!

fido972

10-28-2007, 10:47 PM

Hello
There's a size limit for the upload of the final short?

Thanks.

h2o

10-28-2007, 11:15 PM

A question about Categories.

I chose to enter the Challenges (Illustration) & I'm using 3D to create my image. Can I enter Lighting Open Category also?

SecretSun

10-28-2007, 11:34 PM

SteevieWoo

10-29-2007, 12:14 AM

Hey this is my first attempt in a contest here. I need some help with the CG uploader. Everytime I try to upload the image it only shows me jpg files and not my tiff file. Whenever I try to upload I get an error message like so: "wrong datatype for second argument" or somehting like that.

I have a compressed tiff file as well and I'm not sure If thats what i'm supposed to use instead. Not that it matters I guess because at this point it will only let me upload jpgs...

If you are using the 'submit entry' uploader you can only upload JPG because it is for the forum. If you are using the 'upload final image' uploader, then make sure it is an uncompressed TIFF RGB file then compresed into a zip file with the right file munber provided there as the name of the ZIP.file. I hope this helps.. no one seems to be running the FAQforum anymore:shrug:

SecretSun

10-29-2007, 12:56 AM

Thanks so much for the advice.

I'm trying to upload my final illustration image but the CG uploader will only show jpgs in the when I click browse.

SteevieWoo

10-29-2007, 01:07 AM

I'm trying to upload my final illustration image but the CG uploader will only show jpgs in the when I click browse.

But something is wrong because, you don't really browse when you are at the 'final image upload' page, there you just give your address and then they give you the data you need to upload The ZIP with the aid of a FTP software.... then you return there to check it was recieved.....

Mibus

10-29-2007, 03:35 AM

Halo,just wanna ask something. I just uploaded the final tiff image.. then after i refreshed the page and clicked on the image thumbnail, the image that comes out is not the real size. Is this suppose to happen?
:)

Yes.

i wanna know how i can upload my final animation...or i can post it by youtube?....:eek:

Use the CGChallenge Uploader (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/strange_behavior/challengeuploader.jar) and make sure you're submitting for the 'final' milestone.

Please let me know if its done in a good way!
Yes.

Deadlines - use the countdown timer as the final guide.

As I know 50 MB is the limit.
There's no limit per se in the Challenge, though a smaller file is always preferred whenever possible ;)

I need some help with the CG uploader. Everytime I try to upload the image it only shows me jpg files and not my tiff file.
You need to use FTP to upload the TIFF, not the CG Uploader.

No one seems to be running the FAQforum anymore
I don't know where you got that idea - there was even a post from Mark on early Sunday morning! We don't have the resources to provide official support over weekends or overnight.

SteevieWoo

10-29-2007, 03:46 AM

Oh, I'm really so sorry if that sounded rough, that's what I was trying to mean ... that there was no one at the time for a any given reason.... I didn't mean it as a compain at all...

SecretSun

10-29-2007, 03:53 AM

Ok I guess i'm in the wrong place. I know this sounds lame...

But how do I get to the FTP? I'm as far as being at Upload Image page with my FTP info but how do it?

Mibus

10-29-2007, 07:21 AM

I'm sure many of you will be happy about this email we're sending out now:
The new deadline for the Challenge is now the 15th of November, a full two weeks after the original deadline.

Anyone who has already submitted a finished piece - congratulations! Any new 'final' submissions will overwrite your existing 'final' entries; giving you the next two weeks to perfect and polish your work;

Yes, we're extending the deadline. Yes, I said it wasn't possible. What can I say, we're all lovely people ;)

SteevieWoo

10-29-2007, 07:41 AM

Lovely Lovely...:love::love::love:

Jana69

10-29-2007, 07:50 AM

Great!

Well...makes huge difference for all my crew. But i won't tell them that. ;)

safakilemur

10-29-2007, 07:50 AM

Oh Boy! I love you guys XD

markdc

10-29-2007, 08:57 AM

It didn't look like there were going to be ten entries so thanks for being flexible. Hopefully everyone can finish now.

JurajMolcak

10-29-2007, 09:32 AM

I'm sure many of you will be happy about this email we're sending out now:
Yes, we're extending the deadline. Yes, I said it wasn't possible. What can I say, we're all lovely people ;)

I am on of those "happy"! Many thanx :bounce:

fido972

10-29-2007, 09:51 AM

JurajMolcak

10-29-2007, 10:07 AM

It is a bad idea for those who have make compromises to arrive has a result in the deadline with less quality are disadvantaged. We consider that the respect for the deadline is a part of constraints of such challenge, if you are working in a production and you don't respect the deadline you will be fired.
We can't come back to our level of animations, we can't come back to our rendering.
Only the teams who are late can profit. I speaking for the short film. For illustration they can increase the quality level but not for the short.

It is your decision. Any teams will be disadvantaged.

I can tell you something about this. I had almost the same feelings about such a deadline extending during EON challenge. I was working on my own ( fighting with winners from TheShift team for example ) on trailer category and planned all things to catch the deadline. Almost everything I made was something like 50% of planned quality because of this.
Now, I am staying on the other side. This deadline extension help me a lot and I am very very happy. See, you never know. Maybe next time you will be as happy as I am now.

darkcerberus

10-29-2007, 10:37 AM

How a famous website as CGSOciety can do such an unprofesionnel thing.

In professionel world respect a deadline is equal to earn money and of course a deadline wich is not respect equal NO MONEY. So it's unacceptable for teams who have work hard for mouths to accept this.
So teams who have respected and accepted the first deadline and have reduced the quality of their short film must be the only ones who could win prizes.

I call all the team who have a little respect for their work and CG artist who have a professional and artistic consciousness to stop this bad joke with a post in the CGS FAQ.

fido972

10-29-2007, 10:41 AM

If I entry in a challenge. It is to respect the deadline. If I do not respect the deadline there is a probleme. I had already participated previously but I had customers who waited I was not able to finish at the original deadline, I don't post anything. For my simple consciousness.

GrandGourou

10-29-2007, 10:57 AM

Just unfair. Most of the teams cannot come back on their work, because all is finished. A good planning is a part of the challenge in computer graphics, I just cannot understand. As many other teams I think, we made this short aside with work and for some other school, as many other teams, we spent days, nights ans health to finish it in two months. Why does some people should have more time to do a better work ?
The conlusion is those who managed to respect the deadline will have a short film with a better quality. Clever.

Well just do as you planned, it's just unfair

MarkSnoswell

10-29-2007, 11:56 AM

There were too few entries for the Short Film category with most teams only able to finish with an extension. Because the special categories come from all three entry categories it was not possible to extend just the Short Film category. We will be flagging the entries that made the 29th Oct deadline for the judges to take into consideration.

JurajMolcak

10-29-2007, 12:55 PM

okay, this is my third post on this page what already is strange behavior but I want to comment this:

We will be flagging the entries that made the 29th Oct deadline for the judges to take into consideration.

Sounds like good point, but it will be reasonable only when judges will have chance to see both entries (on time and aftertime ones ). Because now, I can´t really see the point to hurt myself just to get the flag for ontime submition. It´s very good to relax for couple of days and than finish our entries with refreshed eyes. I think it helps a lot and there always is something to touch up, even when you proudly finished on time.

Nennad

10-29-2007, 08:46 PM

Hi,

I think that it is unfair to change propositions of an challenge. Somehow then, challenge is not what it is soposed to be... Deadline should be one of the parameter for the challenger to reckognize and optimize tempo of his/their work... especially when we read from the competition rules that "late submissions will not be tolerated".

I must admit that this decision left me with bitter feeling, especially if I have put so much effort to finish my entry on time. Cannot pretend that I am happy, though I hope that in some time I might be a little bit happier, for my colegues to whom was given a chance to be stimulated to finish their work...

There is no argument that we can polish our finished work - in my case time was optimized to meet deadline... other obligations are bursting in, that were hold on standby... so what I did i did.

safakilemur

10-29-2007, 09:16 PM

How a famous website as CGSOciety can do such an unprofesionnel thing.

Eh... it does happen professionally sometimes. Yesterday I was waching a game production interview. And they were pretty much done the game after 2 years work, down to 7 bugs. And for some reason the developers give them a phone call telling them they get a year extention. So yeah, once in a while the professional big boys give extra time, if they want to see something with potential to be better ^ ^

overcontrast

10-30-2007, 01:42 AM

okay, this is my third post on this page what already is strange behavior but I want to comment this:

Sounds like good point, but it will be reasonable only when judges will have chance to see both entries (on time and aftertime ones ). Because now, I can´t really see the point to hurt myself just to get the flag for ontime submition. It´s very good to relax for couple of days and than finish our entries with refreshed eyes. I think it helps a lot and there always is something to touch up, even when you proudly finished on time.

Hey I totally agree with Oweron. In my case I could have finished this by the original deadline... but now that is extended I think I'll take some rest and prepare for the next 2 weeks of work improvement. I think giving the on time entries any advantage will be an unethical one. 2 weeks seems a resonable time to even re-animate/re-render a couple of shots to make them better.

Anyways, I got another opinion. I think from next time its better to have the Illustration catagory separated into 2d and 3d catagories. I mean theres a lot of great artworks and only 2 awards for them just dont make it fare. And people who'll do 3d understands the level of work that goes in a piece then a 2d painting, i'm not saying one is better then the other but they are different in their own way. So I hope CGSociety will look into this matter from the next time.

Finally I have a little question. Perdon me if it was answered before. In the animation catagory do I have to submit the making of documentory along with the Animation in one single .flv file or two? Or do I have to submit it at all? cause most of the WIPs are available at the thread.

thank you.

syrez-one

10-30-2007, 02:28 AM

hmm, well i dunno, personally i hardly learned the last two years, that a deadline is a deadline..

which is professional, cause everything else, costs money, or money for a lot of lawyers...

but.. this is a community..
and i personally like to see alot more entries,

i had the luck, i could fit my project under strange behaviour topic ... but also had to finish on 1. of october ... had some additional time, and this is no bloody competetion for me, more fun and chance to meet talented and nice people. so its easy for me to say..

well i could say i'm already working on my next project, can't i enter a second entry for flagging? *G* but lets get serious..

i'm ok with it.. ;)

i wish u all good luck, and use your time!

Mibus

10-30-2007, 05:31 AM

Hi guys. As the 'CGChallenge Administrator', I want to address the "unfair extension" stuff.

First up, I want you all to know that we thought long and hard before giving this extension. If we thought we could have avoided it, we really would have. We waited as long as we did before announcing it, in the hopes that we wouldn't have to. But, we felt that it was in the best interest of the vast majority of challenge entrants if we extended the deadline by a small amount.

Specific responses:

Well just do as you planned, it's just unfair
I totally understand your frustration. You met a requirement that somebody else didn't (finishing on time), and they're still going to be considered as 'finished'. This wasn't an easy decision to make, and we think that ultimately the challenge as a whole will be improved by the extension.

How a famous website as CGSOciety can do such an unprofesionnel thing.
if you are working in a production and you don't respect the deadline you will be fired.

If we were your paying client, and you asked for more time, we'd give it if we reasonably could. In this case, many Short Film teams asked for an extension - we've responded by honouring their requests, and granted extra time across all categories.

I think from next time its better to have the Illustration catagory separated into 2d and 3d catagories.

Not very likely. We did this until EON, when we decided that art was art, and the tools weren't as important as the result. It also stopped the flood of "Is this 2.5D art 2D or 3D..." questions ;). We are discussing other alterations to the category lineup, which may or may not make it into the next CGChallenge. We are always looking to improve the CGChallenges, and anybody at any time is welcome to email me with feedback on what they liked, or didn't like, about the process.

safakilemur

10-30-2007, 07:54 AM

Haha, I'll take a day off and catch up on some Halo3 and go out of the house to preorder Assassin's Creed XD

banzato

10-30-2007, 01:50 PM

Hi ALL I`m very disappointed with this.

You are giving a chance to the disorganized people to win organized people. And you know that, we had a lot of time, and you know that too.

SO I`M NOT SURE IF I LL DO MORE CONTESTS IN CGTALK, even with the high prizes. And I hope the other peoples (organized) do the same.

Thank you very much, and I hope you understand me.

Bye.

GrandGourou

10-30-2007, 02:07 PM

Eh... it does happen professionally sometimes. Yesterday I was waching a game production interview. And they were pretty much done the game after 2 years work, down to 7 bugs. And for some reason the developers give them a phone call telling them they get a year extention. So yeah, once in a while the professional big boys give extra time, if they want to see something with potential to be better ^ ^

Haha, I'll take a day off and catch up on some Halo3 and go out of the house to preorder Assassin's Creed XD

This could be submit as a work for -Strange Behaviour-, nice job

fido972

10-30-2007, 02:11 PM

banzato

I completly agree with you. Even it's an artistic challenge peoples need to be organized. Self management and organizition it's a part of creation.

safakilemur

Yesterday I was waching a game production interview. And they were pretty much done the game after 2 years work, down to 7 bugs. And for some reason the developers give them a phone call telling them they get a year extention.

It's not the same for a big production like a game and a challeng. There's lot of money for a game you can't sell a game with bugs inside. It's a better to spend more money in this game to have a finished game that will have good mark.

Here you can improve your sense of self management and organization if you can't finished on time, the next time you will.

sorry for my english

JurajMolcak

10-30-2007, 02:46 PM

It is seriously unfair of you to call people "organized" and "unorganized".

I believe there are so many entrants that was ready to finish on time (maybe on last minute but they was ready). Now, they don´t need to stress and they can start to breath again and finish their work better.

I believe there are so many entrants that was NOT able to finish on time (not even on last minute). Now, they have extra time to try to finish and learned 'coz next time they probably will not get such a chance. This is what comunity is about too.

I know there are already finished entries. So why not to take your extra time to touch it up except this "dissapointed behavior"? Because you don´t want to? Because you don´t need to? Because you are proud of your self and strongly believe in rulez? Because you are too tired to continue?

I know there are entries finished way before deadline. Why those entrants are not bitching that 4 months is too much for such a challenge?

2 extra weeks! How can you be so disapointed because of 2 extra weeks? Compare it to 4 months of hard work. If you are fulltime artist or hard working freelancer you can get something like 4 days out of it. And it is enough for small touch ups or some "making of" stuff so you can present yourself better way. Not a big deal, not a big deal...

Good luck to everybody! Cheers,

SecretSun

10-30-2007, 04:13 PM

Sorry to break up the heated coversation here but I still need help submitting my entree.

This is my first time doing this so I really just don't know how to go about using/finding the FTP software.

Can anyone just break it up into steps for me?

PS
This is for my illus final.

overcontrast

10-30-2007, 04:33 PM

chill out u guys who this this deadline extention is a disgrace. I really appriciate CGSociety's will of extending the deadline. It releases a lot of stress and gives room to improve even for the people who finished their works. In animation or short film theres a part called the post production where u butify ur work beyond your raw rendered images. So it surely gives people a lot of time to work on that are. And in my experience (speaking from a professional's pont of view) clients would be much happier to get a good quality product, they wouldnt mind to extend the deadline (if they can). So I dont think its wrong or unfair. And if some UNORGANIZED person can finish by the next deadline. I dont think it matters if they are organized or unorganized. its the product that matters.

@MIBUS: I still didnt get my answer. DO I have to submit the making of documentory with the final Movie file?.. or do i submit it seporately?

JurajMolcak

10-30-2007, 04:44 PM

@MIBUS: I still didnt get my answer. DO I have to submit the making of documentory with the final Movie file?.. or do i submit it seporately?

hey mate, check out page3 of this FAQ thread and there is lil explanation about such a thing I did ask before. Hope its help :thumbsup:

ania

10-30-2007, 04:53 PM

Nennad

10-30-2007, 05:14 PM

I'm experiencing problems with viewing some of the .flv animations posted on CGTalk. Some animations don't load till the end but break up in the middle. Refreshing the page won't help, but sometimes trying the same on the next day helps.
I'm not the only person having those problems, and it's not a single case but it happens with more videos (I experienced that on at least 3 entries).
What could be the reason, and will it be possible to fix the issue? Within the 2 weeks of extension maybe? :)
I hope that nobody will be overseen by the judges just because the animation didn't load...

Hey Ania.

I experienced that too, on my own animation. :eek: I solved problem like this: Clear your browser history and files completely (IE: Tools>Internet Options>Delete History>Delete All). Then it will load correctly, possibly. Though, this is an issue. Most of people do not have nerve to go into technical things...

GrandGourou

10-30-2007, 05:38 PM

Because you are proud of your self and strongly believe in rulez? Because you are too tired to continue?

Because me and my mates are already on another production, and because render and compositing are done. To improves animation include another renders and compo etc.
So we just CAN'T come back on our work...

... and yes, we are tired, completly, we didn't slept so much, as many teams here.

Tremoside

10-30-2007, 06:21 PM

This is my first time doing this so I really just don't know how to go about using/finding the FTP software.

Not totaly sure how it goes right now, but in previous challenges it was relatively simple. Probably now you have to upload a final JPG image via normal WIP way. And a TIFF uncompressed and zipped, named properly. There was a session where you got the ftp pass and info. It was open after you uploaded your all WIPs. and it was at the general challenge page Upload Final Image (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/strange_behavior/final_image.php). I used opera last year for upload some of my friends preferred wincommander. The key to success is to do the things as they tell. Use the exact name, and format. You only need a zip and program for ftp. Usually when the upload loader shows 100% the image is still not visible as uploaded. You have to recheck (refresh) and after that image will be there. Not officially but as i remember it worked this way. Hope helps :)

darkcerberus

10-30-2007, 06:32 PM

I so happy to see people who fight for their ideas but when i'm starting a job i'm proud to finish in time!!So no time to be proud, no time to "trash talk" with people who don't understand our point of view. President of CG SOCIETY explain his reason and we accepted. So stop talking about it, work and be professional. We have finished without hoping an extended deadline and it's all we wanted.

lot's of work waiting me. Hope everyone have pleasure with this challenge like me :-)

Mibus

10-30-2007, 11:53 PM

I'm experiencing problems with viewing some of the .flv animations posted on CGTalk. Some animations don't load till the end but break up in the middle.

I certainly haven't had any problems - are there some clips in particular that this happens to more than others?

chocoski

10-31-2007, 09:40 AM

hi!

i'd like to ask the moderators why my flv encoded video is not uploading in the cgchallenge uploader. it just says attaching file but nothing seems to be happening for quite some time now, it's still 0 % after 15 min. it's my 1st time to try to upload a video file which has is relatively low, just under 700kb.

tnx in advance!

ania

10-31-2007, 04:10 PM

I certainly haven't had any problems - are there some clips in particular that this happens to more than others?

It happened to me with my own entry, and with the entries of DaddyMack, Authentic and Npantic (all in Animation category). With DaddyMack's video, also Dubbilan had problems to download it. But I tried today again, and this time the same video worked for me.

Mibus

10-31-2007, 11:21 PM

But I tried today again, and this time the same video worked for me.
I don't suppose it all happens around the same time of day, does it? (eg., during backup/maintenance?)

it just says attaching file but nothing seems to be happening for quite some time now, it's still 0 % after 15 min.
OK there are two things that are likely to affect this:

Have you attached an image, and chosen the FLV? It won't proceed if you don't have all the required fields set.
Are you behind a firewall or restrictive proxy that may be blocking the FTP attempts?

chocoski

11-05-2007, 03:41 AM

tnx mibus for the reply, just came from a vacation and i'm trying out now the info u gave.

well this message came out---
sun.net.ftp.FtpProtocolException:PORT:500 illegal PORT command, EPSV ALL in effect.
don't know what it means...have tried turning the firewall off but it still gives this message.
hope u can help me out on this!

Mibus

11-05-2007, 04:27 AM

Hmm.. Are you running the latest Java?

chocoski

11-05-2007, 05:14 AM

yup i'm using the latest java.

tried using diff browsers-explorer and firefox-still the same error message is coming up.

Mibus

11-05-2007, 05:48 AM

Is there anything in the status bar at the bottom of the app?

chocoski

11-05-2007, 07:45 AM

what do u mean app? the cgchallenge uploader?

Mibus

11-05-2007, 11:36 PM

Yes, the CGChallenge uploader.

Jana69

11-07-2007, 01:58 AM

Hi I was trying to upload test voice track with video as milestone for scratch voice and it doesn't appear on my challenge page! what's wrong?

quick answers from my side: yes i have java needed, used riva FLV encoder, used cg uploader, have no firewall, in the end when status bar went to 100% i saw window with text "this feature is for cgs members only". Do i have to make portfolio first then upload my milestones?

Please be so kind and explain this.

Thank you

edit:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKBsvuaWP2Y

yep i hear now it's too quiet, but i uploaded it and edited info for that with no problems

chocoski

11-07-2007, 02:02 AM

first of all i'd like to thank you mibus for all the support ur giving us!!!

with regards to ur previous question, the cgchallenge uploader is also giving out
the same error message at the bottom. i'm thinking of uploading the file using my friend's pc, maybe there's some problem/restriction on my pc or connection that i don't know about.

have another question, i once saw that with regards to audio that one should ask permission regarding other artist's audio file...i'm planning to use the pink panther theme song as one of my main audio background, specifically at the start of my entry, problem is i don't know how to ask or who to ask for permission. would i be disqualified if i use it?

Mibus

11-07-2007, 03:14 AM

"this feature is for cgs members only"
You're using the uploader for CGPortfolio, rather than the CGChallenge. Download this (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/strange_behavior/challengeuploader.jar) one and try again.

i'm thinking of uploading the file using my friend's pc
If you can, that's definately worth a shot. If that fails, I'll give you some FTP details to upload it to manually, and I can insert it from there into the system.

i'm planning to use the pink panther theme song as one of my main audio background, specifically at the start of my entry, problem is i don't know how to ask or who to ask for permission. would i be disqualified if i use it?
Very likely, yes. You'll need to find something that has a more permissive license.

Dukeofvampires

11-07-2007, 06:06 PM

Hi guys, sorry for asking nooby questions, but please, help me.

When i try log in, i have this message:
You have not entered that challenge!

How could i enter?

Thanks for you help...

Sorry, no more questions...

Mibus

11-08-2007, 04:18 AM

Are you already entered in a challenge? There are three categories, perhaps you selected the wrong one?

Else, the entry page is here (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/strange_behavior/enter.php) - but be warned, the challenge is almost over!

chocoski

11-09-2007, 02:30 AM

just wanna say tnx mibus for all the help u gave!!!:)
finally i have uploaded my test video using my friend's pc...i think there was a problem with my pc's connection settings (i guess:rolleyes:) that's why i couldn't upload it before.

authentic

11-11-2007, 12:56 PM

Hi. I have a little question. I want to submit my illustration to be in a book of 3d picture.
I know we keep the rights of course but is there a priority or something else for ballistic book (even I have no chance to be selected :)) ?

Mibus

11-12-2007, 01:31 AM

The rules have this to say:
Entries must be original and must remain unpublished outside of CGSociety prior to the close of the challenge. Any entry deemed by the judges to be the identical or substantially similar to any other entry previously entered will be disqualified as a derivate work.
The winners grant Ballistic Media first right to publish their submitted work in any media.

Entrants commit to notify Ballistic Media in writing at least one week prior to the publication of their work in any media.

chocoski

11-13-2007, 05:22 AM

hi mibus!

have another question. most probably this has been asked before but i dont have enough time to browse all replies here coz my connection is very slow. i'd like to know if an entrant can upload a hi res version of his entry to another site (like youtube) directly after submitting his final compressed flv file to the challengeuploader or you have something that would accomodate such hi res mov file? my point is some people out there would love to see hires versions of the entries and would it be nice to give them one? tnx!

Mibus

11-13-2007, 05:37 AM

Yes, youtube etc. are fine.

chocoski

11-14-2007, 02:00 AM

hi again mibus!

i guess u had too much of my questions...sorry for that!
i have problem viewing the flv files, they load for about 20% and after that i can't view them any more. they do play the 20% on the viewer but goes back to the start again.
i tried the one i uploaded yesterday and the other entries as well without downloading the flv into my pc but the same thing happens. is that supposse to do that?

also, the final render image...what is the acceptable size? do i need to follow the instructions for the illustration category or a 640x480 would suffice?

tnx so much for your support! wouldn't have made it without your guidance!

Jana69

11-14-2007, 02:15 AM

is that suppose to do that?

do try youtuube or another one and post link

we'll see

chocoski

11-14-2007, 02:21 AM

tnx jana69!:)

i'll try that

Jana69

11-14-2007, 02:26 AM

it s just great. go on! nothing stops you! good morning? be quick two days left!
qewl voicing guy sounds like radioguy at knobs, the lady is on the phone...
make a story...

Mibus

11-14-2007, 05:22 AM

Ralph, I can play your last video OK :thumbsup:

Does the "download flv" link below the video work?

chocoski

11-14-2007, 09:12 AM

i guess its just my connection here, i also asked some of my friends and they viewed it fine.
tnx!:)

what about my other question..."also, the final render image...what is the acceptable size? do i need to follow the instructions for the illustration category or a 640x480 would suffice?"

Mibus

11-15-2007, 12:55 AM

Sorry - the two video categories need the (up to) 640x480 video, only the Illustration category needs a larger-res submission.

froggy42

11-15-2007, 10:50 PM

I have my entry in the short film as its where I thought it should be.

Should it have been in the animation category?
As I am a team of one??

lisa s

Never mind. I entered the Short film category because I was using the script pretty much as it is written.
This was more of a personal challenge for me, and I have learnt quite a bit from entering, but I am dissapointed that there were not more film entries.I was only able to finish because of the extension anyway.

I did not think I would make the october cutoff but kept working on it as I wanted to finish it for my own satisfaction, the extra time was reall bonus, thankyou guys.

good luck to all the entries!

safakilemur

11-16-2007, 06:17 AM

ARG, I was litterally 30 seconds late with the deadline, rofl. I didn't think about time difference until a few hours ago. Well my fault for not doing things way ahead of time. But I really apreciate the two week extention you guys, it really helped. This was my first animation ever, I started "computer art" exactly a year ago. So I knew I had no chance against the pros, but I learned sooo much in the last couple months. I don't have too much free time so I didn't get done what I would have originally liked. I hope I upload my submision on time, the next time around, hahaha. Well I didn't have time to add audio, or render most of my scenes. My comp can't batch render a single pass before crashing at least once, extremely frusterating. Well heres a link anyway if you're interested, not much, but I got to start somewhere.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0sTVaWbIs0

PS Wish you guys all the luck in the judging ^^

jakeDaMus

11-16-2007, 06:52 AM

Hi Guys

After the team put an outstanding effort in finishing our short film to the highest level we could accomplish in the time frame.

I believe we have produced a professional animation. We have all learned alot and have new skills and experiences to show for it.

It is a shame to work so hard to lose by 10 min but we are proud of what we created.

Good luck to all.

Jake and the Production Team

dreambubble

11-16-2007, 07:08 AM

Hi all, best wishes to all those that made the deadline. Our team from SCAD-Atlanta did an outstanding job on the short film with finals and all, but only to miss the deadline by 8 min. We enjoyed working on this project and have learned a lot from it. Good luck to all.

bstout

11-16-2007, 03:53 PM

hey DaMus and DreamBubble, please post links to your work, i would love to see what you guys did even if it isn't in the contest.
who knows, they might even extend teh deadline again and let you submit your work.

-please Mibus please ?
maybe then we can scrounge enough entries to have the category be legit....

jakeDaMus

11-17-2007, 02:05 AM

Hi bstout

Thanks for your support!

I would post it! Is there somewhere here I can post on?
I hesitated to put it on 'youtube' in case we would be able to submit to the compitetion. The rules clearly state not to broadcast publicly until the end of the comp.

Please advise
Jake

bstout

11-17-2007, 03:01 AM

put it up on your site without a direct link to the index (not public) and then post the link here. or if you don't have a site. compress the hellout of it (.flv) and try to email it to me at bethechellenge@gmail.com
then i can put it on my site and you can post the link here.

if you do send it to me post that you sent it as i created that email for the challenge and have no reason to ever check it again.
or email me at (bstout at teleport.com) that you sent it to the gmail account
gmail can handle larger files, my other mail can't

either way, would love to see your work.

B

ddiakopoulos

11-17-2007, 03:14 AM

sadot

11-17-2007, 04:36 AM

Well as others we dont finish it, but we learn a lot -Belive me- A LOT. We are going to spend less time for the render process but we want to finish it.
Only 2-3 teams finish the proyect.....good luck and see you next time

zilla

11-17-2007, 07:35 AM

Hi I entered in the 'Strange Behaviour' illustration category and submited my final image.

I appear however to have disappeared from the forum. I was wondering who I contact to find out if I was disqualified or bumped from the competition for some reason?

Cheers
Zilla

jakeDaMus

11-18-2007, 08:01 AM

Hi Mibus

I would like to get the permission to upload our film using the CGuploader.

At this stage we are not interested in being in to win prizes but just the exposure that your comp is providing for my students hard work. The ultimate aim for the students to post their art along side international competitors.

I have the version that we have finished on the day of the comp. (We plan to go back and polish the film for our graduation premiere on Monday)

What do you think? Is this possible?

Jake

Mibus

11-19-2007, 12:14 AM

zilla: I can see your thread and Challenge page just fine. What makes you think you've been removed?

To all the folks who nearly made it - well done on coming so close! Keep a hold on your FLVs, we'll have a talk here about if it's possible to put the videos up in a non-competing fashion.

froggy42

11-19-2007, 05:35 AM

I would like to post my entry on youtube.

can I include a link back to my entry thread ?

thanks

Mibus

11-21-2007, 12:06 AM

Yes, of course :)

Nennad

11-21-2007, 10:20 PM

Mibus

11-22-2007, 12:55 AM

I would like to submit my movie to domestic/international festival (http://www.animafest.hr/) , as I understood I can do it now, when conetest is over ? The deadline for entry is by 15 December 2007...

That's OK. Remember to follow the rules regarding mentioning the CGChallenge/CGSociety/screenplay etc., as appropriate.

Nennad

11-22-2007, 08:10 AM

That's OK. Remember to follow the rules regarding mentioning the CGChallenge/CGSociety/screenplay etc., as appropriate.

My movie credit page includes: Produced initialy for CGSociety contest :Strange Behaviour logo: . I will also mention CGSociety in the entry form. Is that Okay ?

Mibus

11-22-2007, 10:01 PM

Yep. It'd be nice to have the URL too (just http://www.cgsociety.org/ is fine)

fido972

11-23-2007, 10:03 AM

We have post our final short film long time ago but on the cgsociety web site in "events"-> "challenge" we can't see our entry. is there a problem with us? Is our short film is already in competition?

Thanks

froggy42

11-28-2007, 11:12 AM

I couldnt find any info on when the results were going to be anounced.

Any ideas on when the big anouncement is going to happen??

Lisa s

overcontrast

11-28-2007, 08:40 PM

The challange is over now... is it okay to post my challange image or animaton on other sites?

another question. I hosted my Animated Short on my website. There is mention of CGtalk and Strange Behaviour but its not mentioned in the movie credit (slipped my mind)... just making sure if that is okay... if not i can change that right away.

Thanks

Mibus

11-28-2007, 10:04 PM

Any ideas on when the big anouncement is going to happen??
No... We have an internal deadline, but I'm not allowed to tell ;-)

The challange is over now... is it okay to post my challange image or animaton on other sites?
Sure, providing you link back to us.

just making sure if that is okay
As long as it's mentioned in the surrounding material, I think that's OK. If (when? ;) ) you enter it for a film festival or something, it'd be nice to have a credit mention.

PS. Congrats on the Choice.

overcontrast

12-01-2007, 07:46 PM

hey thanks Mibus,

got another qus for ya. I was going through the Animation catagory forum. I saw some of the short film entries are being moved there. Many/Most of them didnt finish... so could you please tell us whats going on here...

thanks!

Mibus

12-03-2007, 01:45 AM

Some of the 'Short Films' weren't based on the screenplay, which was a requirement for being in the category - they're actually supposed to be in the Animation category.

(I've answered in more detail about that one entry in the other thread)

As for "finished" - we don't expect only 100% complete animations to be entered. You still have a chance, at least for an open-category prize, as long as you've made a good try of it and your work has merit.

froggy42

12-03-2007, 02:33 AM

Hi,
Is the short film category being judged?

Mibus

12-03-2007, 03:55 AM

Hi,
Is the short film category being judged?

Yes, it is.

spyray22

12-05-2007, 09:42 AM

I wanna ask you about the short of Jacob Luamanuvae. Is this short film has been accepted for the short film challenge?

thanks.

Tremoside

12-05-2007, 10:05 PM

Is Santa around? :) Best wishez to everyone here! :wavey:

Mibus

12-10-2007, 04:31 AM

Yeah Jacob's entry is in the Short Film category, we cleared that up :)

ania

12-11-2007, 08:07 PM

any chance for results before the end of this year?

darkcerberus

12-11-2007, 09:23 PM

I'm not used to make positive post and it won't be different this time

Does anyone of the staff can explain to me and my poor english WHY, Jacob's team who
had post their short film on the 12/04/2007 at 03:51 AM have been accepted on the challenge? Isn't it out of the extended deadline?

Tremoside

12-12-2007, 01:31 AM

ania

LOL, Mibus is not the guy who used to tell these secrets! wrong try :D He posted few words on his blog. The first round of judging finished on nov. 27 (or29). In past challenges was longer as i remember. It's totally unknown. In my experience from 2004 till this day.. they will still keep few weeks, but that's just a tip. The usual CGS newsletter will inform us as used to. Be relaxed :)

dark_cerberus

In simple english? there are open categories, for example: for a making of video.. but Mibus already explained it few times. That's a fine entry anyway. The final anim of their team is out of deadline, but they did a great job and shared it with us. I think that's great and liked that work. It's just an opinion from a cgs member.

Mibus

12-12-2007, 05:33 AM

Jacob's final film isn't being counted, only the making-of.

Judging... I really want the results out before Christmas, but there's no promises.

Nennad

12-12-2007, 08:11 AM

Jacob's final film isn't being counted, only the making-of.

Judging... I really want the results out before Christmas, but there's no promises.

Buehehehe :D this is really strange behavior...

i never before heard about contest who does not have defined the date when winners are announced!

Well at leas the time of Advent is time of waiting :)

rumour_nz

12-12-2007, 10:15 AM

Nice to hear that Jacob's entry is being counted, even if the final film didn't make it on time. Their team shows a lot of promise.

A lot of ahrd work went into making the entries for this contest, so Good luck to everyone else who entered!:applause:

walrus

12-12-2007, 09:48 PM

i never before heard about contest who does not have defined the date when winners are announced!

You must be new here. Welcome to the CGSociety Challenges! :)

danb

12-14-2007, 05:02 AM

Man i wish i knew we could be judged for a "making of". I would have at least submitted that for our team.

So much hard work and unable to finish it. :( Maybe next contest.

krispacific

12-17-2007, 09:28 AM

ok FAQ answered all my questions but it also aroused a different Question i.e
What is watermark and how do i watermark my work ?
Plz Don't mind my asking cos this term has never been used in my place

Mibus

12-17-2007, 11:13 PM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_watermarking

bstout

12-20-2007, 06:54 PM

i'm guessing that there is a script running that removes entries from the short film category if they don't post after a certain point.
perhaps its time to stop the script and return the finished entries that appear to have disappeared.

just a thought

thanks

b

Mibus

12-20-2007, 10:24 PM

It's not a script, it's just usual forum behaviour to only show the last month of threads. Quite a few people have been confused, so I'll see if I can change it for those forums.

Mibus

12-21-2007, 06:46 AM

Winners are announced!!!

Read the announcement (http://features.cgsociety.org/story_custom.php?story_id=4368&referer=faq-announcement)

Post your congratulations to the winners (http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?f=59&t=575463)

fido972

12-21-2007, 08:30 AM

Congratulations for the master Winner.
For the exelence price "no comment".

Good job to everyone.

sadot

12-22-2007, 03:02 AM

For the exelence price "no comment".

:deal:

Great job anyway

rumour_nz

12-22-2007, 05:25 AM

A big congratulations to everyone! There were lots of very worthy entries and the artwork and originality that came through in the entries was most inspiring to see! I am truly amazed and envious at the high level of quality seen here.

Everyone who entered should take great pride in taking part in what has proved to be one of the best contests the CG Society has run and use the experience gained from participating to push their limits further so that the next one can be even better! :thumbsup: