FXWARS INVASION Preproduction Thread

[ParamountCell]

I thought that the next topic was going to be about mars.

[RobertoOrtiz]

I thought that the next topic was going to be about mars.

There seemed to be a lack of interest...
Ill add it anyway..

Here is the topic paramount is talking about:

MARS AT WAR:

TOPIC INFO: LINK (http://forums.cgsociety.org/showpost.php?p=5007602&postcount=1)
ART ASSETS:
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b216/robertoortiz1/th_mars.gif (http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b216/robertoortiz1/mars.gif)
(click)
Free Mars
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b216/robertoortiz1/mars1aa.gif
(Free Mars Color Palette)
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b216/robertoortiz1/th_marsb.gif (http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b216/robertoortiz1/marsb.gif)
(click)
GAEA Group Limited (GGL).
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b216/robertoortiz1/mars1ba.gif
(Gaea Group Color Palette)

Concept Art:
Some of the concept art already done for the challenger:



RED MARS: Earth Fleet (http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?f=130&t=597409)
Bjamesyoung
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y9/gulogulo/cgds6.jpg
Mars Economy (http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?f=130&t=597403)
danielh68
http://www.danielhelzer.com/sketches/sketch443.jpg
CgTalk Daily Sketch 1348 CONCEPT ART: RED MARS: Mars Habitats (http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?f=130&t=596634)
JCGA
http://www.binarymorgue.com/temporary/marshab1.jpg
The People of Mars (http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?f=130&t=596214)
shapemaster
http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/868/45xo6.gif
Mars Fleets (http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?f=130&t=597068)
danielh68
http://www.danielhelzer.com/sketches/sketch444.jpg
__________________

[ParamountCell]

It'd be a shame to put all that cool concept art to waste:) I vote for mars, or the one with the invasion.

[Daniel-B]

Invasion :)

[spiffers]

I would prefer a classic FX tribute, because there has been a lot of sci-fi related topics so far.

[kogden]

Mars FTW :D would love to do the "starwars" style pits :D

[teq]

all very interesting... difficult vote. But I'd go with the fx-tribute

[Sir_Vuclan]

The Fountain: Simulation of water fountains - first choice, Physics based simulations are always fun
or

MARS AT WAR - second choice
I'm not sure what FX there would be for the Mars topic but could be interesting anyways.

[nikkons]

vote - MARS AT WAR

[ScottageCheese]

I think the invasion one should be "Destructive Invasion"

It is afterall an FX challenge... The mars one sounds like it would take too much prep to set up the FX scenario...

I havnt worked on this since Moon Shot... have some downtime at work, would like to give this next one a shot.

INVASION!

[MikeRhone]

My vote would be the FX tribute as well.

[jussing]

Invasioooon! :)

[bealobo]

I'd say Mars, those concepts are cool!

[aeres]

My vote goes to Classic FX Tribute

[RobertoOrtiz]

Well guys, keep em coming.

I will close the polling on Friday

-R

[ScottageCheese]

Friday?!?!?! But i'm bored at work NOW! hahaha

So, can someone give an example of the FX Tribute one? Like recreating an old school effect from an old movie kinda thing?

[RobertoOrtiz]

You got it...but the list would be specific...
EDIT:

Imagine something like:
OLD SCHOOL: Tron
OLD SCHOOL: Trek
OLD SCHOOL: Terminator
OLD SCHOOL: Ten Commanments
OLD SCHOOL: Gone with the Wind
OLD SCHOOL: 10 thousand Leagues under the Sea
OLD SCHOOL: Time Machine
OLD SCHOOL: War of the Worlds (original)

OLD SCHOOL: Jurassic Park
OLD SCHOOL: Jaws

[Rickmeister]

I'm going for invasion. I think it will be 'easier' to participate, so there will be more entry's.

[RobertoOrtiz]

I'm going for invasion. I think it will be 'easier' to participate, so there will be more entry's.
For Invasion I would provide


1980's Style A Mother Ship flying saucer (Think V) + Assorted models
1950 Flying Saucer
Stills from Washing DC and New York, and if I have time high def footage.

[ScottageCheese]

Would it have to be 50s/80s area?

I'm thinking more modern/futuristic for this. I got a UFO model from a "Shipwreck" comp challenge i did a while back here. modeled (ripped off) after the ones from Spielbergs "Taken"

And something about the San Francisco bay area just makes me want to blow it up (If I'll even have time for destruction sims). Even though its one of the most beautiful areas I've ever lived... It's probably the hippies that do it for me.

[RobertoOrtiz]

Would it have to be 50s/80s area?

I'm thinking more modern/futuristic for this. I got a UFO model from a "Shipwreck" comp challenge i did a while back here. modeled (ripped off) after the ones from Spielbergs "Taken"

And something about the San Francisco bay area just makes me want to blow it up (If I'll even have time for destruction sims). Even though its one of the most beautiful areas I've ever lived... It's probably the hippies that do it for me.
ll I dont see a problem with that...
Hell it souds like fun.

R

[Rickmeister]

It does, it does sound like fun! I wish I could participate... sadly I allmost know in advance that I will not finish it due to other responsibilities. I do have some HD/1080p New York aerial footage from Artbeat. I guess you can't use that, right? Considering it's copyright protected material.

[ScottageCheese]

Anyone have aerials of San Francisco at 1080? That would rock.

I think I'm going to go the stills route, and just add elements to make it look like footage, replacing the bay/ocean... For the sake of time/tracking. Watch right as FXwars goes full blast, my job workload doubles.

[RobertoOrtiz]

Well we are definetly getting
invaded....

Congrats to all who voted on
the
ALIEN INVASION
topic.

I will start building/gathering some 3d and 2d assets for the challenge..

I would love to hear you suggestions on what stills/ video/models could be offered.

Later...

-R

[Rickmeister]

Dammit, now I'm all in for it... really want to participate, but I'll doubt that i'll ever finish...

What is the timeframe for a challenge like this? Is it comon to work together with some complete strangers on this?

[CBarrett]

Provided I get finished with my senior project in time (which is, ironically, all about 3d animation), this would be an awesome first challenge to try.

[RobertoOrtiz]

Dammit, now I'm all in for it... really want to participate, but I'll doubt that i'll ever finish...

What is the timeframe for a challenge like this? Is it comon to work together with some complete strangers on this?
Yep you can work with a team...
I will be creating some 3d assets over the weekend...
Keep an eye on this thread for more info..
-R

[FerdiWillemse]

I vote for Invasion. I hope I'll have time to participate.

[jussing]

I usually say "sounds cool, but I don't have the time".... but really, who DOESN'T have time to smack together a spaceship for an alien invasion????

:D

Sounds awesome, Roberto. I think I'm in.

[spiffers]

I usually say "sounds cool, but I don't have the time".... but really, who DOESN'T have time to smack together a spaceship for an alien invasion????

:D

Sounds awesome, Roberto. I think I'm in.

Well, this 'aint just smacking together a spaceship :P


Im in, for the first time, even the topic isn't just what I hoped for. Im not sure if I get the time to complete it, but Im gonna give it a try :)

[jussing]

I would love to hear you suggestions on what stills/ video/models could be offered.Personally I just want free hands to create blasting Spielberg tripods or V/Independence Day-style motherships.

Maybe a supplied video pullback of a street would be good - for tracking in blasting tripods. You don't need 100 extras to get the picture. :)

The trick here I think, is to decide the focus of the invasion. It would be tempting to create an Independence Day-style firewall destruction, but so many previous FX challenges have been about destruction (which is a good thing :D ), that I think this challenge should be restricted to be something OTHER than destruction.

I'm thinking about choices like:

Invading alien vehicles (spaceships, tripods)
Invading alien characters ("greys", lizard people with human skin masks partially torn off, green guys with glass helmets zapping people in the street etc...)
Though, they are two totally different categories. The first category would get a lot of submissions I think, because it's relatively easy to participate in, whereas the latter requires more sophisticated video shoots, makeup effects, character animation, etc... which is just tougher to put together.

Also, both options are open to any "era" or homage you want. IE, you can do both categories in Spielberg, Emmerich or Ed Wood style. That should be open choice, I think.

But the alien appearence should be the primary forcus - not the destruction.

Just my input. :)

Cheers,
- Jonas

[Rickmeister]

Personally I just want free hands to create blasting Spielberg tripods or V/Independence Day-style motherships.

Maybe a supplied video pullback of a street would be good - for tracking in blasting tripods. You don't need 100 extras to get the picture. :)

The trick here I think, is to decide the focus of the invasion. It would be tempting to create an Independence Day-style firewall destruction, but so many previous FX challenges have been about destruction (which is a good thing :D ), that I think this challenge should be restricted to be something OTHER than destruction.

I'm thinking about choices like:


Invading alien vehicles (spaceships, tripods)
Invading alien characters ("greys", lizard people with human skin masks partially torn off, green guys with glass helmets zapping people in the street etc...)
Though, they are two totally different categories. The first category would get a lot of submissions I think, because it's relatively easy to participate in, whereas the latter requires more sophisticated video shoots, makeup effects, character animation, etc... which is just tougher to put together.

Also, both options are open to any "era" or homage you want. IE, you can do both categories in Spielberg, Emmerich or Ed Wood style. That should be open choice, I think.

But the alien appearence should be the primary forcus - not the destruction.

Just my input. :)

Cheers,
- Jonas

I like destruction :) But you have a point there. Although I like to do some destruction myself. I've never done it before. I think that i'm going to participate on the background, and when I feel that I really make a shot at finishing it i'll join the club.

[rameshfx]

Classic FX Tribute

[alredha]

i'll be in this time,

so, when it's gonna start?

[RobertoOrtiz]

i'll be in this time,

so, when it's gonna start?
Give me at least one week.
The topic will be ALIEN INVASION.

If you have any ideas or suggestion of assets we could offer to the participants of the challenge, please post do share them.

-R

[jussing]

OK, as for assets, I'm thinking the following footage would be cool:


Any kind of aerial shots (spaceships, ID4 shadows, tripods... anything is possible)
(I know this isn't something you just walk out and shoot, but I was thinking maybe some stock was available....)
Street pullback shot from the back of a pickup truck, maybe with running extras (people escaping from aliens or alien vehicles)
The street shot again, but with locked-off camera for those that don't want to match-move
Character shot with tracking markers on head, for addition of digital alien make-up effect (V-style lizard skin, for instance)
Washington landmarks! Because landmarks and alien invasion movies go hand-in-hand. :)


- Jonas

[alredha]

what do you think guys about this :

people resistance and behaviour

since the magority of people don't believe in the existance of aliens or a superiour race or what ever, just imaging what would happen to them if they realise that they existe and they are a serious threat by a surprising attack.

[jussing]

what do you think guys about this :


people resistance and behaviour
since the magority of people don't believe in the existance of aliens or a superiour race or what ever, just imaging what would happen to them if they realise that they existe and they are a serious threat by a surprising attack.While that's very true and very interesting, it sounds more like an acting/direting challenge to me. I must admit I can't see the FX challenge potential. :)

[alredha]

While that's very true and very interesting, it sounds more like an acting/direting challenge to me. I must admit I can't see the FX challenge potential. :)

you are right, i almost forget it :curious:

[Potemkyn]

Give me at least one week.
The topic will be ALIEN INVASION.

If you have any ideas or suggestion of assets we could offer to the participants of the challenge, please post do share them.

-R

Ideas - I always liked the 1950's War of the Worlds movie. Though, I've heard folks ask, "Why won't they make a movie that is set at H.G. Wells' time?" That'd be out of my realm for certain.

Will this start after the Uplift Universe? I know folks here are itching to go right now.


Mike
~Po

[RobertoOrtiz]

Ideas - I always liked the 1950's War of the Worlds movie. Though, I've heard folks ask, "Why won't they make a movie that is set at H.G. Wells' time?" That'd be out of my realm for certain.

Will this start after the Uplift Universe? I know folks here are itching to go right now.


Mike
~Po


Soon,
soon...
I need to gather assets.

AND btw guys, if there are some assets you would like to share 2d or 3d (with credit of course) please list them here/

[RobertoOrtiz]

FXWARS INVASION Preproduction Thread
Guys this is now the OFFICIAL INVASION preproduction thread.

For your invasion vfx,you and your team may pick on of three eras:

ALIEN INVASION 1900-1950's
ALIEN INVASION 1980's -1990's
ALIEN INVASION Present
We will use this thread to gather and organize the common assets that will be needed for the next challenge. (Assets like models footage, photos, mocap data(more on that later))

Also teams can begin to form.
If you have any questions please feel free to post them

-R

[Klixx]

I vote for mars....if im going to mars let me fantasize on my army..lol..Vote for mars

[RobertoOrtiz]

I vote for mars....if im going to mars let me fantasize on my army..lol..Vote for mars
We will do Mars soon.
For now we are doing the preproduction for the ALIEN INVASION FXWARS.
:)
-R

[ScottageCheese]

What kind of time frame is it usually? One month?

[RobertoOrtiz]

What kind of time frame is it usually? One month?
Yes
BUT...
Before we do this challenge I want to do some preproduction.
Maybe one or two weeks.
That way we can start scavenging assets for this project, to either share or use in our individual project.

That is the core reason for this thread.

[RobertoOrtiz]

Clips:

War of the Worlds (1953) The Martian heat ray (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vf4tWAohkmw)|
War of the Worlds (1953) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vf4tWAohkmw)Aliens Destroy L.A. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oVUwG0qC9c&feature=related)
War Of The Worlds Full Trailer(Spielberg) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-c0Myr_sYsE)
War of the Worlds (2005) - The Machine Rises (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gUP3lveilM&feature=related)
Independence Day - Destruction (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKcD_aLZ9EI)
Disaster Movie Spectacular (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGf8XyE7dYc&feature=related)
V - the original miniseries (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CPewiVMfPM&feature=related)
V Clip1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMme-s31Rbw)
V Clip2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pmHFfIKfhI&feature=related)
V Clip3 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFxnvmMtcr4&feature=related)
VClip(music) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GccknBnFfTk)

[RobertoOrtiz]

Cardboard buildings

http://www.fi.edu/fellows/fellow3/apr99/simcity2000/models.htm

[Makaze]

This is definitely interesting...
Seems like it might be my first try at a challenge :buttrock:

If I find any reference or material, I'll post it...

Are we supposed to post progress reports? Storyboards? Sorry, Im a bit new to this...

[RobertoOrtiz]

This is definitely interesting...
Seems like it might be my first try at a challenge :buttrock:

If I find any reference or material, I'll post it...

Are we supposed to post progress reports? Storyboards? Sorry, Im a bit new to this...

We are not live yet...
But if you wish to post storyboards, your fx ideas this is the thread.

We will go live soon.

-R

[jussing]

Y
Before we do this challenge I want to do some preproduction.
Maybe one or two weeks.
That way we can start scavenging assets for this project, to either share or use in our individual project.

That is the core reason for this thread.Hey Roberto,

can you be more specific about exactly what's expected from people in this preproduction thread....? I'm just wondering, should people model spaceships and stuff, and post the Max and Maya files here, or are we sharing background plates, or.... what? :)

Cheers,
- jonas

[RobertoOrtiz]

Hey Roberto,

can you be more specific about exactly what's expected from people in this preproduction thread....? I'm just wondering, should people model spaceships and stuff, and post the Max and Maya files here, or are we sharing background plates, or.... what? :)

Cheers,
- jonas

I am sorry guys, I am having crazy week .
I will write the rules for the pre-production period tonight.

-R

[Gmora7]

Can't wait!! This is going to be a fun one!

[ScottageCheese]

Yeah, I'm kind of curious what everyone else was thinking...

I obviously wont have time to do what i wanted, work is ramping up...

I was thinking of a "Mars Attacks" approach... Aliens doing goofy/childish stuff. Just a montage of shots, since continuity requires planning. I will only have time maybe for 2 - 3 shots... and mostly comp work, dont know how much FX I'll get around to.

But yeah, would love to hear other ideas, or possibly team up.

[RobertoOrtiz]

ok we are live...

ll post the rules in the morning

[RobertoOrtiz]

As promised...

CgTalk:FXWars! INVASION! - Challenge:20 (http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?f=139&t=624962)

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