Developmental Changes at EI Technology Group

[Vizfizz]

Hey Bert,

As I mentioned in another thread, everything seems to be in a holding pattern. I haven't received any new information from Brad or Tomas. All we can do is wait it seems.

[juanxer]

Do you know if, at the very least, they still are taking care of bugs and small corrections? We unearthed that non-functioning Normal Pass problem some time ago, plus I seem to have met an incompatibility between Xpressionist and Area Lights being present in a scene (I understand Xp not being maintained anymore, but perhaps something could be done from EIAS' end), etc.

[Vizfizz]

I'm afraid I can't answer that question for you. The only thing I know is that the Igors are near to completing (or already completed) the 64 bit conversion of Camera. Any further advancements were placed on hold until the contract for transferring control of Animator over to the Igors and Tomas is completed. How long will that take? I have no idea.

[vrusch]

Thanks for the update, Brian.
I'm sure the new team will give us a proper update once the Animator product has been "transferred".

Regards, Bert.

[juanxer]

Well, the 64bit thing certainly is enouraging :).

[halfworld]

One word... Lawyers....

[brianwhitecc]

In this day and age of instant communication, I think it would be helpful if we could some kind of daily information on how things are progressing. Like a blog or a twitter or something, could be very quick. Like:

"talked to lawyers today, still getting thing finalized"

"worked on the 64 bit port and fixed the RT shadow bug"

just something so we know that someone is working on it. I assume things are happening, and I know these things can take time. But, sometimes it feels like everyone has moved on to other things and the company wants to continue to sell software, so it just stops communicating with users. Even if the messages say it's talking longer than we expected.

Anything is better than nothing.

bw

[richardjoly]

One word... Lawyers....
The word lawyer is rarely used alone, it is normally preceded by a some descriptive adjective...

Translation is another time killer.

Brian, you are right. Some info, even the smallest shred, is better than complete and frightening silence... Rest assure these guys are like ducks right now, seemingly calm on the surface but pedaling their a$$ off underneath...

All this new business is on top of their already busy schedule. So please be patient, I bet they're trying to knock our collective socks off...

[AVTPro]

Great analogy Rick.

[AlbertKay]

Speaking of developmental changes and promises for the future: anyone still remember Tesla? :lightbulb (sorry, I am a bit in a hilarious mood, like the Nobel Prize committee)

[Reuben5150]

I "remembered" it just recently.......



-

[arketype]

Speaking of developmental changes and promises for the future: anyone still remember Tesla? :lightbulb (sorry, I am a bit in a hilarious mood, like the Nobel Prize committee)

Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha! :applause:

[mike33]

Speaking of developmental changes and promises for the future: anyone still remember Tesla? :lightbulb (sorry, I am a bit in a hilarious mood, like the Nobel Prize committee)

Hopeful people tend to say hopeful things... some even tend to think beyond their means, or the abilities of themselves and others.

Here's hoping(again) that they EITG, Igors, Tomas, et al, and even the Nobel Prize Committee... can come close to what they wish for...

It isn't a pretty picture if they all fail...

~mike

[ediris]

64bit Animator.Now 64 bit for the OSX works on Leopard+ , at least on the Mac planet. The trouble will arise when there is no updated plug ins to take advantage of a 64 bit environment or some 3rd party developers drop his or her plug ins.
One solution is to incorporate plug ins into the Animator.
I am basically interested in the future of Animator not so on Tesla or EIMv6(good luck with that).
Edgard

[plsyvjeucxfw]

My faith is deeply shaken. I'm in a holding pattern until we hear from Tomas Egger, Igor Yatsenko, and Igor Ivaniuk about their plans for EIAS.

If the continued focus is on rendering, then I must move on. If they intend a more balanced development path with Model I/O, Asset Management, Modeling Capability, Animation Enhancements, then I will consider any upgrade that includes those features.

[hurricane500]

I expect I'm like a lot of users, I just keep coming back every few days to find out if anything is happening, and just see a load of empty posts without replies. I can't take the holding pattern much longer, I am . . . going 'round in circles'. EI has always been one of my favourite applications, but I feel completely left out in the cold by the company, not through the quality of the application, but by the lack of communication. I can't base my business on rumour and what may or may not happen . . . The thing that surprises me is that, with good communication and a vibrant community of enthusiastic users, EI could be selling a lot of software, it is, after all, excellent at what it does. I am therefore bemused at it's attitude, it really doesn't make any sense to me. COME ON GUYS!! I'm on your side . . . Tell me what's going on. ;)

[AVTPro]

Posted 53 minute ago on the Zbrush Pixologic thread.

"
Senior Member

Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: UK
Posts: 495
I think you're being very unfair to Darren, he's understandably frustrated and the frustration doesn't come from the delay but from Pixologic's lack of communication.
"


Sound familiar. You may be like a lot more users than you know.

[hurricane500]

Posted 53 minute ago on the Zbrush Pixologic thread.

"
Senior Member

Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: UK
Posts: 495
I think you're being very unfair to Darren, he's understandably frustrated and the frustration doesn't come from the delay but from Pixologic's lack of communication.
"


Sound familiar. You may be like a lot more users than you know.


Has that gone to the wrong thread? Who's Darren?

[mike33]

I was using some software (so to speak) last night.

The support was instantanious, constant, and I didn't have any OS upgrade issues...

I whipped up a batch of sculpy 3/Super sculpy mixed up in a spaghetti machine.

I've also been using one of my favorite hardware tools... it's called graphite, the monitor uses very little energy, it's called Paper.

My biggest complaint is dealing with me, myself and I... the son of a gun just can't stay focused on which art form to pursue!:shrug:

Cheers,

Mike

[ReginaldThomasJr]

I was using some software (so to speak) last night.

The support was instantanious, constant, and I didn't have any OS upgrade issues...

I whipped up a batch of sculpy 3/Super sculpy mixed up in a spaghetti machine.

I've also been using one of my favorite hardware tools... it's called graphite, the monitor uses very little energy, it's called Paper.

My biggest complaint is dealing with me, myself and I... the son of a gun just can't stay focused on which art form to pursue!:shrug:

Cheers,

Mike

I love that "Paper" monitor and I'm crazy about the "Graphite", but sometimes when I see other peoples work, I think I need some more of those "Talent" plug-ins that everyone's raving about. LOL!

I feel the same way, Mike. I just try to do both. I'll have a traditional art-based project and a CG project going simultaneously.

[ediris]

Hi folks,
There is a lot of talented artist in the EI community we learn it the hard way how to get refractions and reflections when we didnt have a raytrace but now we have moved onto GI/Radiosity. So the world keeps spinning and everyday new technology keeps coming and going some are succesful some dont make a lot out of it.
But the show must go on, this ranting every now and than is not helpful for any application just hoping for the best here as everybody is.
I wish i could use the pencil more often but i cant afford that privilege of not knowing what i want to be but believing what i want to become.
Edgard.

[Vizfizz]

So I chatted with Brad a bit to get a better sense of what the heck is going on. Being that he's now under an NDA with the Igors/Tomas company, he can't say much...but he did indicate that the deal is nearly complete. I know that's not something most of you want to hear... but Brad's general reaction to the deal is quite positive. Just hang in there.

Attempting to construct a contract in legal speak and three different languages takes time...but they're almost there. Once its complete, I'm sure the Igors/Tomas company will make a formal announcement.

In the meanwhile, try to imagine what this will mean for EIAS. My guess is you'll finally start seeing a version of Animator emerge that integrates a number of Igors plugin technologies. Will that be good or will that be bad? What do you think will be the ramifications of this change in leadership?

[Gigayoda]

Hi Brian,

I've been in the legal debacle for construction companies and NDAs, proprietorship and lease in phases all boil down to one thing. The owner of the technology (construction contract) wins. Where am I going with this. Again speculation, but I'm envisioning EI 3 years out when the waters settle. If and when Brad chooses to make the hypothetical modeler/amorphium/tesla product into a new animation package the "contractors" that assisted in launching the original floor-plans (EI) can be replaced with new "contractors" or if the building is finished then you rent, lease, or sell to investors and realtors with no additional funding to Igors/Tomas/developers unless original contract pays royalties or keeps them on board (hope this is why there's an NDA).

. Will that be good or will that be bad? What do you think will be the ramifications of this change in leadership?

My concern is then compiled with your forward thinking of Igors/Tomas/other plugin integration to EI. If and when they part ways (if they do) then will the same current mumbling re-play that the plugs are pulled out of EI? The worts ramification would be that EI moves one step forward 2 steps back. If Brad prevents this then we all win. My analogy to this situation is I'm buying an iPhone (EIAS) and rely on ATT/Apple (Developers) to upgrade my device and add apps (plugins) to it then I want to make sure that iTunes (Brad and EITG) keep making money for future devices iPods/iPhone/iBookTablets (EIM2/Amorphium2/EIASX). This is bright side. Imagine getting a first generation Zune with all the various pay as you go subscriptions that have failed. Dark side.

Granted this is a hypothesis I can see plenty of pros and cons. For one slight con I haven't heard any updates from Kishore and his emergency that interupted him from developing EIM2/Tesla is he still on board is he okay? What about amorphium? Guys, sorry for the rant. Here I'm getting in a comfort zone with Modo yet longing for EI not to go through the same headache I endured during Play days.

I'm of the same thought as Edgard still faking GI or most elements in EI. As he stated ranting wont help sorry for not following advice. So having ranted and given my 2 cents I pass the microphone to the next man in line.

[mike33]

Egads Gigayoda.... you just gave me more reason to work the sculpy and fine tune my ability to use traditional tools... legal mumbo jumbo bleck :p

So the the status is as the status was... we wait for the new Company to tell us what their plans are.

Cheers,

Mike

[frogjackson]

I always find the undo using graphite a little one dimensional...unless of course you're using 'leaves' of 'paper' on the transparent setting.

On a serious note the prospect of Tomas and the Igors being at the helm of EI makes my mouth water.There's a fundamental combination of someone who pushes the technology creatively and every step with the people that can augment the software to make those new processes work.

Don't get me wrong it is very frustrating waiting for the legalise to be finished. I've had to physically sit on my hands to stop checking forums etc. as I get myself over excited.

For the time being I'm revelling in the new features of the software and will be the first to welcome the new team when they're finally in a position to push forward.

James

[Gigayoda]

There's a fundamental combination of someone who pushes the technology creatively and every step with the people that can augment the software to make those new processes work.
James

Totally agree.

I also have to admit I've been sketching a whole lot more now that I've been playing with z-brush. Also went a head and read up on old fashioned concept design sketching. Something about the labor in the process that is organic and rustic at the same time.

Speaking of Sculpey (need a topic on this) Here's a recent bowling pin trophy I slapped together in 5 hours (sculpt and bake) 6 hours prime and airbrush 3 hours quick dry varnish spray 3 coats. This took place shortly after my daughter Katherine was born earlier this year. I was on my home stay no sleep, and had a commitment to deliver the trophy to our company event.

http://www.mobiusikon.com/images/pin1.jpg
http://www.mobiusikon.com/images/pin2.jpg
http://www.mobiusikon.com/images/pin3.jpg These are all the trophies. The theme was cirque du bowleil. I assisted in the the "green bird" pin from La Nouba show.

[AVTPro]

Has that gone to the wrong thread? Who's Darren?

Hurricane, I was showing how lack of communication of software developers was not exclusive to EITG. Pixologic has people complaining the same time you poste about the same lack of communication. EIAS users are not alone alone on this.

I would be complaining to Audodesk If I were in a different place in my studies.

[AVTPro]

Loving the sculpey jokes. You just mix water and stir? I would love to mix up a batch but I'm afraid I might get hungry and eat it. Anyway Great experience sculpting with your hands while also working with Zbrush. I will may take a sculpting class over the summer. During the last couple of summers, I use take a couple of days out of the week with the compressed wood chip monitor and carbon based wireless stylus. It's more tactile than Zbrush but who knows, one day I may do a 3D print ...no dirty fingernails :)

BTW, Rich Joly wrote a great post on the new Job Server by Scott about Igors and Tomas working hard settling the deal with EITG. May help to read or at least have know they are working at it.

Here's the thing, EI users have come to understand the turn around cycle in EI development has never been frequent as some of the well funded vendors. We just got v8 which resolved most the issues that had the EI user base in an uproar. So the focus has been to put those features that were a hinderance to work and develop ourselves artistically.

Well, at least that's been my focus now that Weight mapping is functioning and why I have been enjoying the references to traditional art. I have been trying to get the rest of the supporting elements of what I need to make the most of what EI has to offer with the last upgrade, e.i. normal maps, SeaLevel displacement maps and wmp paint for CA. I don't know how you guys do it, but I still haven't got the most out of these features to even squint an eye at EITG. Heck, I just rigged and animated 3 characters and never used weight mapping.

It's a breath of fresh air hearing EI users talk about what makes their work great and it not being wholly dependent on the software. I am going to enjoy bringing my new character from ZB to EIAS with Sea-level and low poly weight map painting but it's the summer days at StarBucks intermittently watching the hotties with the paper monitor and graphite that's making it worth while. EIAS, Zbrush, Maya, can't make your work good. :arteest:

When Tomas, Igors, Ramjac, NL, Konk, TripleD gets everything settle, they are going to still need the help of the EI artisans.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/02/Bamun_artisan.jpg/412px-Bamun_artisan.jpg

[ediris]

We should learn something,regarding software development,from Blender 2.5
Event though it hasnt officially came out yet there is a big hip of features eg interface, smoke and hair(better), they have even include support for Vray.
Yes it didnt happened overnight but it is happening as i write these post.
I have to admire Northern Lights plug in(on paper) even though i dont have any of their products i will not extend my self on the subject but these plug ins are top notch and there are few technologies that can compare to what they offer, again i have to find a way to get these plug ins soon as there is no way that these can be included in the Core.

Anyways, i know we are not the only ones with lack of communication as AVTPro pointed out but Zbtush should be proud of what they have at their disposal since it just gets better in every upgrade. I am jealous of AVTPro posting here his work flow with Zbrush :)
while i enjoy what he is contributing to the EI community.
I have not being using EI cause i am doing 3d in another environment more as a 3d generalist and the work flow with EI it is very slow to get things done in a few clicks.
The modeler was a god idea but better idea was the Paralumino whole set of plug ins where you just do stuff right there no import needed just saty in one 3d app most of the time as i am doing now with another 3d app i just use import my models into Sketch and export them and re import with textures intact no need to re texture or realign that is a good time save , but it is what it is.
Is very hard to be a software developer and not wanting to go into the game industry which is earning a lot more than any industry in the 3d business.
I will suggest to target which industry Tomas and co want to concentrate in and go for it no matter what everyone says.
Edgard

[AVTPro]

I am jealous of AVTPro posting here his work flow with Zbrush :)


Jealous? Take a number and back of the line Bub :)

Actually, no one would be envious of the sacrifices :P

RE: Game.

Its hard for me to say Animator should change and go for a particular industry like games. EI is a "general" 3D tool that's why a variety industry use it. You can use it for anything on a base level, however, game, CA, have become specialized and indepth, that's why it lags. EI is a bit of a "jack of all trades, Master of none" to coin a cliché. The up side to that is you can get business for anywhere. Things only get shakey with it the farther you branch out of a limp. (specialize).

[MagicEgger]

Ola,

I will say only: WE LOVE EIAS.

from James,
“On a serious note the prospect of Tomas and the Igors being at the helm of EI makes my mouth water.There's a fundamental combination of someone who pushes the technology creatively and every step with the people that can augment the software to make those new processes work.”

I really hope to finish this deal asap..

we are doing everything we can..

Thanks

Tom

[arketype]

Hi Tom,
From my Beta testing experience with you and the Igors, I know EIAS will be in good hands.
I am very excited by the prospects for the future.

Please let all of us in the community know what we can do to help you whenever you need it ;)

Dave

[AVTPro]

Tomas I sent you a private message. Please check it out. Thanks.

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