Discuss the all the possibilities:
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Would you want a UB version of EIM?
AVT: Yes, if the modeler was on par to current modelers in advance Poly editing, NURBS, and multi-level SDS.
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What kind of upgrade price would you pay for it?
AVT: Depends on my jobs, how much I have already invested, what the competitions is charging. And considering I haven’t spent loads time testing, beta, bugs fixes, and rechanneling my Maya modeling knowlege. I would compare it to Maya, Modo, C$D and Silo and offset that by Free modelers like Wings and Blender. Sum all that up then consider how well that regardless of all those factors, it would have to serve as a utility where the others fail as in the case of FormZ. When ever I need to take a Model from Maya to EIM, I need FormZ. When O2F or Transporter can’t manage, then I need from FormZ. So EIM would have to be built so strongly to the core, it will stand when all else falls.
Not to mention, it would be worthless, if it did not have an UV editor and fast hybrid Peltor for UV instantly.
Also, the cage modeling would need higher level poly editing. Like soft modifications, sculpt paint like Artisan, Modo and Zbrush. It must performe fluidly on groups of polgon.
BY THIS I MEAN, brushing geometry, or multiple groups of vertices, NOT subdivision or microploy sculpt painting.
And I would want true SDS’s which have levels of detail, and not just subdivide.
So even if I didn’t have the out of pocket budget right away, if it met my needs, I would find a client to help out.
- Would you want it offered standalone?
AVT: Yes, Absolutely. At first. Then it won’t get in the way of Animator, long development.
Perfect it then combine it but at the same time, start pushing Animator’s core closer to EIM where I can be melded with different geometry types.
- How much would you pay for a standalone version?
AVT: I don’t have the answer to that right now but “The going rate”. If I had big clients at the time, I wouldn’t care how much it cost. Right now, I’m studying and will only work for select freelance work.
- Should EI go with EIM or create something entirely new?
AVT: EIM have a beatiful interface and feel. if you can salvage it, yes. However, I believe there’s so much work, SDS, UV editor, that you would have to redo.
I love the interface and the floating palettes.
- Due to the base differences between EIA and EIM and the way the two handle geometry, should EIM evolve into the next EIA? (In other words, should EIM eventually include next gen animation capabilities?)
AVT: I think EITG should be resource conscious. Many just want an update to Modeler. If that’ will get currency into development, give the people what they want (especially if it inspires development and fill the need). No one handles fact file like EIM.
I thnink it’s a complete waste of resourse to add animation capabilities to the modeler, in leu of Animator. I believe Animator should be developed in model animation types like importable NURBS, animateable vertice animation, CA tools, ZBrush, (and FBIK Auto Rigs. and dynamics, cloth, hair, wmps, IK spine,) to make it full flege film systems. More importantly MEL like, XP core to address flexiblity and diverse demands of film. XP should be the glue between all the plug-in. One interface to override all interfaces in the whole environment.
- Should EIM be capable of accessing Camera by itself?
AVT: Of course. Every app should be able to access Camera. EIM should not be reduce Animtor clientele which is exacly what would happened if it did. It was also waste developement resources. It shouldn’t supersede animator with shaders, and lighting effects. EIM should be rolled into Animator anyway, so render output module shoudl not be a priority. Instead, Camera should render from any app and CCN files should be editable text file like a rib.
edit: Or would you just be happy with EIM as it was in the last incarnation, with bug fixes, but as UB.
AVT: Yes and slate it to be merged in Animator, so vertex editing can be addressed. We can even color a poly a different color in the same model.
We want to hear from you.
AVT: Well that’s all I have to say for now. That’s off the top of my head. EIA is a great app. It should be improve with some current industry conventions and features. Make it hot then move to EIM. When they are merge then it should be a whole new app.
