Putty Dude animation cycles

#1

I was doing some animation practice last night, using the “Thom” model a.k.a. “Putty Dude”.
http://www.zandoria.com/images/Movies/thom-cycles.mpg
Since all of us have this character on our CDs, I thought it might be a fun thread topic. Thom in peril, swimming, running, falling, carrying a heavy weight, etc.
I’m sure there are a lot of clips on our hard drives featuring this guy–let’s see 'em!

#2

¡Funny animation! And I like it, good idea too.

:applause:

#3

This time I’m practicing some action blending. Thom enters the frame in a walk cycle, walks up to a giant “Venus de Milo” statue (.3ds prop) and after some effort pushes it over. Then he walks off-screen. The walk cycle is one action, the push is a second action, blending in the choreography. “ease” keyframes control thoms location along the path for the whole scene.

http://www.zandoria.com/images/Movies/thom-push.mp4

#4

Great idea for a thread. This might even become a way of swapping or sharing action files for those who want to.

#5

James at Hash, Inc. is going to add a free actions section to go with the free models section.

I told him that I would send him these action files as I make them, so they will be available for other users.

Since I’m using the model as is, the action files will work with any of the models on the A:M CD!

#6

awwww…! you’re just trying to get me back on the AMList aren’t you…! I thought this thread itself might house all that kind of stuff and then those participating could choose to send to AM if they chose to.

(",)

#7

You can use the “Community” window in A:M to see what’s new, download free models, etc. You don’t have to use the mailing list.

I’m thinking of doing some animations with the Set-up machine rig also, and they will be available too if anyone wants them…

#8

Here is the latest one. Thom doing a “sneak”.
http://www.zandoria.com/images/Movies/thom-sneak.mp4

James at Hash has posted the other actions on the Hash free models page, so they are all available there if anyone wants to play with them…

#9

Hey William, Overall I gotta say it looks a-ok!
The character is moving in a very pleasing way. Ya know… he doesn’t look stiff - looks like there’s life in that step!
My only crituqe at this point is that if you are going to move the shoulders and back like that you really out to lift the foot off the ground when moving the foot from the back of the stride to the front.
The reason is that the body is taking extra special care to gently place the foot back onto the floor, hence the foot has to come off the floor. Otherwise he looks like he’s walking with 500lb sneakes on!!!.
Nice job overall
Mike Fitz

#10

I am loving that sneak action Will. I hope you meant to, but for some reason I get this feeling that he is close to tripping over his own feet :).

Zaryin

#11

Yes I have a problem with the feet too. Maybe on the floor too long maybe down to the floor too quickly.

Well done for keeping going though! I’d like to have a go at this myslef but (sorry wegg!) prefer the IKJoe rig to work with. Maybe I’ll put one into Thom then have a go at this!

#12

this sneak, was based on Richard William’s “Animators Survival Guide” following his recommendation for timings and the contact position and passing position.

Since we all have this model of Thom, please have a go at this and post YOUR version of walks, sneaks, skips, etc.

I think it will be beneficial to see lots of variations of actions from different users, and if you also send them to james@hash.com then we can all benefit as a community by being able to look at these actions in detail and learn from each other:lightbulb

#13

Hey William, the action is 99% perfect in my opinion. Just try changing the feet. They really need to be lifted off the ground a little.
When a person is sneaking around, not only is that individual cautious about putting his foot down softly, that person is also being careful not to trip over anything - ensuring perfect stealth.
The body language suggests that putty is taking the steps necessary to support the foot coming high off the ground, but it doesn’t lift off much at all. So it’s a real mind trip if your reading body language.
But that’s it, I couldn’t say anything about the rest of it. It looks great.
Mike Fitz

#14

:slight_smile: I’m off to do some skipping. You can show me your version of a sneak. I will probably do other variations also…

There is no “right way”, just different takes on it. I’m still waiting for someone else to post their versions.

The point for me is to become more familiar with the “animation” part of A:M, tweaking channels, blending actions, etc. Then I will feel more confident with my own projects.

Thether a sneaking person should lift their foot or barely clear the floor is the animators choice–as I pointed out, I’m basing this sneak on Richard William’s book. There are about 3 pages of just sneaks! So there is plenty of room for everyone to have there own variation.

Mike, there is a “tip toe” sneak, that I think you would like as a more proper way to sneak-- If you have the book, why not give us your interpretation?

#15

this thread is a cool idea! well here is a cartoony jogging action. i feel like the feet are slipping a tad, but it sort of gives it that toon flavor i think? comments welcome.
http://www.kungfudork.com/movies/Jogging01.avi

here is the action:
http://www.kungfudork.com/movies/Jogging.act

i guess i will send this to James at Hash so the community can have it too.

kungfudork

#16

Very Snappy! I like it!:thumbsup:

#17

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