For questions/answers on the Challenge, please post here…
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Please read the instructions before posting here.
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Please help us to answer questions. If you see a question already answered, please refer the person to that answer so that we don’t keep repeating ourselves.
Challenge-Specific
Q: How early do I have to start submitting milestones?
A: As early as possible. Although there is no due date earlier than the final closing date, part of the final judging vote puts emphasis on Community Interaction, which means that people who ‘hold back’ their work in progress till the last minute can be penalized.
Q: Can we work in teams? What about pairs?
A: Yes, teams can submit to the short film category. See also the Looking For Group thread.
Q: Can individuals enter the Short Film category?
A: Yes, you’re a team of one! However we strongly recommend that you enter the Animation category – you can practically enter almost the same material as you would in the Short Film category but you stand a much better chance of winning.
Q: I’m using a new email but the challenge keeps sending stuff to my old one. How do I fix that?
A: You go into CGTalk’s UserCP (User Control Panel) and change your email address there. If you still have problems, email me.
Q: What if I am a winner and I want a different prize? E.g. What if I win the Grand Prize but I want the Runner Up prize instead?
A: You can contact the other winner with the prize that you want, and ask if they want to do an exchange. What you guys do with your prizes is up to you, and we’re not going to be involved in it.
Q: How do I actually enter the competition?
A: Go to the challenge site and click on “Enter The Challenge”. Upload your pictures through the challenge site submission (“Submit Your Entry”) or the CGChallenge Uploader.
Q: How I can get out of this challenge?
A: Just stop submitting.
Q: Can I have multiple entries?
A: Not in a single category. As stated in the guidelines, no multiple entries although it’s possible to enter multiple categories.
Q: Can I upload my WIP images to my own server? Is that counted?
A: No. Please use the Challenge site facility to upload your Work-In-Progress. The purpose of the image hosting on the Challenge site is to give everyone the equal opportunity to post their work-in-progress, and have it hosted. At the conclusion of the Challenge, you will undoubtedly remove any Work-In-Progress images from your personal website and generate broken links all over CGTalk - so please use the Challenge upload facility.
Q: What’s the difference between ‘Short Film’ and ‘Animation’?
A: The Short Film category is for team entries. The teams must base their film on the screenplay, ‘Art Galery’ or an adaption of it. Judging will be based on the overall film ans storytelling impact. Short Films will also be eligable for a range of Open Categoriey awards.
Animation is for individual entrants. You do not have to adhere to the screenplay given (althoug you can if you want to). It will be judged firstly on character animation and secondly on overall work. The Animation category is also the place for individuals to access modelling, texturing, lighting and visual effects Open Categories.
Technical
Q: Are random or parametric terrain and foliage/plant generation software (Bryce/Vue/Terragen) allowed?
A: Yes
Q: Can I use Poser, Daz 3D or pre-fabricated models?
A: Yes. This is no different from using your own pre-built models or the parametric models now availble in most 3D systems. However you should add significant creative input to make the models and results unique?
Q: Can I use Poser and other parametric models for background characters?
A: Yes.
Q: Can I use a trial version of a software?
A: Yes. We don’t care. The final image must not have watermarks on it.
Q: The guidelines in the instructions says that the resolution for the final image should be at least 2657 pixels wide and/or 3636 high, 300 DPI (portrait). Why do you need such a high resolution for?
A: We want to train people to create artwork for print. Therefore, things such as detailed textures and meshes become important in the creation of your artwork. The final image needs to be prepared for print, and we want everyone to work towards producing work that is print quality by habit.
Q: What resolution do you want the final image to be exactly? What about if we make the image a different aspect ratio and orientation?
A: Your final image aspect ratio and orientation will dictate your final resolution. We want images that will print at 300dpi on a 22 x 30cm page (whatever orientation). Please do your research and work this out yourselves. Your final image will need to be rendered at enough resolution to print and hold up detail.
Q: Because of hardware limitations, is it ok to render a part and use it as a background, or render in “layers” and composite it all together later?
A: Yes. This is how professionals work – you should use every tool and technique availble in the best way possible.
Q: Any problems if I do it with a student license of Maya?
A: If it is watermarked then yes. Otherwise, no.
Q: Is it ok to use vray, RenderMan or 3rd party renderers for rendering?
A: Yes – you are free to use any software you like.
Q: While I know its ok to use 2D textures in this 3D project…is it going to be ok to use a 2D element as a back drop? Like a background…like a matte painting?
A: Yes. You should always use every tool that is apropriate in the best way possible.
Q: Are we allowed to use web downloaded textures?
A: Yes, but you must credit everything you use. Anyone caught not crediting material, contributors or inspirational works will be disqualified.
