mograph > new posts

Illustrator and Text Stroke Splines

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 17:36:59 +0000

Is it possible to have Illustrator convert text into the splines that would be the stroke of a font, not the outline? Or do I have to just go in a draw them by hand?

Music on your reel

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 17:03:57 +0000

These guys seem to think that musicians being upset about people using their music on their demo reel is a "disturbing new trend". Since it's been a timeless topic around here, I thought I'd throw some "fire on the gasoline" as Chuck D would say.

http://www.eoshd.com/content/335-Inspiration-is-not-theft

reel feedback

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 16:56:04 +0000

Hi-

I'm new to motion graphics in general, having seriously started only about a month or so ago... I've had one client project so far, and am now working on a music video and a commercial.

comments would be appreciated! i know i need to add music... working on that....

my reel: invertum.org

thanks,
bob

Creativity versus Plagiarism

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 16:35:43 +0000

How much, if any, can we use CONCEPTS we see in tutorials or things we see? You can't tell me everything I see on network TV is absolutely original. For example, can anyone use cherries again, now that they've been in a tutorial?

12-core mac pro... has anybody tested them yet?..

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 16:21:03 +0000

I'm curious to see what the performance difference really is between these and the 8-cores. Are the extra 4 cores worth the extra $1500, and how much ram do you have to cram in these to make them worth it....

Examples of 3d made of Text

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 15:12:54 +0000

I'm looking for examples of commercials that use 3D but all the 3D is created with animating scrolling text as the textures for the 3D elements. I seem to remember there being a prescription drug add that was created like this. Hope that makes sense, thanks for the help.

C4d Rendering Problem

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 15:01:19 +0000

Ok so I am very new to c4d but I have a simple scene that has been tracked so I can practice putting elements into live footage. Anyway I have a plane, background image, some text and a couple lights in the scene. I have an object buffer in the multipass and I have my stuff saving as .pngs. I hit the render button and all goes well. Render looks like it should then the monitor goes to sleep and when I revive the monitor after a few hours it is rendering my background image as black! I have no idea how to fix that. I have unchecked the prevent sleep button in the c4d preferences and in the system setting turned the computer going to sleep to never and unchecked put the hard disks to sleep. If the monitors are on its fine but I dont want to get burn in on the monitor if its going to be a 40 hour render.

How do you get around this?

Thanks

Chad

New Schlotzsky's Commercial

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 14:53:23 +0000

Hey guys,

Thought I would share a commercial that I just worked on. I have to give a BIG THANKS to Tim Howe. He's a freelancer in the Dallas area that came from Digital Kitchen. He was able to take my style frame and create designs for all the cities, created the "chicks", and is an all round bad ass in After Effects. I could not have done this job by myself and Tim took weight off my shoulders while I worked off and on five other projects.

Client - Schlotzsky's Deli
Agency - Focus Brands
Production - Janimation

Sliding nulls

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:57:01 +0000

It seems to me that my text is shifting around. I'm just wondering if this is normal & how to fix it.

I set up my scene, added external comp tags (anchor point center), then attempted to use this anchor point info to position my elements in after effects.

I want to have some graphics grow from the light "portal" in the top right hand corner, then triplicate and expand along their z axis in after effects, while having text grow x & y axis over time.

Maybe I'm misunderstanding something. In the first example it seems like adding graphics parallel to the wall might work, but in the second example the floor slides like crazy. I

and suggestions would be appreciated.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2900108/white.c4d%20RAM.mp4
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2900108/sliding%20floor.mp4

Little Red - new Music Video

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:35:16 +0000

Hola! I've just finished a new video for Irish artist Cathy Davey's single "Little Red". 2D motion tracked live action puppetry, paper cut-out illustration and other live action elements keyed and composited together in AE. All shot on a 7D (wouldn't recommend it for greenscreen, nightmare)
Hope you enjoy!

Youtube link (please watch fullscreen in 720p!): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3HbIBAdJ9o

Or Vimeo link: http://www.vimeo.com/14719399

Lorcan

Anyone seen this before while rendering with GI?

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:10:14 +0000

Hey guys, it's my first month using C4D and my first post here so go easy on me
I've been trying to render an animation with GI and used the multi-pass to organize it.
It's 350 frames long so i separated them into 2 renders

render 1: frame 215 - 350 ( the money shot )
render 2: frame 1 - 214

the first batch of renders turned out well. However, come the 2nd batch... this happens:

These are my settings:

Anyone have a clue what's going on? I'm still letting the renders run.
If it's a little hard to see what's being rendered, here's a frame:

hope to hear from you guys soon:
-Joey

Batch editing expressions

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:00:35 +0000

I have about a hundred expressions, with multiple instances of

comp("example")

which all need to changing to

thisComp

Anybody know of a way of batch find-and-replacing strings within expressions?

Skate and Create

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 03:11:58 +0000

I didn't see these posted anywhere, but I thought they were an interesting attempt to combine design and skateboarding. Pretty cool idea for an "invitational", actually. Last years winners were good too.

http://skateboarding.transworld.net/skate-and-create/

HOW THIS WORKS:
The four teams are made up of a total of six skaters—four pros and two ams.
Each team is given nine days in a warehouse with the same set of obstacles.
Each team is allowed one art director on site.
Each team is assigned one TWS photographer to shoot a feature article for the magazine.
Each team is allowed a film crew to produce a video for skateboarding.com.
The final photo and video product is judged by the TWS edit staff (minus S&C coordinators Skin Phillips and Josh Brooks) on the level of skating, creativity, the use of obstacles, and overall image and video quality.
The winner gets the cover of the magazine and will have a spot reserved in Skate & Create 2011.

edit: I could probably do with a little less Carmina Burana though.

Snoop Dogg Text Edish

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 01:13:26 +0000

Here's some text treatments I whipped up for my friend Alexander Tarrant @ tarrant.tv He directed some online Snoop Dogg promos and we did an online promo for Landy Cognac with Snoop's "Luv Drunk" track. Check out the final here:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=d00_f1VWDVU

I like our Art Direction of the black and white, high contrast, flares, and etc.. but I also liked the way the text was looking out of C4D so I outputted the "Text Edish" here. Enjoy!

http://www.vimeo.com/14683644

Also just noticed they are doing an online contest for this at

http://abduzeedo.com/snoop-dogg

If anyone want to utilize the source files, I posted them here:

http://movecraft.com/clients/movecraft/snoop-luvdrunk3.zip

Fer shizzle!

c

Daniel Cervantes Demo Reel 2010

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 20:33:06 +0000

A mix of my best work. Any feedback would be much appreciated...

http://www.danielcervantes.com/

Matchmover/Layout Artist

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 20:27:01 +0000

SPIN VFX TORONTO IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR:

Matchover/Layout Artist

MATCHMOVER:

Recreates the sets, objects and camera motion of a shot in a 3D software environment to match the live-action background plate images.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Create sets, proxy props and other models based on supplied set data and/or other available survey information.

- Include proof of scale in virtual layout setup.

- Set up virtual camera from data sheets and track camera motion.

- Matchmove objects/characters to match the action in the live action plates.

- Render track / matchmove over supplied plates for approval.

QUALIFICATIONS:

- Experience with Maya, PF Track, or other high-end 3D Tracking software packages is essential.

- Visual effects experience in feature films or episodic production is desired.

- Experience with detailed modeling an asset.

Required Start Date: ASAP

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume with a link to your online website / portfolio to toronto-resume@spinpro.com.

Hardcopy reel submissions to:
SPIN VFX TORONTO
ATTN: RECRUITMENT DEPT.
620 KING ST. WEST
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA
M5V 1M6

No phone calls or drop-ins please.

Anyone tried DV Garage conduit?

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 18:18:34 +0000

Just saw something in my inbox about conduit 2.0 coming out. Remember when they launched this got all excited about having nodes inside AE then I kinda forgot about it. I think they have a free trial but thought I'd see if anyone had given it a try before I spend time playing with it. It doesn't seem to have caught on which makes me wonder...

Going Freelance....

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 18:15:21 +0000

After 4 years of full-time work, I have decided to try my luck freelancing in LA. I am SCARED though, to be honest. I have posted about this before, and the general consensus was to just dive in head first. Well, I am doing it now... This move has been about 4 months in the making - site, reel, resume, contacts, etc. And now that the time is here, the fear still feel like I was punched in the chest. I don't really know why I am posting here... I suppose for some advise or comfort. I guess I am just freaking out because of course I'm having to strong-arm my current clients to get them to pay moneys owed, which is messing with my plan, but now its too late as I have already given notice.

I guess I am just putting feelers out for what the market is like right now. I just hope that I land a few good clients before I have to sell out again to another full-time gig doing a lot stuff outside my passion (mograph)

http://www.AdamElder.tv/

CINEMA 4D R12 released

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 18:04:42 +0000

MAXON Announces Immediate Availability of Release 12 of Acclaimed 3D Package CINEMA 4D
New Version Extends Dynamics, Rendering, Scripting, Character Animation Capabilities and Company Introduces New Streamlined Product Offerings.

Friedrichsdorf, Germany, September 1, 2010 - MAXON Computer, a leading developer of professional 3D software, today announced the immediate availability of CINEMA 4D Release 12, the next generation of its highly-acclaimed professional 3D software application. The comprehensive CINEMA 4D Release 12 builds on more than two decades of 3D graphics development excellence and boasts dozens of new productivity enhancing features including improved rendering, enhanced dynamics, new deformers and superior character animation capabilities to allow digital artists to intuitively and easily create high-end 3D images and animations.

�Today�s release marks a significant milestone in the development of MAXON�s professional 3D software and is a testament to more than two decades of programming excellence,� remarked Harald Schneider, CEO and co-founder of MAXON Computer. �Our development team made every effort to bring customer requested features that are easy to use, stable and powerful. Creative professionals from all industries will find unparalleled solutions to help them meet the challenges of today�s fast-paced production environments and create award-winning content.�

Key Highlights of CINEMA 4D Release 12
(Not all features are included in every configuration. Please see the Product Comparison Chart on the MAXON web site for more info)

* Powerful New Dynamics: CINEMA 4D now includes a comprehensive and easy-to-use rigid body dynamics system based on the production-proven Bullet engine. Objects can be connected via hinges, springs and complex joints, and with a simple click, can be transformed into soft bodies.

* Enhanced Rendering Features:

o Linear Workflow and Color Profiles: Adopting a linear workflow is now as simple as activating a checkbox. Colors and lighting are mixed in a more realistic way, resulting in higher-quality images with less effort. Color profiles are now integrated throughout CINEMA 4D for accurate color representation.

o IES lights: It's now possible to apply accurate light falloffs using the IES data directly from lighting manufacturers. Photometric intensities based on Lumen and Candela are also supported.

o True Units of Measurement: CINEMA 4D now supports units, ensuring that calculations are accurate and scene scaling remains consistent. Units are automatically converted and scaling/unit information is automatically stored within each document.

o Render Queue: Batch rendering has been streamlined with this augmented render task manager, complete with logging capability.

o Picture Viewer: CINEMA 4D's breakthrough picture viewer now includes full-screen playback, a histogram display and navigator.

* New Character Tools: The Inverse Kinetics (IK) system features new dynamic properties. CINEMA 4D Studio also includes a powerful, integrated pose-mixing and morphing system.

* New Deformers: Several new deformers have been added to include options for modifying objects based on a low-poly cage or within the screen space.

* Python: Extensive support for the powerful Python language is now fully integrated allowing users greater functionality to create scripts, expressions and plugins for unlimited creative workflow.

* Others: A variety of other new features include double precision, dual transforms, OpenGL 3 support, new architectural shaders, and an parametric spline L-system.

This release also marks a widespread reorganization across the CINEMA 4D R12 product line with the introduction of four editions offering a proven workflow and feature sets targeted to professional 3D animators, motion graphics artists, architects and designers. Paul Babb, president and CEO, MAXON US adds, �The product line reorganization is a practical step that gives all customers, from hobbyist to studio professional, clear choices when deciding on the features they need to deliver high impact, creative results,� he said. �Customers will also benefit from the streamlined and condensed product structure as it allows our team to better focus on developing new, exciting functionality."

[US Editors� note: The CINEMA 4D Release 12 product line will be on display in the United States at the Content & Communications World Conference next month, October 13 � 14, in New York City.]

MAXON's New Product Line-Up

The CINEMA 4D Release 12 product line includes breakthrough new editions that cater to the creative workflow needs of professionals in specialized 3D markets, as well as an upgrade to BodyPaint 3D, MAXON�s highly acclaimed high end painting and texture application, as follows:

* CINEMA 4D Prime: Professional 3D Graphics Begin Here. The core professional 3D graphics package that includes basic modeling, animation and rendering functionality. Release 12 now additionally includes Ambient Occlusion and many deformers formerly found in the MOCCA and MoGraph modules. Product Info

* CINEMA 4D Broadcast: The 3D Motion Graphics Powerhouse. Leverages CINEMA 4D Prime functionality to deliver a powerful motion graphics toolset expressly designed to enhance the creative process for broadcast design professionals. Release 12 now includes features of the previous MoGraph module, GI rendering and an extensive library of objects, materials and presets. Product Info

* CINEMA 4D Visualize: The Professional Solution for Architects and Designers. Leverages CINEMA 4D Prime functionality to deliver a professional solution for architects and designers. CINEMA 4D Visualize includes all features of the previous Architecture and Engineering Editions,(Advanced Render, Sketch and Toon and NET Render 3 modules plus extensive object and material libraries). Product Info

* CINEMA 4D Studio: Everything You Need for High-End 3D Animation. The most comprehensive CINEMA 4D Release 12 edition includes all available features, as well as all libraries of the Broadcast and Visualize packages. Product Info

* BodyPaint 3D Release 12: 3D Painting, Texturing and UV Editing. While benefiting by all the new developments of its sister application, CINEMA 4D Prime, BodyPaint 3D Release 12 offers a full complement of 3D painting and texturing tools unmatched by any other package on the market. New features in Release 12 include color profiles, the option to render Ambient Occlusion into a texture, and the Cineman connection to RenderMan including preview renders directly inside BodyPaint 3D. It also boasts updated exchanges with 3ds Max, Maya, Softimage and LightWave 3D. Product Info

A Product Comparison Chart is available on the MAXON web site.

MAXON will no longer be offering individual modules for purchase.

System Requirements
Recommended system requirements include Windows XP, Vista or 7 running on Intel or AMD CPU with SSE2-Support; Mac OS X 10.5.8 or higher running on an Intel-based Mac; 1024 MB RAM, DVD ROM drive. Standard DVD installation can take up to 2.5 GB of disk space.

Pricing, Availability and Upgrade Path
CINEMA 4D Release 12 and BodyPaint 3D Release 12 are available now from MAXON and its authorized dealers.

http://www.maxon.net/en/news/singleview-default/article/maxon-announces-immediate-availability-of-release-12-of-acclaimed-3d-package-cinema-4d.html

Work an Website

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 16:48:06 +0000

What is your first impression? (Except that some things is in swedish)
http://www.emilkarlsson.se

Moving to NYC

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 16:00:35 +0000

Hello.

I am a Motion Designer currently living in the San Francisco Bay Area. I will be moving to Brooklyn in October and would love to hear from anyone that has done the same thing or from residents that could offer me some advice.

Good neighborhoods in Brooklyn?
Should I join the freelancers union?
Staffing agencies?
Any anything else you'd like to share

Thanks!

Cinema 4d tutorials galore!

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 15:38:02 +0000

I'm not sure why I never actually joined this board (I read a number of topics) but it's never too late!

Here is a link to my website (all of my tutorials are posted there)
PaulAgostinelli.com

Hopefully you can find my tutorials useful and
I'm looking for comments, critiques, criticisms about anything, my tutorials, and the little bit of motion work i've done and will continue to do.

thanks very much,

~Paul

AE artist needed TOMORROW!!

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 15:37:05 +0000

Need an After Effects artist ASAP to work tomorrow morning (deadline 4pm) on a short ident for IBM to be incorporated in an edit going live the same evening at 8pm. London-based but remote might be possible if you're fast as hell. As this is so last minute, AE artists within range of Soho will be preferred.

Eligible parties email Sophie Woods at Ground Up Media - sophie@gum.tv - with the subject "IBM animation" in the subject line. Include your price/day rate for the job.

Thank you, to whomever saves my life!

Edmund Brown

Sr. TD - Pipeline Developer

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 14:28:42 +0000

PIPELINE DEVELOPER

Overview

SPIN is looking for a Pipeline Developer to implement and improve our existing in-house pipeline, asset management, production management, and tools suite.

This position involves design, implementation, testing, and maintenance of productivity-enhancing tools for artists and supervisors.

The role requires strong technical and problem solving skills, experience in software design, graphics, and production work flow. Communication and the ability to work within and amongst teams is critical.

Duties and Responsibilities

The position will report to and work closely with the Pipeline Supervisor, but will also be expected to work independently when implementing and developing tools. The role involves working with artists, both one-on-one and in groups, in order to publicize tools and establish tool requirements. There is also interaction with the systems department in order to deploy software.

Education Experience / Skills

- film or television production experience
- degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, or a similar hard-science field
- proficient knowledge of C++, Python, XML/XSLT, MEL, and Javascript
- working knowledge of Linux, OSX, and Windows

Extra Experience / Skills

- VFX-related packages and APIs, especially related to Maya and Nuke
- artistic ability such as drawing, painting, photography

Cover letter and resume should be sent to: toronto-resume@spinpro.com, or mailed to:

SPIN Toronto
620 King Street West
Toronto, Ontario M5V 1M6

Visit our website at: www.spinpro.com

Preference will be given to Canadian Residents.

NO PHONE CALLS OR DROP-INS PLEASE.

Living in London

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 14:08:05 +0000

Hi people,

I'm seriously considering moving to London (european citizen, no visa problems). I'm a motion graphics designer with 10 years of experience.
Most likely, i'll be freelancing there, at least in the beginning.
My question is... considering most studios are in the soho area, what would be the best place to live? Sure, i would love to live in Camdem town, Notting Hill or Bayswater, but it's not realistic, as these are not very affordable areas. For someone who'd be working in the soho, which (moderately affordable) areas would you recommend to live? Something that wouldn't break the bank or turn my daily commute a living hell. Ideally, i would love to commute by bike...

Thanks!

Martin