CG Diary

Learn and share things related to computer graphics =)

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WIP

Hi! This is the work in progress of my latest project. Hope you like it =)

Process Blog: 763environment.tumblr.com

Software:

RenderMan

Maya

UV Layout

ZBrush

Nuke

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New Work

Hi! It’s been a while since my last post. I’ve been currently working on a lot of new projects. This is my latest work, hope you like it =)

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A collaboration between Pixar Animation Studios and Khan Academy. Sponsored by Disney.

Check out this awesome website where you can learn how the concepts you learn in school are used to tackle creative challenges Pixar faces during the making of films.

During the process they also teach you about the filmmaking process and Pixar’s pipeline.

It is designed for school students, but it is useful for people of all ages!

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WHEEL AUTOROTATE SCRIPT (python)

Based on a tutorial I posted some time ago: http://goo.gl/OzZTCY , I created a  script that can be used to automate wheel rotation, making it depend on the distance the object travels and the wheel diameter. It can be applied to any number of wheels you need. 

The script still needs some changes and optimization, but it works =) Please feel free to make any suggestions.

HOW?

Select all wheels you want to apply auto-rotation to

Run Script

AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL ROTATION

The main control has an attribute "autoRotation", when the value is "ON" the autorotation is enabled.  To disable autorotation set this value to "OFF".

RECOMMENDATIONS

Delete all history and freeze all transformations before using the script.

Apply this script in a scene that only has the vehicle model.

DOWNLOAD SCRIPT

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UNLOCKER TOOL MAYA (script)

Today I made a Python script that can be used to unlock all attributes of selected or all objects in a Maya scene.

DOWNLOAD

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MODIFY RENDER STATS FOR MULTIPLE OBJECTS (script)

Today I had to render a scene and various objects seemed to have different render stats. I needed all of them to have everything active, except from the Motion Blur.

I had this problem before, so I decided to create a simple Python script to change all the render stats for all objects or only for the selected ones.

DOWNLOAD

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MAYA WHEEL RIGGING WITH AUTOROTATE (script/rigging)

Today I learned how to rig a wheel with autorotation depending on the distance traveled. It can be used in multiple axis.

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ZBRUSH PIPELINE IN FILMS BY SEAN RAY PUGH - MPC (generalist/pipeline)

Today I watched this video where Sean Ray Pugh, Character Artist at MPC, talks about the ZBrush pipeline in the film industry.

Digital Art Conference

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RENDERMAN SHADER FACTORY (shading/render)

Today I downloaded and tested Renderman Shader Factory , a standalone application that helps create surface shaders for RenderMan.

You can create, edit and compile shaders and your RIB files in one place without external text editor or terminal for rendering procedures.

SHADER WRITING - SOURCE

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Advanced Acting tips by veteran mentor, Dana Boadway-Masson, to help take animators to the next level.

Today I read this post that explains 10 acting performance tips for animations.

Simplify

Acting within the pose

Layering rhythms in the performance

Emotional hang time

The neutral pose

Movement style

Dynamic facial posing

Engaging the body

Exaggeration

Animate character’s thoughts rather than their words

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MAYA MATHEMATIC NODES (generalist)

Today I downloaded and tested some of this Mathematic nodes by Morteza Ramezanali.

Set of mathematics and utility nodes for Maya to control shading networks, Key frame and procedural animation, Character or vehicles rigs without writing expression. This will result a faster evaluation of DG network; Also supports Maya’s native renderer and Mental ray.

SOURCE - DOWNLOAD - INSTALLATION

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ANIMATION FOR VIDEOGAMES (animation)

Today I watched this tutorials by James Marijeanne that explains how to animate for video games.

CONTENT

Break down animation tree.

How interactive animation works in video games based on button inputs.

How these animations relate to each other. 

Series intended to focus on practical tips.

Create a persona for the new character: general attitude and behavior.

Go through the process of creating an idle pose and explain what makes a good one. 

Create a default idle animation from the new pose. 

PART 1

PART 2

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FLEX FEATHER SYSTEM FOR MAYA (generalist)

Today I watched this development preview of FLEX, a general purpose feather system for Autodesk Maya by MORTEZA RAMEZANALI. 

TECHNOLOGY

C++

Maya API

MEL 

MAIN FEATURES • Non-Destructive workflow • Interactive modification • Applying animation using key frames and dynamics • Styling using control curves • Pipeline friendly; Saves and Exports feather data to attribute maps and Maya’s geometry cache

SOURCE

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LINEAR WORKFLOW AND GAMMA CORRECTION (render)

Today I watched this basic tutorial on Linear workflow and gamma correction.   It explains why renders might look dark and blown out, and how having a linear workflow will help avoid washed out textures, giving the light in your scene more depth.  It's important to understand this concepts, it will help you achieve more realistic lighting in your scenes =)

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ZSPHERE TO BASE MESH (modeling)

Today I watched this free tutorial by Redbeard, where he explains the process of creating a simple base mesh in ZBrush by just using a ZSphere. Learn how to make a base mesh that will give you the blue prints to create appealing characters in ZBrush, by using this step by step process.

TUTORIAL DOWNLOAD

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VRAY PHYSICAL CAMERA (render)

Today I learned a little bit more about VRay Physical cameras. This type of camera allows you to use real-world parameters to set up the virtual CG camera and makes it easier to use light sources with real-world illumination.

SOME BASIC PARAMETERS: 

Type of Camera

Still camera - simulates a still photo camera with a regular shutter.

Cinematic camera - simulates a motion-picture camera with a circular shutter.

Video camera - simulates a shutter-less video camera with a CCD matrix.

Focal length

Low value = large angle of view

High value = small angle of view

F-number

Determines the width of the camera aperture and, indirectly, exposure. If the Exposure option is checked, changing the f-number will affect the image brightness.

Exposure

When this option is on, the f-number, Shutter speed and ISO settings will affect the image brightness.

Vignetting

When this option is on, the optical vignetting effect of real-world cameras is simulated.  This parameter allows you to control the darkening of corners.

White Balance

Since all lights have a slightly different color, you can use this parameter to adjust the overall color tint of your render.

Shutter speed

The shutter speed, in inverse seconds, for the still photographic camera. For example, shutter speed of 1/30 s corresponds to a value of 30 for this parameter.

CHAOS GROUP HELP - TUTORIAL

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VIRTUAL REALITY - HOW METAVERSE WILL CHANGE FILMMAKING (generalist)

Today I watched this TEDx talk by George Bloom, an executive producer at CBS Digital. He and his colleagues develop disruptive tools for production and custom content for the Oculus Rift.