PRODUCTION DIARY 001
This isn't exactly my first day working on this feature project, so the diary numbers won't necessarily correspond to days. It is my first day to see some scenes roll off the presses, though, and having learned a lot for one day, I wanted to talk about some things that are very different from the last time I did such a project. In fact, it is that very difference that is key for the indie to constantly progress, improve, and even attempt to build a library of content such as will be necessary for the future of digital media. That key can be summed up in four simple words: Old Thinking Must Go.
Aside from a few tests, this is my first time really back in the thick of production in a long time. It's also the largest project I have ever attempted, and it is using tools I have not used on any major project before. All these are good things in reality, but they do come with necessary learning and growth. The greatest of this comes not in terms of new software or new ways of creating images, but in the form of content management.
I learned a lot while working at UFO Films about content management for large productions. The content structure setup there made it easy to find what was needed from the creation of elements for a shot all the way to the editing room, even on a feature length production. This is more important when working with a number of people too. When I did my last project, I was working primarily in Lightwave 3D and Mirage, editing in Adobe Premiere, using Sound Forge for most audio work and a few other tools for finalizing things. Some of these programs force the user into particular content structures. They were good for their time and for their pipeline, but walk into a new set of tools and a new pipeline and thinking along those same lines can hold you back.
Now I am primarily using modo, Vue 6 Infinite, Poser 7, Garage Band and editing in iMovie. Things are far more integrated today. Tools talk to each other better, The process, also, is very different. Back in the day, I used to work very similar to how Japanese studios created, getting the animation down first, or at least in layout and then "after recording" the voice work. This time around, thanks to tools like the Talk Designer in Poser 7, I now record voices first. These files have to be managed. They have to relate to subsequent sequence and scene files in Vue, Poser, my compositor or my editor.
When I began the project, I naturally fell into using the content and directory structure I was used to. That was based on a pipeline I am not using and I was setting myself up to run into major walls later. For example, Vue 6 Infinite allows you to encapsulate elements such as objects and even their textures into the scene file. This was something that was never even a consideration in the old days. Now I see many advantages to this and use it often. Less to deal with. Also, with hard drives being cheap as they are, the potential increase in file size is no longer an issue. The same goes with editing in iMovie. The program creates a "package" with all of the video, as quicktime clips, stored inside. This eliminates the need to keep separate frames or even outside Quicktime clips around. These kinds of things really streamline the process.
I like speed. I like getting things done. I notice very quickly when things I don't want to deal with in the first place are getting in the way of a good production flow. I never got to feel like I was "in the zone" today, but that will happen as I dig in deeper into this production. Right now I am grateful to see some shots and some progress. I did notice that each shot became easier than the last. Imagine what it could be like deep into the process when the flow becomes more unconcious. Imagine what it could be like over a larger period of time, over the course of many projects as the content library builds. Imagine the speed, the productivity. I am excited. I will report more as it happens.
Aside from a few tests, this is my first time really back in the thick of production in a long time. It's also the largest project I have ever attempted, and it is using tools I have not used on any major project before. All these are good things in reality, but they do come with necessary learning and growth. The greatest of this comes not in terms of new software or new ways of creating images, but in the form of content management.
I learned a lot while working at UFO Films about content management for large productions. The content structure setup there made it easy to find what was needed from the creation of elements for a shot all the way to the editing room, even on a feature length production. This is more important when working with a number of people too. When I did my last project, I was working primarily in Lightwave 3D and Mirage, editing in Adobe Premiere, using Sound Forge for most audio work and a few other tools for finalizing things. Some of these programs force the user into particular content structures. They were good for their time and for their pipeline, but walk into a new set of tools and a new pipeline and thinking along those same lines can hold you back.
Now I am primarily using modo, Vue 6 Infinite, Poser 7, Garage Band and editing in iMovie. Things are far more integrated today. Tools talk to each other better, The process, also, is very different. Back in the day, I used to work very similar to how Japanese studios created, getting the animation down first, or at least in layout and then "after recording" the voice work. This time around, thanks to tools like the Talk Designer in Poser 7, I now record voices first. These files have to be managed. They have to relate to subsequent sequence and scene files in Vue, Poser, my compositor or my editor.
When I began the project, I naturally fell into using the content and directory structure I was used to. That was based on a pipeline I am not using and I was setting myself up to run into major walls later. For example, Vue 6 Infinite allows you to encapsulate elements such as objects and even their textures into the scene file. This was something that was never even a consideration in the old days. Now I see many advantages to this and use it often. Less to deal with. Also, with hard drives being cheap as they are, the potential increase in file size is no longer an issue. The same goes with editing in iMovie. The program creates a "package" with all of the video, as quicktime clips, stored inside. This eliminates the need to keep separate frames or even outside Quicktime clips around. These kinds of things really streamline the process.
I like speed. I like getting things done. I notice very quickly when things I don't want to deal with in the first place are getting in the way of a good production flow. I never got to feel like I was "in the zone" today, but that will happen as I dig in deeper into this production. Right now I am grateful to see some shots and some progress. I did notice that each shot became easier than the last. Imagine what it could be like deep into the process when the flow becomes more unconcious. Imagine what it could be like over a larger period of time, over the course of many projects as the content library builds. Imagine the speed, the productivity. I am excited. I will report more as it happens.
14 Comments:
Yay! Go Terrence, Go.
Can you give us a clue as to the story and the predicted runtime?
So, it's has begun... finally :D
So you're not using any compositing/video paint software like Combustion or Mirage? So, are the cel-renders done straight out of Vue or do you step that up in Poser before you export it to Vue?
I am so keeping my eye on this.
I hope there will be frequent updates :)
Looks very nice so far.
I absolutely love the tonal warmth of your colors in this scene!
So, how are you getting this great cel-shaded look out of Poser? I've been playing with that for years and never had any success. Please tell us how you're doing this!
I agree with you about thinkng different with new projects and new tools. I'm working with Adobe's newest programs now and the cross functionality and integration is fantastic. Really a time saver too. I can't wait to see more of your new stuff!
-Cathy
The new stuff really looks great Terrence! Yeh it really helps to have all the textures and related materials embedded into the scene file... I save a seperate 3d project file for every shot and all the textures are included in the project file....really makes things easier when you have to modify and re-render a shot or move it to another machine.
Will you be posting your video tests?
Dang TW this is what hate about you(in good way :D) you took poser items and make them not look like poser. how i mean, i seen so many thing that have be done in poser and you can tell. but u step in and wtf none of looks poser made. Man you need to really just recorde what you do when your doing it and sell it i would buy it. i know a lot of people would love to see your workflow. But keep on doing what your doing.
Thanks for the comments everyone.
Dave: All these things will become more apparent in time. I'd rather show more than tell.
jasonn: Yes I am using compositing/video paint software. I just held off on getting too into it for the time being. I am rendering separate in Poser and Vue and then merging them in composite. More on that later...
Cathy: Since starting in Poser I have experimented with a number of ways to get a good cel look out of it. I have tried all avenues I could think of. In the end I am finding that rendering large, even double the size, and scaling down in comp gets a good look.
anon: I woul dlike to post the occasional clip, but I won't get into anythign tha takes time away from actually making the movie.
Cali: I am amazed at some of the things I see done in Poser, because the program and many of the models out there give the user so much power and potential and it seems that most just stick with the defaults. Many people seem to assume that if you say you're using Poser or buying models and sets from Poser content that you are stuck with what you get. That is not the case at all. It is a tool like any other and you can buy that content as a means to more quickly create what you want. You never have to be stuck with anything. Most models have so many morph targets and ways to change then that the list is 30 screen high. You can make anything, create any look. I don't know why so few do it.
A great ineternet business success coach also said I should reocrd everything I do because I could potentially sell it. It would also create some good content for future Anigen shows. If there's enough interest, I will consider getting into that. Maybe start releasing a series of DVDs on Custom Flix or Amazon.
how does the lip sync part of poser 7 deliver...is it okay..i read a review a while back and they wrote that it was somewhat lack lustre...was that down to them not knowing the app or is the lipsync part of poser 7 'okay'
in the right hands?
looking forward to your production blogs btw.
cheers steve g [u.k.]
I would buy a DVD if you made it available. Poser cell shading and Anime Studio tutorials, please.
Steve,
The P7 Talk Designer is a great tool to start with. The app is right inside of Poser and looks for highs and lows in your audio recording as a starting point to form phonemes for your characters. You can refine some of the mouth shapes by typing your dialog into the app. The designer can also be used to automate facial features like smiling, blinking, etc.
While this is a good place to start, there is no substitute for the control you get by hand keying the dialog. I like to use the Talk Designer for far shots where the camera is going to see little detail, or scenes where I only need to imply talking. Sometimes I will use the app as a starting point and use the animation layers to further refine the dialog.
In a pinch or as a starting point, the Talk Designer is a powerful tool in Poser, but using just the defaults will not always yield the best results.
BTW, there is an interesting tutorial for cell shading using Poser and Vue 6.
mcsanimations.com/tutorials.aspx
I love that guy's images. Great stuff. Quite a few "Pictures of the Day" on the Vue site.
Steve: The Poser 7 Talk Designer delivers above and beyond what we are used to seeing in traditional anime lip sync so for what I do it is the perfect tool.
Congratulation Terrance on your first Production diary entry.
Your project is looking good already. Although the first picture reminded me of the Opening Sequence of Ghost in the Shell Movie. I don't know whether I'm the only one.
Satyajit
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