Machinima Collab

Kristens Viewer Test

2009-01-27T03:29:00.000-08:00

Kristen viewer is now available for Intel Mac (released Jan 2009)
- benefits: faster

The video shows Kristens viewer test (done on a PC with shadow patch):

---Quote---
KirstenLee Notes on S16:
1) The Fastest Rendering Viewer in SL, and it's really quick both on start up and rendering in world even in laggy sims, the comments from users have ranged from 'wow' to 'bloody hell!' It uses a mixture of code from various viewers, bit of a hybrid really.
2) New UI skins, with clearer Fonts (and no licensing issues.)
3) Avatar Scanner - Scan up to 500 meters and across sim borders, brings up names and distance. Allows viewing of profiles and teleporting of friends.
4) Asset Browser - View every texture and photo in your inventory preview, or use the asset browser to apply the textures directly to builds via drag and drop.
5) More Prim manipulation different ways to cut prims in SL, and on opengrids micro and monster prim creation.
6) Some severe modification to what information is sent by the viewer when active - no sending of stats to a grid, such as FPS, Lang and version etc.
7) Modified network system viewerside.
8) Very low memory footprint runs much better on marginal hardware (older laptops) even runs on the Intel Atom-based Ultra Portables - Great for running multiple clients if needed.
9) Stable - Incorporated fixes that were either not used by Linden Lab or have come from sources not working directly on SL viewers such as RealXtend.
---End Quote---

---Quote---
KirstenLee Notes on getting shadows in Second Life:
(PC/Linux only, Mac needs an emulator)
1) I used a computer that supported it (so you must have a GeForce 8 or 9 graphics card)
2) I used an operating system that supports it - that is, Windows or Linux. Not Mac OS
3) I downloaded and compiled the source code from the files listed at the top of http://svn.secondlife.com/trac/linden/changeset/575. That is, the slviewer-artwork, slviewer-(linux/win32)-libs and the slviewer-src.
4) Compiled them, largely following the instructions on the wiki at http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Compiling_the_viewer_%28Linux%29 (in the case of Linux, http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Microsoft_Windows_Builds if you're on Windows )
5) Ran it, set the 'Graphics' slider to Ultra, pressed ctrl-alt-D to get the debug settings, went to Advanced -> Debug Settings, typed in RenderDeferred and set it to false, typed in RenderUseFBO and set it to true, and then typed in RenderDeferred again and set it to true.
"Then it hangs for a couple of seconds," warns Katharine, "followed by shadows magically appearing under everything. Affected by sun and moon only."
---End Quote---

References - History of 3D Animation

2009-01-27T02:46:00.000-08:00

A Brief History of 3D Animated Film

realXtend Test

2009-01-26T14:00:00.000-08:00

It's very exciting what realXtend (setup guide) can offer. The open source viewer (GPL license) and server (BSD license) technology of 3D net are completely free. (I wonder if they would release a Mac version any time soon especially after Intel Mac is capable of running Windows). Also interoperability is another issue to have your Second Life avatar and inventory accessible in realXtend server (not yet available). Besides IBM and Linden Lab's collaborative efforts, OpenSim is also working on how all virtual worlds may link together. Info about the current development regarding OpenSim. Article about Hypergrid by James Au and more.

In pursuit of dynamic shadow effects, here are couple testing results regarding realXtend:
1. yes, realXtend viewer can render dynamic shadow but only with its own server.
2. include avatar animation tool (IK Movement Editor), animate fingers?
3. use Python scripts.

Shadow

2009-01-08T10:45:00.000-08:00

To bringing out features of 3D animation and engine's dynamic effects, this is a test of SL's capacity to render shadow, ran on PC using Kirstens Viewer SD2-R7. Results:
1. There's still some lag and errors for controlling character on upgraded computer.
2. Some textures in Kirstens Viewer are not the same as
the second life viewer.
Links:
Shadow Patch: http://nwn.blogs.com/nwn/2008/06/the-hidden-shad.html PC/Linux only
Lightwave 9: http://www.mcpherons.com/media/mech.mov

First Rough Cut

2009-01-02T21:23:00.001-08:00

Game Arcade

2008-12-30T21:02:00.000-08:00

The journey continues...
Found game arcade at Flotsam Beach. (SLURL)

Cute Robot Army

2008-12-23T09:02:00.000-08:00

Week 15 - Digital Cinema

2008-12-18T20:57:00.000-08:00

Hisham Bizri
What is digital cinema? history, theory, and practice...

resolution comparison of different digital video formats:

source: Red Camera
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RED_Digital_Camera_Company#Recording_formats

common digital cinema formats:

source: Digital Cinematography
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_cinematography#Acquisition_Formats

aspect ratio - HDTV (16:9/1.78:1), cinema projection (1.85:1)

source: Aspect Ratio (16:9)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/16:9#Why_16:9.3F

--- ---------- ---
technical details:
• High-Definition Video
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-definition_video#Technical_details
• NTSC
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NTSC
• DVD Video
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DVD-Video
• Final Cut Pro
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&hs=wxO&q=final+cut+pro+frame+size&btnG=Search
change frame size

--- ---------- ---
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czRZ0moKIu8

Week 14 - Shots

2008-12-12T14:40:00.000-08:00

12 shots were completed today: gun fight, martial art, aerial attack, and cute robot & lieutenant double actions. It was a good filming session. Details can be worked out later as the project continues to develop: camera movement, image quality, specific animation & motion, and particle effects.

Couple things were left for post-production to amend: lighting + color, unification of frame size + ratio. (We should fix out frame size next week. It was a bit off 16:9)

camera 2 (Jenny): 720x450 > 720x405
camera 1 (Bruce): 864x540 > 853x480 (864x486)
camera 3 (Valeria): 960x540

Technical issues: Steve and Snow White were turned into smoke avatars. Last week, it was Sassy. It's a Second Life bug we lived with. Fogs just freeze the client (Black Friday).

Link to 12-12-08 shots (light setting changed to sunset)

Light setting comparison (this was test shot from 12-09-08 with fogs and night)

Week 14 - HD Machinima

2008-12-11T10:59:00.000-08:00

Theoretically, it is possible to create HD machinima by capturing video on the computer screen through DVI (s-video out on Mac) to another digital device, such as Mini DV Pro Camcorder. Although EQC at New School has DV, which supports 720p/1080p @ 24/30/60pfs, it does not carry AV interface adapter/converter. The converter also needs to be able to process HD video format. Not sure if there is an inexpensive equipment setup. Most of mid-range priced converter only supports resolution up to 720x480.

We will see if we can get some answers. (forum post)

Apple DVI to Video Adapter

Week 14 - Room 425 Testing Results

2008-12-09T21:15:00.000-08:00

Compare recording qualities:
Mac desktop (425) in Nov 07

Back in early Nov, we were able to video capture at 968x544 with the front computer. So why not now... (view 640x480)
Spec:

PC desktop (In-Bum)

Spec:
TechSmith Screen Capture Codec (Camtasia), 720*486, 30fps
Nvidia Geforce 7800 GT, cpu pentium D 3Ghz, ram 2G

*** * * * ***
To create HD machinima with Second Life is proven to be problematic based on the current hardware capacity we have in Room 425. There are different recommendations from machinima filmmaker experienced with Second Life:
1. Video capture to DV camcorder.
2. Less avatars present.
3. Less primitives, textures, particle effects ... anything for client to render (client issue).
4. Get a better graphic card.
5. Use windows?
6. Go online during less traffic hour (server issue).

other references: Recording Machinima

Recommendation from Academic Technology:
7. Clear files on the computer to optimize its performance.
8. Less users on network bandwidth.
9. ...

To monitor lag:
Help > Lag Meter
View > Statistics
Advanced > (to see all the real-time rendering details)

*** * * * ***
Conclusion:
We will do our best with what we have been using (Second Life & Snapz) and hardware configuration available in Room 425.
1. Only 5 actors (at most) for the shot should log in and present at the set.
2. Two cameramen need to stay outside the filming site.
3. Set needs to reduce its usage of primitives, textures, shine, and glow.
4. Stick to old frame size: 960x540, anti-aliasing x2 (if not working, we will go down to: 869x480, 720x450 and take out anti-alising).
5. Clear files on your computer (work-in-progress folder) and restart.
6. Camera movements kept low. (no zooming in and out swiftly).

Week 14 - Machinima Setup

2008-12-08T21:58:00.000-08:00

Review 12/5 Shots:
camera 1 (Bruce)

camera 3 (Valeria)

Light Setting:

****
plan for testing:
We need to inspect our machinima setup again and Second Life loads. Aspects include primitive / avatar numbers, graphic rendering, and video capturing spec. I suspect the main problems is Second Life client and equipment's capacity. Couple things to go through:
1. Reduce primitive usage numbers (assigned parcel only takes 717 prims).
2. Reduce rendering loads (primitive faces: remove unnecessary texture, shine, glow, and light).
3. Kick out other avatars on the sim. Actors standby at another sim.
4. Delete files on computers.
5. Record on to another machine or mini DV pro camcorder instead of using Snapz.

Week 13 - downloads

2008-12-05T10:58:00.000-08:00

light presets: MOT night or use Midnight
Session 1: shotlist breakdown, blocking

Week 13 - Block, Light, Shoot

2008-12-01T21:45:00.000-08:00

Block
fight video from Nov 21

Light
test video - glow & shine

Shoot
composition

Week 13 - Filming Approach

2008-11-30T18:39:00.001-08:00

Let's get to the fun part!
We have two filming sessions on Dec 5th & Dec 12th.

Current set and lighting design need some quick experiments and adjustments. Camera men (or cinematographers) need to study framing and shot movement more. Review storyboard below here, and add your study shots. We can have one more cinematographer. Interested person can take on the role.

As for actors, we are looking for another three talents to play Red Storm Troopers. Please leave a note here or IM in world.

Also, we need to begin collecting all the scripted objects the script team has made and put them into "effects" literally.

**********
Download environmental lighting presets: MOT night (upload any lighting presets you have made here)
Download shot lists v2.0 multi-cam , v2.0 session 1 breakdown, v2.0 session 2 breakdown, blocking s1
**********
Current Set v1.0: We need cooler colors and less busy textures.

**********
Bruce (Camera 1)
Shoot the film from the master shot perspective: establishing shots for each
set-up, close ups of characters as directed in the shot list & fight
coreogrpahy.

Valeria (Camera 3)
Shoot the film from the perspective of Cute Robot experiencing the battle
(primarily follow cam)
for certain set up, shoot the film from the perspective of Lieutenant
experiencing the battle (primarily follow cam)

Jenny (Camera 2)
Shoot the film from the master shot perspective: establishing shots for each
set-up, close ups of characters as directed in the shot list & fight
coreogrpahy. + specialty shots with
flycam controller.

Cinematography Resource: making a movie
**********
Shot 1:

Shot 2:

Shot (2):

Shot 3:

Shot 4:

Shot 5:

Shot 6:

Shot 7:

Shot 8:

Shot 9:

Shot 10:

Shot 11:

Shot 12:

Shot 13:

Shot 14:

Shot 15:

Shot 16:

Shot 17:

Shot 18:
Shot 19:
Shot 20:
Shot 21:
Shot 22:

Shot 23:
Shot 24:
Shot 25:
Shot 26:
Shot 27:
Shot (27):
Shot 28:
Shot 29:
Shot 30:
Shot 31:
**********

A retrospect of our approach to making and filming machinima battle scene...
Hybrid Methods:
story idea > characters > film script > choreography storyboard > lighting & colors > actor script > animation list > programming list > initial blocking > set > initial shot list > camera & actors > lighting & set > scripted effects & avatar behaviors ...

We mixed techniques from several disciplines:
PRODUCTION
Theatrical Performance: actor script, set, blocking
Live Action Film: storyboard (camera & scene), shot list, blocking
PREPRODUCTION
3D Animation: character development
Game Development: avatar animation, scripted behaviors & interactions

Week 13 - Review Video Clips

2008-11-24T16:04:00.000-08:00

Thank Frank Dellario, Director of Machinima Production at Ill Clan Animation Studios come to our filming rehearsal last Friday. Frank talked about camera movement, FOV (filed of view), and camera perspective in 3D video games. He also showed us his production approach: Camera moves, actors don't.

He wrote a post about his visit.

*****
Review video clips from Nov-21 rehearsal, and add your comments.

There are couple technical issues we will need to sort out, particularly we didn't get smooth playback in Quicktime. We need to reduce the frame size in order to keep Second Life running at better frame rate and have less video capture crashes.

Bruce (Camera 1):

Valeria (Camera 2):

Jenny (Camera 4):

Week 13 - Filming

2008-11-24T11:53:00.000-08:00

Film: Boba Fett's Day Off
Scene: Moment of Truth
shot list download

Procedure:
1. Block: actors go through what they need to do in one shot then go back to staring position
2. Light: set up desired lighting and camera position, match both, test out effects
3. Shoot: video capture rolling, action! cut!

Steve body development

2008-11-21T08:49:00.001-08:00

Cute Robot Character Development

2008-11-19T21:58:00.000-08:00

Video

Beta

Alpha

Snoopy & Cute Robot Avatar Practice

2008-11-19T20:13:00.000-08:00

Shaolin avatar control practice

2008-11-19T15:15:00.000-08:00

Week 12 - Avatar Extras

2008-11-19T07:45:00.001-08:00

Red Stormtroopers

Week 12 - Second Life Battles

2008-11-16T12:09:00.001-08:00

Ideas and references to explore the possibilities of Second Life engine, avatar design, and virtual camera:

Domino: Study jump animation, how can we do something like that...

Nnija Fight Part 1

Nnija Fight Part 2

Week 12 - Rehearsal Checklist

2008-11-16T09:56:00.000-08:00

Avatar Actors:
Manuals: Basic control & settings
Missing: Character poses, cute robot army AO, custom fight control (fung ku & gun), interactive behaviors (throw, slide, pick, move, ...)
Backup Solutions: Fight gesture sequences (chat line commands), existing weapon items, default control & Iron Man stuff
Goal: More custom animations...

Camera Man:
Manual: Presets, video capture, camera settings, sl camera/physical items

Set:
Video arcade
Need to finish: Fix scripted/physical door, scripted/physical windows?

Prop:
Game machines, armaments
Need to finish: Enable physical game machines & armaments

Lighting:
Missing: Environmental light, dynamic spot light & dimming light, site-specific light, avatar light

Effects:
Missing: Textures & mod
Backup solutions: Existing weapon items

Week 12 - Avatar Actors

2008-11-15T18:31:00.001-08:00

Unveiling Cute Robot Army...

Sassy, Snow White, Cute Robot Beta, Shaolin, Snoopy, Steve, Jenny

Website

2008-11-14T14:41:00.000-08:00

Poster revision

2008-11-14T14:40:00.001-08:00

Snoopy - Finalized

2008-11-14T12:20:00.000-08:00

Normal

In a Good Mood

Week 12 - Rehearsal (Nov 21)

2008-11-14T09:38:00.000-08:00

Guest:
Frank Dellario, Ill Clan Animation Studios, Brooklyn
http://www.illclan.com/ill-blog

Week 11 - Production Roles (Nov 21)

2008-11-14T06:07:00.000-08:00

Here are designated production roles for shoot Nov 21. To prepare well, please reread script so you know what your job is during the shoot. Actors, see where you come in and what you do. Camera people, look at shot description. For those doing specialized shots such as a follow camera, trace the movement of the character you will follow through the script.

Actors, practice your puppetry and animation fight sequences!

-Beth-

----------------------------
PRODUCTION ROLES

Director: Beth

Director Assist: Jason (Presentation)
*RL: coordinate camera and light; making sure everyone is on their mark (know where they are and what to do) for a shot.

Avatar Actors: *Meet to practice.

Sassy: Lawrence (Visual)
Jenny: Brian (Visual)
Steve (Lieutenant): Esteban (Animation)
Cute Robot: Ingrid (Script)
Snoopy: Ananya (Presentation)
Shaolin: Fengyu (Animation)
Snow White: In-Bum (Visual)

Cameraman: *Experiment & practice.

Camera 1: Bruce (Script); follows shot list + close-ups and scenic camera
Camera 2: Valeria (Presentation); Cute Robot follow camera + close ups CR army
Camera 3: Beth; follows shot list
Camera 4: Jenny; follows shot list

Technical Assist: Rishi (Script)
*SL: coordinate technical solutions; display setting, troubleshoot lag, move prop/light, backup film locations.

Animation Assist: Jenny (Rehearsal checklist: et, location, light, training, CR avatar)
*SL & RL: Coordinate actors and fight/shot sequences.

Shaolin, Snow White, & Snoopy Fight Video Capture Drill - Part 2

2008-11-13T13:55:00.000-08:00

STEVE ANIMATION TEST

2008-11-12T16:52:00.000-08:00

Steve Reel

2008-11-12T11:29:00.000-08:00

fight animation test (Shaolin, Snow White and Snoopy)

2008-11-11T15:21:00.000-08:00

Week 10 - Test Shots

2008-11-08T00:59:00.000-08:00

Opening of the scene: test shot 1 - 6.
View video here

Soundtrack source: Casablanca (1942), "Dat's What Noah Done".
Music by M.K. Jerome, Lyrics by Jack Scholl, Performed by Dooley Wilson with piano accompaniment.

Week 10 - Work-in-progress

2008-11-08T00:25:00.000-08:00

Character lineup: redesign version 1.

Character lineup: redesign version 2.

Study custom set, lighting, and color. How can we get spot light?

Study shot 6. Characters walk in formation.

Initial position of actors.

Custom Set by Group Sassy

2008-11-07T12:09:00.001-08:00

Characters Variations + Guns

2008-11-07T12:07:00.001-08:00

Screenshots of Snow White

2008-11-07T12:03:00.000-08:00

Screenshots of Shaolin

2008-11-06T22:44:00.000-08:00

Possible Commissions for Boba Fett

2008-11-06T21:56:00.000-08:00

So far there is Furia Freeloader who has a shop dedicated for Star Wars avatars, located n Taris. Here are some pictures in the Main Store.

Some people in the forum also mentioned that Mare Tranquilitatis has a lot of Mandalorian role players.

2008-11-06T18:50:00.000-08:00

Story Board+revised action poses

2008-11-06T16:18:00.001-08:00

Week 10 - Ignis Solus

2008-11-03T00:13:00.000-08:00

Example for improvisational filming.
Download: http://litfusefilms.com/movies/ignissolus/

Week 9 - Actor Blocking

2008-10-31T18:26:00.000-07:00

We will take two different approaches to film the battle scene. Based on the film script, we will stage a battle with 8 characters at our custom set. This is our blocking design and set prototype. We still need to work out camera blocking.

Sassy: Show reel

2008-10-30T20:25:00.000-07:00

Presentatiion file_Shaolin_Snowwhite

2008-10-30T20:20:00.000-07:00

Shaolin_Snowwhite_Presentatioin file
Demo_reel_Shaolin
Demo_reel_SnowWhite

Week 9 - Machinima Film Festival 2008

2008-10-30T19:11:00.000-07:00

This year's Machinima Film Festival is hosted at Eyebeam on November 1st. The one-day event features a series of presentations and discussions and screening of machinima film award nominees.
program schedule
recommending: Machinima 101, Interfacing Virtual Actors, Machinima and Art, and Game vs. Filmmaker.

Week 8 - Audition (Character Portfolio)

2008-10-23T17:53:00.000-07:00

We invited Annie OK to be our guest critic. She is a multimedia artist and machinima filmmaker of the documentary short "10 Simple Steps" to your own Virtual Sweatshop, commercial for Iron Man and MTV vLES. She shared with us her Second Life expertise and virtual filmmaking techniques - advanced settings for camera control, display graphics, character animations, and environment rendering.
http://annieok.com/tangent/?p=1827

Director Beth Coleman joined us remotely in Second Life for a virtual audition.

Week 8 - Scripted Avatar Behaviors II

2008-10-22T19:53:00.001-07:00

Cute Robot Army at our 2nd virtual Scripting Workshop with LSL mentor GC Continental. Today's seminar topics focused on how to apply force to avatars, particles, and scripting issues related to networked environment (server and viewer).

Lawrence's Storyboards

2008-10-20T19:44:00.000-07:00

Posting because Lawrence doesn't have access to post on the blog yet.

Here's the badge

Aerial Fight Storyboard - Renewed

2008-10-20T18:10:00.000-07:00

Week 7 - Peripetics (Animation)

2008-10-17T20:58:00.000-07:00

http://www.zeitguised.com/film/Peripetics.mov

The first half of the semester, we were learning the rules of animation and game narrative and practicing our skills of navigating the virtual space, modeling, animating, and scripting avatars.

What it means to reverse the thoughts and break the rules. "Peripetics or The Installation of an Irreversible Axis on a Dynamic Timeline" is surreal (Dali is still up at MoMA). To be precise, here is a short quote from the design group's statement: "blends complex geometries, surreal subjects, artificial behaviors, and the recycling of digital readymades into their distinct hallucinatory narration style."

Last week, each of us took turn to read the film script line by line, reopening up our scope and relating our individual MMO characters back to the larger narrative world. Many topics came up - camera shot, required character animations, scripted behaviors, plot and resolution, comical points, what's in a shot, why a white dove appears suddenly, etc.

We watched a fraction of Fat Chow and Tony Leung's Hard Boiled today. Hung Kong action movies emphasize artificial elements in their narrative and ways of making each scene intense, unlike typical American film's realistic style. We tried to approach machinima from the perspectives of game development, 3D animation pipeline, filmmaking, and theater performance. As we moved along with our process, different technical challenges unvailed. How can we keep our work away from conventional? How can our work adapt compelling conventions? But what's missing?

[Snoopy] More Character Design Sketches

2008-10-10T20:57:00.000-07:00

Polished up some of Snoopy's design again.

This is practically what our prototype is aiming for.

The ear-transmitters remained the charm point.

"Did someone said 'rumor'?"

"Look what I got today!"
I can somehow imagine him bringing all sorts of stuff in to share with the other robots. Gadgets, food, magazines....

Another alternative....

FIGHT

2008-10-10T10:48:00.001-07:00

Week 6 - Additional Note

2008-10-10T07:31:00.000-07:00

Character Reel/Fight Scene:

Week 6 - Scripted Avatar Behaviors I

2008-10-08T19:48:00.001-07:00

Avatar design in virtual environment has several layers to it - skeleton, geometry, attachments, and non-linear animations. The next level is for us to use LSL (Linden Scripting Language) to alter its physical behavior and default attributes and to design its interactions with other avatars, 3D objects, and the simulated environment.

At virtual Scripting Workshop with GC Continental in Second Life, learning LSL (Linden Scripting Language) basics, including data types and states, functions, avatar permissions, push script, & sensor.

Week 5 - Virtuality

2008-10-06T20:52:00.000-07:00

MMO Character

Ghost in the Shell (film, 1995)
MASAMUNE SHIROW, PRODUCTION I.G., INC. POSTER©1996
source: Internet Poster Awards Gallery
link: http://www.impawards.com/1996/ghost_in_the_shell.html

How does the changing representation of MMO character's body (a symbolic presence in cyberspace, game, & metaverse) affect the mind of player?

Virtual Camera
(invisible dummy object)
(sight to the virtual world)

Call of Duty
ACTIVISION PUBLISHING, INC. ©2008
source: Freewebs
link: http://www.freewebs.com/666md666/screenshots.htm

Tomb Raider
EDIOS INTERACTIVE LIMITED ©2008
source: Freewebs
link: http://www.freewebs.com/tombraiderway/tombraiderlegend.htm

Age of Empires II: Age of Kings
MICROSOFT CORPORATION ©1999
source: Download Free Games
link: http://memysoftware.blogspot.com/2008/02/age-of-empire-2.html
permission: http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/developer/rules.htm

Little Big Planet (1:20)
-> Paradigm Shift of View Points
-> Mix of Real & Virtual World Representations

How can our virtual actor (a MMO character) conceive the qualities of aura and convince the qualities of "realness" in a virtual environment?

*************************************************

Multitudes of Perspective

Perspectives of the Multitude

*************************************************

Storyboard - Aerial Attack

2008-10-03T12:20:00.000-07:00

Storyboard Shaolin - Martial Arts

2008-10-02T19:35:00.000-07:00

Character Lineup

2008-09-29T13:29:00.000-07:00

From left: Sassy, Shaolin, Snow White, Steve, and Snoopy

Steve Prototypes

2008-09-28T10:20:00.001-07:00

Mood Colors

2008-09-28T10:11:00.000-07:00

Snoopy Prototype

2008-09-26T21:36:00.001-07:00

Pre - Prototypes

A different color scheme

Relaxed

Yet another trial of color scheme

"So what's new?"
".... I feel sick...."

The basic color scheme for Snoopy.

Sassy Prototype

2008-09-26T08:10:00.001-07:00

mood colors

2008-09-25T23:49:00.001-07:00

Fengyu

afraid

happy

lonely

nervous

relaxed

InBum

frustrated

hopeful

intimidating

threatening

wrath

riShi

anger

envy

hatred

horror

motivation

Week 4 - Fight Choreography

2008-09-25T22:15:00.000-07:00

Action Sketches
To develop an individual fighting style for your character. What’s the top stunt your character will do to show off his/her fighting skills?
Example: Kung Fu Panda

Choreography Storyboard
To develop tensions, action dynamics, and rhythms for multiple character fights. Think of the fight choreography like a drama with 3 acts of beginning, middle, and end. Visually, there are two elements to consider:

1. Grouping of figures
2. Movement trajectory (invisible line of motion)
Reference: Rhythm of movement through a building
Pedoe, Dan. Geometry and The Liberal Arts. p.120

Snow White

2008-09-25T21:46:00.000-07:00

Sassy revisited

2008-09-24T19:03:00.000-07:00

We made some enhancements to Sassy. She now wears shoulder cannons, camo skirt/boots and a cute Robot Army Badge.

Lab 425 Open Hours

2008-09-24T17:03:00.000-07:00

M 8:40PM - 11:30PM
T 2:40PM - 11:30PM
W 2:40PM - 6:00PM; 8:40PM - 11:30PM
R 8:30AM - 12:00PM; 2:40PM - 6:00PM; 8:40PM - 11:30PM

F 5:40PM - 9:30PM
S 4:00PM - 7:30PM
U 10:30AM - 11:30PM

Steve fighting moves

2008-09-24T09:09:00.001-07:00

Karate fighting style for BigHends robot

2008-09-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

Cast Notes

2008-09-21T17:00:00.000-07:00

BIG BOSS ------------------- Snow White
BOBA FETT
CUTE ROBOT -------------- alpha
LIEUTENANT -------------- Steve
JENNY ----------------------- twin of Sassy
THE INVADING ARMY -- Sassy
THE INVADING ARMY -- Shaolin
THE INVADING ARMY -- Snoopy

Week 3 - Character Design

2008-09-21T15:23:00.000-07:00

Top Traits + Cute Factors

1. How visually depicts these elements?
2. How many cute factors are included?
3. How to get desired emotional responses?

Artistic Direction:
Fairytale + Futuristic + Evil + Hilarious

SNOW WHITE (2D Animation)
Dopey, the Seventh Dwarf -> acting stupid

DISNEY © 1937
source: American Inventor: Walter Disney, p. ?

Top Traits
1. Dazzling smiles, opened mouth -> playful manner
2. Big, mischievous eyes -> puppy-like personality

Cute Factor
1. Short, childlike hesight
2. Big, rounded head -> to contrast with his small brain

Adjectives
Soft, gentle curves
Classic fairy tale

Note
Tested formula: eyes set low on rounded big face, big ears, floppy limbs, doll-like character

ASTRO BOY (Japanese Manga / Animation)
Tetsuwan Atomu -> Japanese equivalent of Superman + Mickey Mouse

TEZUKA PRODUCTIONS CO. LTD. ©2004, SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT INC., DENTSU INC.
source: Astro Boy: The Complete Series, dsic 4 cover

Top Traits
1. Rocket feet -> a robot
2. Spiky, angular hair -> mental
3. Stiff, rigid body gestures

Cute Factors
1. Young boy robot - human-like
2. Rounded face, ears & small nose
3. Big, sparkling eyes with long eyelashes

Adjectives
Bold, tight curves
Futuristic hero, sci-fi story

DEATH JUNIOR (Third-Person Action Adventure Video Game)
Death Junior, Son of Grim Reaper -> sweet and scary

BACKBONE ENTERTAINMENT ©2006
source: Game Design: From Blue Sky to Green Light, color plate insert

Top Traits
1. Skull, tattoo -> evil, underworld, dark, deadly
2. Toothy mouth, frowning face -> spooky & distressful feelings
3. Gloomy body gestures

Cute Factors
Cuteness Formula:
1. Baby, doll-like character
2. Eyes set low on a big round face

SPORE (Online MMO / Sim)
Spore Monster & Alien-like Creatures -> user-created using character editor

ELECTRONIC ARTS INC. ©2008
source: TIME: September 15, 2008, p.64

Top Traits (modular elements)
1. Animal parts
2. Rounded bodies -> contrast with sharp teeth and bones

Cute Factors
1. Pet-like
2. Colorful (candy colors)
3. Sound effects

Note
Low bar of what makes something cute

Snoopy Fight Moves

2008-09-19T11:56:00.000-07:00

Sassy Fighting Action Sequence/ Moves

2008-09-19T10:07:00.002-07:00

Possible Fight Location: Spaceport Alpha

2008-09-19T10:07:00.001-07:00

Possible fight location

2008-09-19T08:29:00.000-07:00

This is a dojo I found named Dojo Tristan that I think would be a good location for the fight. I wasn't able to find a way to enter into it at the time, but perhaps we can remove some of the columns to gain entrance. There are some other similar buildings very close by.

The location is at 30, 166,22

Selected Location and Snapshots: Fengyu Hao + riShi Sharma

2008-09-17T22:38:00.002-07:00

Selected Location: Shaolin Garden
pictures-

Sketch of Shaolin's fighting actions and sequences : Fengyu Hao + riShi Sharma

2008-09-17T22:38:00.001-07:00

1- Energy Blast

2- Spear Jab

3- Scattered Energy Blast

4- Sweet Chin

5- Mischief Combo

1- Shoulder Spear

2- Exploding Spear

3- Spinning Heel

4- Air Blade

5- Ricochet Kick

Week 2 - Creative Common

2008-09-12T19:56:00.000-07:00

Due 9-18

Assignment 1
1. Find a SL location where you think Cute Robot Army fights take place. Use the location as a set to help you sketch. Post a screenshot and region name on blog.
2. Sketch out your character's fighting actions and sequences. This is not a storyboarding of the film script but a study of the fight choreography. Use the template in attachment for the sketch.
3. Include at least 5 moves. Post your sketches to blog.
4. Tag the post with your name, so I can grade your assignment.

Assignment 2
1. Follow the 6 steps in Lab Exercise sheet to complete the first pre-prototype of your robot. At the end, you should have a folder containing avatar shape, attachments, gestures, and invisible prim.
2. Put the items in the folder inside the Storage Box.

Resources:
Creative Common
Interview: Action Choreographer Marcus Young

Cute Robot Alpha #2 - by Fireball Borkotron(SL) aka Baxter Crabtree(RL)

2008-09-12T10:50:00.000-07:00

Cute Robot Alpha #2 - by Fireball Borkotron(SL) aka Baxter Crabtree(RL)
Basic Attributes

Character Name: Cute Robot Alpha #2
Gender & Age: Male, 3
Appearance: Rounded head and body; long, flexible armatures with removable end-pieces for battle fists or other attachments; big eyes with closable visor for battle or very bright days; one antenna so he can update his profile on the fly or send emails to friends while in battle; white metal with red shoulder joints, red fists and a red "A" on the chest; chest compartment for storing battle fists or snack for his friends.
Strength and Speed: CRA2 is very strong, much stronger than his previous model CRA1, if he were to have a number to describe his strength it would be number 1. CRA2 is not very fast, but he is capable of loping along quickly by using all four limbs. Due to his laziness he doesn't run very often so it is often misunderstood that he is slow. He's not slow, but he's not very fast, either.
Dexterity & Stamina: CRA2 has a low dexterity and a high amount of stamina. Due to his strength and perseverance CRA2 can stay in battle for a long time and take lots of hits. He's a tank.
Perception & Intelligence: CRA2 is not incredibly perceptive nor insightful, which means that he doesn't understand spirits and magic, nor does he care to. He's intelligent enough to know who needs to be beaten up, but not smart enough to back down from bigger guys which is why he likes to fight in teams.
Damages: As stated before, CRA2 is a tank. He's slow, powerful and can take a LOT of damage. His weakness would probably be his slowness.
Class Features & Class rank: CRA2 is rank number 2, his class is made up of large, mostly bipedal units that focus on strength and stamina.

Key Personality Traits

Iconic Trait: Alpha Class robots generally need a lot of sleep. When not fighting or hanging out with friends CRA2 is usually sleeping.
Habits: Climbing, Yawning
Flaw: since he likes to fight CRA2 is quick with his fists. His flaw is that he gets in more fights than he should.
Fears: staying up after bedtime
Desires: A nice tree and a blanket

Biography

CRA2 was created with one purpose in mind, to provide a robot that will facilitate team battle by initiating combat and holding enemy damage dealers at bay. He is the second version of the CRA series, the first still hasn't woken up from birth-sleep yet. There are two other versions (3 and 4) that are not yet in service. CRA2 was created by Borkotronics Laboratory. The robot is made up of layered borkometallics, flexible servo-tronic armatures with customizable end-point linkages. The rounded torso is gyro-capable and stabilized by a heavy plomobork universal joint. THe borkometal legs are infused with rigid titanoflex to provide strength and stability during combat.

Abilities

Basic Skills: Punch and Defend
Feats: Item throw (whatever is handy)
Specialty: Borkotron Whirlwind
Tricks: plays dead
Advantages/Disadvantages: size, strength, stamina / speed, intelligence

Combat Options

Weapon Name: Alpha Fists
Type & Range: Close Range Melee
Advantages / Disadvantages: Power / Speed

Team: Sassy

2008-09-11T20:12:00.000-07:00

Team Sassy is:
Lawrence Mascia - Huxtable Easterwood
Brain Carter – Brainy Bravin
Bruce Drummond – Superduper Constantine

Basic Attributes
Character name: Estella
Gender & Age: Female, 1 decade
Appearance: Pirate, punk, military, rebel
Strength and Speed: Quick and agile with a lot of stamina
Perception and Intelligence: Always aware of her environment, fairly intelligent
Damages: Missing limb, weathered, maybe eyepatch
Class Features and Class Rank: Frontline assembly, Private

Key Personality Traits
Iconic trait: Gold tooth
Habits: Smoking cigars
Flaw: Over confident, condescending
Fears: Rats
Desires: To fly

Biography
Estella is the last survivor of a highly customized, mass produced model of robots created by Dr. T.R. Fiddlewink Esq. This line of robots were terminated soon after their creation due to their inherent personality disorder problems. Estella escaped with her life and swam across the seven seas only to end up in the cute robot army. Estella is mean to her mates, has a major attitude problem and is always on a mission. She is full of anger and hatred for her creator and all humanity in general.

Abilities
Basic skills: Trained in Shaolin Kung Fu, hand-to-hand combat
Feats: None
Specialty: Heavy artillery and vehicles
Tricks: Card tricks!
Advantages/Disadvantages: Her over confidence gets in the way

Combat options
Primary weapon: Rocket launcher
Secondary weapon: Heavy machine gun
Tertiary weapon: Laser gun

Character Concept Sketch: Snoopy

2008-09-11T19:11:00.001-07:00

Concept #1
Age: 23~28
Warrior – type
Embedded Rockets/Propellers
Conservative and Traditional
Stubborn
Egyptian – theme
Staff for Weapon
Stars on chest = medal of horor

Concept #2
Hindu – theme
Evolved from Elephant
Strong & Heavy
Steady Tempered
Lots of Arsenals hidden within body (e.g. Trunck = canon)
Likes to take care of others; Big Brother type

Concept #3
Doggy theme
Powerful sensor for sound and smell
Nosy; likes to butt into other people’s affairs
Information hunter
Sly or Innocent ?
Hyperactive

Concept #4
Like #3
Lazy/Laid Back
Agile
Age: 13~14
Male

Other Sketches

group: haVoc and Fengyu

2008-09-11T07:38:00.000-07:00

havoc yuitza-rishi sharma
fengyu quan- fengyu hao
------------------------------

sketch1:

basic attributes
character name : SHAOLIN
gender : male
age : 5
appearance : cute, short, big head, missing tooth
strength & speed : normal strength, super fast
dexterity and stamina : right hand stronger. super stamina
preception and itelligence : smart
damages : strong
class features and class rank :

Iconic trait :
habits : eat candy, laugh loudly
flaw : too short
fears : robot dentists
desires : have a lot of candies

biography- once upon a time there was an monk who always wanted to fight. but since he was a monk, he couldnot fight. then, he decided to get himself cloned. his clone was a super Shaolin robot who knew how to kick ass. he entrusted the job of fighting the bad guys to his clone robot.

abilities
basic skills : shaolin kung-fu, shoots power blasts from hands, and lightening fast moves.
feats :
specialty : shoots power blasts from hands, flying, handles spear
tricks :
advantages/disadvantages :

combat options
weapon name : White Wax Wood Spear
type and range increment : 4 meters, and can be thrown to 99.9% ccuracy.
advantages/disadvantages :

=================================================

sketch 2:

basic attributes
character name : SHAOLIN
gender : male
age : 100
appearance : old, almost broken, short, bend back, 3 teeth left, white eyebrow
strength & speed : normal strength, slow
dexterity and stamina : a little lower than normal
preception and itelligence : brilliant
damages : deadly
class features and class rank :

Iconic trait :
habits : laugh loudly
flaw : make noise when he moves
fears : fish
desires :

biography- once upon a time there was an monk who always wanted to fight. but since he was a monk, he couldnot fight. then, he decided to get himself cloned. his clone was a super Shaolin robot who knew how to kick ass. he entrusted the job of fighting the bad guys to his clone robot.

abilities
basic skills : shaolin kung-fu in a very sloppy way
feats :
specialty : plays dead
tricks : shoots power blasts from hands.
advantages/disadvantages :

combat options
weapon name : walking stick/kane
type and range increment : 2 meters.
advantages/disadvantages :

Week 1 - Machinima

2008-07-31T12:55:00.000-07:00

Real-time Connection + Rapid Prototyping

Cute Robot Demo
Cute Robot Sketch

Silver Bells & Golden Spurs
Directed by Eric Call

Red vs. Blue
Rooster Teeth Productions

Filming Tools

2008-07-31T12:04:00.000-07:00

Video Capture
Snapz Pro X 2

Virtual Camera
Machinima Starter Kit
Alt-Zoom Studio

Shadow Patch

2008-06-25T23:22:00.000-07:00

Blog post about dynamic shadow: Ayumi Cassini and Torley - 1 and 2

VIDIA GeForce 8 series graphics card (or better) is required, and the patch is not yet available as an official viewer either one to compile yourself, or compiled by one of Second Life residents...

source files:
svn.secondlife.com/trac/linden/browser/branches/shadow-draft
rapidshare.com/files/121755588/secondlifeshadows.zip.html
compiled files:
www.megafileupload.com/en/file/68953/SecondLifeShadows-zip.html

realXtend and PC-Mac issues

2008-06-25T00:25:00.000-07:00

Minimum system requirements for realXtend Viewer:

Windows XP/Vista
A graphics card with shader model 2.0 support,
128 MB graphics card memory and up-to-date OpenGL drivers
512 MB system memory
Pentium 2 GHz / AMD 3000 processor

installed Boot Camp with Windows XP on my iMac
Parallels, which is awesome and allows virtualization of Windows in a Mac windows, but it doesn’t play nicely with video-card heavy applications like Second Life,

Tutorial on capturing SL machinima using FRAPS and virtual Windows on Mac

Maya and Avatar Animation

2008-06-24T00:05:00.000-07:00

Attention Maya Animators - Free SL Rig
http://forums.secondlife.com/showthread.php?t=87870&page=4&pp=15

Free BVH Exporter 1.2 for Maya
http://forums.secondlife.com/showthread.php?t=42181&highlight=maya+avatar+animations

Create a custom MEL shelf in Maya
http://3dtrue.com/maya/4.html

note...
You can download the SL model and default bvh animations from the resource matrix at the SL site. There are a few problems though.

You can import the Tpose bvh to use as your skeleton (you will probably want to fix the pose, it isn't perfect). The avatar mesh is in .obj format, and needs to be resized. I used a scale of 136 to match the tpose skeleton. I suggest using SL_avatar_OBJ.obj and rigid binding to the skeleton.

You will have to do all the rigging yourself.

Be sure to keep your hierarchy in the correct order (you can open up one of the default bvh files in a text editor and see what order you need), and keep the names intact.

If you plan on using this exporter be aware that there are a few problems with it (read the previous posts).

Animation Editors
<>[list][URL=http://www.avimator.com/]Avimator[/URL]>>> [URL=http://forums.secondlife.com/showthread.php?t=81886]a reference thread[/URL][/list][list][URL=http://sourceforge.net/projects/free-bvh-editor]slat[/URL]>>> [URL=http://forums.secondlife.com/showthread.php?t=83702]a reference thread[/URL][/list][list][URL=http://www.daz3d.com/program/studio/1_0index.php]DAZ|Stuido[/URL]>>>[URL=http://forums.secondlife.com/showthread.php?t=99007]a reference thread[/URL][/list][list][URL=http://www.blender.org/cms/Home.2.0.html]Blender[/URL]>>> [URL=http://forums.secondlife.com/showthread.php?t=25102]a reference thread[/URL][/list]
<>[list][URL=http://www.e-frontier.com/article/articleview/1597/1/281?sbss=281]Poser[/URL]>>> no need any reference...[/list][list][URL=http://caladan.nanosoft.ca/c4/software/posemaker.php]Posemaker[/URL]>>> [URL=http://forums.secondlife.com/showthread.php?t=44734]a reference thread[/URL][/list][list][URL=http://www.highend3d.com/maya/]Maya[/URL]>>> [URL=http://forums.secondlife.com/showthread.php?t=87870]a reference thread[/URL] [/list]

*** ***** ***
SL looks for contractor to create sexier walk

Animazoo helps animate Second Life avatars
*motion capture + AO
http://www.digitalmedia.com.au/node/58

scupted prim
http://www.kewego.com/video/iLyROoaftQ2z.html

motion builder
real time 3d char animation and motion editing tool
siggraph 2008
http://www.gamedev.net/features/reviews/productreview.asp?categoryid=35&productid=590
http://forums.cgsociety.org/archive/index.php/t-44434.html
file:///C:/Program%20Files/Autodesk/MotionBuilder75%20Ext2/Help/MBHelp75/wwhelp/wwhimpl/common/html/_index.htm?forcejs=true&context=MBHelp75&topic=tutorials

mocap data
http://www.spafi.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=456&Itemid=26
mocap system software
http://www.vicon.com/

*** ***** ***
more...
http://morbo.cs.pdx.edu/SecondLifeOfficialGuideCD/Files/Animation%20Resources/Avatar%20Manequin/Readme.txt
Second Life Avatar Content Creation Aids
January, 2005

animation with bvh & obj - skin weights
http://droffset.blogspot.com/2008/02/animation-with-bvh-obj-skin-weights.html
http://droffset.blogspot.com/2007/10/bvh-obj-match-made-in-bl00dy-h3ll-part.html

Daz3D
http://www.sltutorials.net/mtree/Animation_&_More/Daz3d_Animation_Tutorial_for_Second_Life/details/
http://secondlife.dolphpun.com/daz3d/

3D max
http://sl-everything.blogspot.com/2007/03/avimator-free-sl-avatar-animation-tool.html

bvhacker version 1.4.0 (April 2008)
3MB. Windows XP tested only. See support page for help.
http://www.davedub.co.uk/bvhacker/

Random Note about Filmmaking and New Media Form

2008-04-29T00:14:00.000-07:00

dctvNY - documentary video
MoMA - elastic mind

CGI film

2008-04-28T23:56:00.000-07:00

Journey to the Center of the Earth (comic con, real D)

Choi Fei's Second Life Project

2008-04-28T23:42:00.000-07:00

RMB City
China Tracy

i.Mirror

Producer's Note III - production plan

2008-04-18T23:55:00.000-07:00

Machinima

Book Resources:

What a Producer Does?

Nickelodeon Cartoons

The Art of Howl's Moving Castle

50 Robots to Draw & A Giant

Sci-fi Film Posters

Exploring Storyboarding

Interactive Puppetry

2008-04-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

An interactive puppeteering device shown at Eyebeam...

Invisible Threads - performance

2008-04-16T22:36:00.000-07:00

Invisible Threads, a mixed reality performance, by artists Jeff Crouse and Stephanie Rothenberg investigates the idea of telematic manufacturing by merging live virtual performance with real-world sales presentation and assembly workshop.

[Photo]
The owners of Double Happiness Jeans set up their store at Eyebeam on Thursday evening. Stephanie, standing by a display rack of designer jeans samples, was talking to potential customers. Jeff assisted customers to place orders at a computer station which connected to the virtual factory of Double Happiness Jeans in Second Life and streamed live event at Eyebeam. Eight "workers", coming from several countries around the world, were at presence. For getting paid 200 Lindens an hour (about 90 cents), the workers waited at the assembly line, sitting at their computer screens, to perform their avatars once they received a cue from the voice chat to produce the jeans. This was the acting part.

I browsed through the product catalog. The jeans costs around 40 dollars. Susan from Eyebeam ordered a pair of My Pants. A image of the jeans was generated by workers in virtual factory, through a portal and server sending instructions to open the pattern in Photoshop on the same computer and print on cotton fabric via a large-format printer. After simple assembly – cutting, glue gun and stitching, a real-world commodity was created.

This mix of real-world and virtual economy seems to reflect on the similar working conditions of many remote jobs. While online interface opens more opportunities for workers of all kinds and all experience levels, even educational institutions would often offer lower compensation to a professor teaching online course than course on campus.

However, Double Happiness Jeans offers their workers a plot of virtual land to build their own home and provides spaces for recreational activities in-world and social networking. I am not sure if the stated mission of Double Happiness Jeans to produces jeans for profit is part of the mixed reality.

But the frustration to be able to find a suitable place and afford monthly land cost for such project is pretty real.

Invisible Threads - machinima

2008-04-16T22:32:00.000-07:00

(This is one of the Mixed Reality Events at Eyebeam.)

Double Happiness Jeans by artists Jeff Crouse and Stephanie Rothenberg

Invisible Threads by machinimatographer Annie Ok is both a project documentary and promotional film.

The 8-minute machinima uses the format of how-to videos and plays "10 Simple Steps to your very own Virtual Sweatshop with Telematic Manufacturing". How-to videos can be fun to watch. The pace, music, and voice over keep overall tone of this film quite upbeat and maybe suggests a hint of irony to the difficult conditions of sweatshop labors.

Background tech info:

In order to make Double Happiness Jeans virtual factory to process live orders from customers in real world, Jeff spent a long time writing a piece of code that sends instructions from SL portal to the server then to Photoshop (using extension script) on the same computer presenting the virtual factory to print out selected patterns via industrial printer.

Annie offered some insights for machinima. The list includes – speech gesture (using voice chat to activate gesture animation) can be found in the inventory folder for real-time interaction needs, etc.

Atmosphere Rendering

2008-04-14T22:32:00.000-07:00

Winglight

Effect rendering varies depending on graphic cards and system configurations.

Setting is saved on computer HD not inventory.

Share Objects

2008-04-10T22:31:00.000-07:00

When working collectively side by side, allowing friends to modify your objects on Contacts menu is good enough.

But it does not work for objects sent over from inventory dropoff. Be sure to always change the object to can modify and copy on the Create object menu.

A trick to get a bunch of objects all become can modify and copy... Link all the objects and change setting. Vola! Even after unlinking them, the objects will all be can modify and copy. Each object's name (and probably other settings as well) can maintain its individuality and won't get converted.

Share with group on Create menu is another setting yet to be tested...

Producer's Note II - machinima course

2008-04-06T22:29:00.000-07:00

Team

Industrial team works in a different dynamic from academic collaboration. Their work flow is designed to maximize the use of time and resources of each individual team member. Multiple projects will be assigned, and specialized tasks are distributed to corresponding skilled professionals. When I was talking to the 3D artist from one of the Nickelodeon studios in New York City, she mentioned to me that she has less chance working on various aspects of the animation production. On her team of 13 to 14 people, she mainly works on render pass based on the shot list the production assistant provided to everyone when others worked on background texture, lighting, 3D car animation in Maya and 2D characters animation in Flash, composite in After Effects, etc. based on the 3D models made by another team in India.

However as a course, collaboration is specific to a learning environment instead of a working environment. Even though the current stage of the machinima project requires quite a lot of production time, the instruction needs to be designed to empower participating students to contribute their expertise and perspectives to the project in both levels as an art film (results derived from iterative process of experiments and discussions), and as an innovative media and technology research (providing chances for engagement). At the same time, the guidance needs to create a focus and scope and set explicit goals and milestones. So at the end of the course, students may reflect upon this experience to further develop themselves within the field of design & technology.

Precedents/References:
Design & Education, Karen Sideman
(design questions, principles of empowered learning)
Media Lab, MIT - "learning by doing"
(the use of laboratory instruction)

Course Info
Timeline - 15 meetings
Design, storyboard, animatic - 2 weeks
Modeling, texture, lighting - 2 weeks
Animation - 2 weeks
Scripting avatar behaviors, particle effects, windlight - 2 weeks
Camera, lighting tool, avatar controller - 2 weeks
Shooting - 2 weeks
Post-production, presentations - 2 weeks
Screening - last week

Specialty Professionals:

3D Maya Artist - ShuChen Lin