Special Effects

All posts tagged Special Effects

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Fluid dynamics are rapidly becoming a powerful alternative to particle effects. In the first lecture of this series, effects animator David Schoneveld introduces you to the rules of fluid production, showing how Maya Fluid Effects can be used for everything from smoke, dust and explosions, to underwater plane crashes and more. David details the fluid menu, emitter and container attributes, as well as shading and texturing, while conveying an understanding of the dynamic attributes of fluid dynamics and their uses in production. The lesson also details the basics of ponds, emphasizing an understanding of the fluid shader and texture controls. Continue Reading

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In the second DVD in this series on Maya Fluid Effects, effects animator David Schoneveld imparts a detailed view of the various methods and advanced features of particle and rigid body control through fluid dynamics. This multi-faceted lesson takes you through the beginning and inter- mediate techniques of the Ocean Shader before revealing how you can create object-avoiding particles without scripting. The lesson culminates by teaching you how to create particles driven by fluid dynamics that can interact with an object or character.

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This is Chris’s second lecture in a series on character animation using Maya. Using the same character rig as in Character Animation: Fundamentals, Chris leads you down the twin paths of successful character animation: mechanics and emotion. Conjoining believable motion with believable acting is the holy grail of animation, and this duality is demonstrated by animating the bouncing man. Chris covers appealing poses, believable weight distribution, activation of limbs, use of gesture to demonstrate attitude, the aura of the character and effective utilization of the stage.

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In the third DVD of this series on Maya Fluid Effects, effects animator David Schoneveld reveals the numerous methods he uses to create and control fluid explosions, covering dynamic, non-dynamic and texture-based effects. He teaches you how to use, and maintain control of fields with fluid containers. The lesson also covers the basics of flame construction, and explains how to use the Maya presets to build effects quickly and efficiently.

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The Gnomon Workshop: Introduction to Sculpting Fluid Dynamics with RealFlow

Wayne England presents an introduction to the creation of digital fluid dynamics using Real Flow, that includes a systematic breakdown of methods used to generate photo-realistic fluid dynamic effects. The viewer takes a step-by-step look at the fundamental procedures and parameters within Real Flow that together establish an essential, practical, working knowledge of the program. This includes a thorough overview of features important in establishing a production-ready workflow, such as questions of scale, particle meshing, Real Flow Node control via the command line, the data exchange pipeline to other 3D packages and many other practical and creative methodologies. Within the context of the tutorial projects, digital fluids with highly realistic characteristics are developed. The material covered in this DVD is intended for both students and professionals who wish to strengthen their practical understanding of the huge range of aesthetic possibilities in Real Flow.

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Summary
Animating physical-based simulations such as particle clouds is somewhat of a Catch-22; exercising too much control makes the simulation look fake, but not enough control prevents you from getting the job done efficiently. Striking the perfect balance between control and randomness in your simulations is essential to creating realistic motion for dust, fire or water. Continue Reading

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There is often far more going on in any given frame of a contemporary movie or commercial than meets the eye. In Digital Compositing in Depth, the techniques of both visible and invisible effects are explored and explained.

Obvious visual effects are pervasive in today’s broadcast media; less obvious effects like color correction, image stabilization, object removal, and virtual backgrounds are more common than most observers might guess. Continue Reading

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In this DVD, John presents the process of creating an underwater effects shot, thoroughly explaining each step of the process from inception to completion. Starting with an ocean bottom and a camera move, John shows how to create underwater atmospheric conditions such as floating particulate matter, photo-real bubbles, water fog and caustic light rippling down through a wavy sea surface. John then uses Maya Dynamics system to build additional elements into the shot, demonstrating their use within the shot environment.
He shows how to use springs and goals to create an anchor and dynamic rope dropping to the sea floor, as well as how to use particle instancing with goals to create dynamic schools of fish. John then walks you through the final steps to create flowing sea grass and billowing sand when the sea bottom is disturbed. By the end of this DVD you will not only have a completed shot ready for fine-tuning and compositing, you will also have the ability to create your own fantastic underwater shots.

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