This tutorial intends to help
you learn the basic techniques employed in the creation of the 3D animation: The
Hunter - Iria the Computer Animation, which was created on a bedroom PC.
In
order that this tutorial can be used by animators and modelers with different
software platforms, the technical aspect of each stage of development is deliberately
simplified. This universal approach should allow scope for animators to incorporate
these techniques using programs like Lightwave, Alias Wavefront Maya, Softimage
and discreet Logic 3D Studio Max.
Be forewarned
- It is extremely difficult to make an aanimation like this from scratch. You need
to have basic skills before you attempt this. The ability to draw stylized imagery
of human anatomy and environments is more important than your knowledge of 3D
software. You also need to be prepared to live like a hermit for very long periods.
This tutorial will be updated at irregular intervals.
In
part 1 we will be looking at the planning of a time consuming project like this.
Tutorial
Part 1:
Preparation
Before
you start your animation you have to decide exactly what you want to achieve.
Perhaps you want to show off your modeling prowess like I do, or perhaps you want
people to see what a great animator you are. Maybe you just have a short story
in you that's dying to get out and you don't have the money to make a conventional
movie.
Make a list of your objectives like
the following:
1) I want this animation to
be entertaining
2) I want to impress prospective
employers
3) This must look original
4)
I want people to know that I am the best in the world
Don't
set yourself too many objectives, because you won't be able to meet them all.
Concentrate on the reason you are making your animation.
Once
you have these objectives simplify them by extracting the key words:
1)
ENTERTAINING 2) IMPRESS EMPLOYERS 3)ORIGINAL 4)BEST IN THE WORLD
Sit
down and jot down how you intend to achieve each of these goals. It may require
a little research to find out for example what employers want to see, what's out
there in terms of talent etc.
The longer you
take to do this preparation properly the more potent will be the end result -
your animation.
When you have done all this
sit down and write your screenplay. It doesn't have to be professional, just get
down the important parts of the story. You'll need this to create your storyboard.
Next
: Tutorial Part II: Storyboard
Download
The Hunter (MPEG-4 or MPEG-1) here.
Iria
(c) 2001 BANDAI VISUAL et al
*Miss
Croft is based
on Eidos Interactive's Tomb Raider series
