Lightwave 10 released and shipping

New features demoed by Rob Powers ( Vice President, 3D Development )

He demoed the new features of Lightwave 10 in a conference call for European media. We did get a detailed overview about the new release of Lightwave 10.

New features of Lightwave 10, demo by Rob Powers >>

Interview with Brad Peebler about Modo

The Modo Road Trip came to Amsterdam on the 24th of octobre and we had the opportunity to interview Brad Peebler (CEO of Luxology and co-founder of Modo).

Explore Modo 3d with Brad Peebler >>

Interview with Lino Grandi about Lightwave 10

From 10 to 14 September in the RAI Amsterdam, the IBC exhibition was a taken place. One of the important exhibitions for television networks and boardcast techniques. Newtek did show their TriCaster and of course there was also the new version of Lightwave 10 to see. With Lino Grandi (Feature Film Creature Rigging and Visual Effects Supervisor from italy) behind the Mac. He asked him to show us the latest features of Lightwave 10 specially for 3dAnimation.be See what Lino Grandi did show us in Lightwave 10 >>

 

3d Animation News:

Newtek Lightwave 10

 

LightWave 10 is the first release of LightWave 3D® to integrate NewTek’s CORE technology with Modeler and Layout. The three elements work in unison to give you the workflow and functionality you’re familiar with, along with the interactive power of the innovative CORE technologies. LightWave’s speed, flexibility, value and control are the benefits you rely on and LightWave 10 delivers all that and more. Learn about Lightwave 10 >>

Tips to make your own 3D demoreel

To make a good impression on potential employers when you want to land a great job, it is imperative to have a super demoreel that shows what you can do and includes only your best work. Your demo is like a business card and resume with 3d animation and sound, and it is much more impressive. With it you can demonstrate your skills in such a way that those who view your presentation will admire your creativity, believe you will be an asset to their company and want you to work for them. Make you own demoreel >>

How to Become a 3D Animator

To make a good impression on potential employers when you want to land a great job, it is imperative to have a super demoreel that shows what you can do and includes only your best work. Your demo is like a business card and resume with 3d animation and sound, and it is much more impressive. With it you can demonstrate your skills in such a way that those who view your presentation will admire your creativity, believe you will be an asset to their company and want you to work for them. How to become a 3D animator >>

Introduction to 3D Animation

Groundbreaking and visually appealing, 3D animation breathes life onto a
2-dimensional screen by creating moving objects and characters that have dimension depth. Today, the 3D style is standard in films, video games, and other visual media because of its visual uniqueness and lifelike appearance.

History

Since the 1970s, elements of 3D animation have been used for small parts in movies and instructional films. Some well-known films that use 3D elements are Tron (1982), Terminator 2 (1991), and Jurassic Park (1993), among others. A number of short films from the 1980s and 1990s also feature 3D techniques.

Elements of 3D animation used in the movies: Tron, Terminator 2 and Jurassic Park

The first feature-length 3D computer animated movie was Pixar's Toy Story, released in 1995, which was so successful that it led to the wide variety of 3D films made today. 3D elements are now incorporated into most live action films as well.

Other Uses of 3D

Although we generally think of 3D animation as a mode of entertainment, this technique is also an essential tool in improving many technical fields, such as medicine, aviation, and architecture. Below are just a few alternative uses of 3D computer animation:

• Medicine: virtual surgeries can be performed to teach future practitioners.
• Aviation and Space: flight simulator programs prepare pilots and astronauts for real-world experience.
• Rehabilitation: animation can teach stroke victims to regain the use of their limbs.
• Real Estate: developers create 3D media from blueprints to show potential home buyers, architects, or contractors a visual form of the finished structure.

Today, the use of 3D animation continues to expand as technology improves; it is exciting to see what new advances will be made to train and educate technical professionals in the future.

How is 3D Animation Created?

Although many believe that 3D animation is simpler than traditional 2D animation, that is not true. There are many steps taken before an animated film, element, or short is completed. Below is a very simplified explanation of how a 3D character is animated in a scene.

LightWave 3D 9: Foundations of Character Animation brought to you by KURV studios

• Modeling the Character
  First, an artist will create sketches of a character from several angles and viewpoints. The artist creating the 3D model then refers to these sketches as he or she creates a 3D image using specialized 3D animation software. The finished model can be viewed from all angles on the screen, and can be moved and manipulated as well.
  Usually, the 3D sculptor will create an inner skeleton for the character, which will be used to create movement, such as walking. This skeleton has an outer mesh (flesh, features, etc.) that moves along with it. Texture, color, and other features that enhance realism are also created using the various tools available through the animation software.
  
  
• Setting the Scene
  Next, the setting is created. This involves building a 3D set on screen with props and scenery. Also, lighting is vital to setting the scene. 3D software allows the animator to place the lighting so that it will interact with the rest of the scenery and the characters, creating a lifelike effect. The brightness, color, intensity, and direction are all artistic and realistic choices that the filmmaker can decide on and select.
  
  
• Creating animation
  The animator now must breathe life into the characters by creating believable movement in the skeleton. Usually, animators create key frames, or essential moments that tell the basic story. The software then generates the in-between movements, so that the animator doesn't have to manually move the character, frame by frame. Of course, the software allows an animator to tweak these movements as needed.
  
  
• Rendering and Editing
  Once the animation is done, it is rendered to a video format that can be watched, cut, mixed, and edited for completion.
  
  

Software

There are a variety of ways to animate in 3D. The type of software, complexity, and quality of the finished product will, of course, depend a lot on the skill of the animator as well as the 3D animation software used.

3D computer animation can be created at home by even the most inexperienced amateur, using free or inexpensive animation software. However, skilled professionals will want to invest in programs that are capable of quality rendering, flexible tools, and the finesse needed to create professional media. With technological advances, programs are being created and improved constantly.

Schooling and Education

Most professional animators undertake rigorous training and complete a 3D animation program at an accredited school or university to prepare them for this vigorous and complex field. The question how to become a 3d animator is often a career that requires artistic ability, an understanding of movement and timing, a knowledge of film techniques, and a thorough facility with software tools.

Selecting a school will depend a lot on the type of 3D animation program one is interested in. For example, those interested in software and gaming animation will want to apply to schools that specialize in these fields.

It is important to note that many universities will require the student to apply to the animation program before beginning the more advanced animation courses. This often requires a portfolio or demoreel that showcases the student's artistic ability as well an understanding of the basic principles of animation.

Conclusion

Through its appealing, realistic method of bringing life to a 2-dimensional surface, 3D animation is an effective way to capture audiences of all ages, whether to teach, enlighten, or entertain.