The good news is that there are now software programs that allow mere mortals— rather than an entire art department— to create 3D animatics. These new desktop previsualization tools include Curious Labs Poser 5, SketchUp 4 Film and Video from @Last Software, StoryViz from RealViz software, and Antics from Antics Technologies. While Poser 5 has been continuously upgraded over the years, the latter three are recent offerings that hold new options for 3D previsualizations. The key to effectively using any of these programs is to know what you need— as well as how much time and effort you are willing to spend to get there.
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Antics Technologies software allows filmmakers to position actors and place cameras on a virtual 3D set.
Curious Labs Poser 5 allows users (including writer Erik Holsinger, below!) to render and animate themselves.
@Last Software’s SketchUp originated as a CAD program, but is much easier to use, boasting a connect-the-dots approach.
Antics takes its cues from 3D gaming technology, with point-and-click access to sophisticated models.
Antics characters have scripted behaviors, meaning a character will sit in a chair, lie down on a bed, or open a door.
Director Chuck Russell previsualizes his films in Poser 5 and Corel Bryce 3D, with a dash of PhotoShop to visualize "filmic effects."
StoryViz aims to hybridize pre-vis software and advanced 3D rendering and animation for expert users.
Comments (1) for "A Working Producer Test-Drives Desktop Previsualization Tools That Don’t Require 3D Chops"
1.
You guys left out an extremely important previz software called FrameForge 3D Studio.
FrameForge builds dimensionally accurate sets, has fully posable actors, has premade optically correct format and lens settings and multiple camera POV.
I don't know guys but...
D
Posted by David Walters on Saturday, March 17, 2007 @ 09:28 PM
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