ALL DESIGN TOOLS
In this tutorial we will learn the key functions of 3D matchmoving software (boujou) and demonstrate how to export the camera data and set up the scene geometry.
Part 2 and 3 will follow but this should help you understand where we are going.
September 30th, 2008
117 Comments
Jtk211266
10 years ago
I am trying to do this same thing, (the street crater), except instead of a street this is Antarctic ice pack. I created the meteor, the chunks of ice, etc. but I am having difficulty making the ground match my existing scene. I have a picture I made in Photoshop that is the backdrop for a music video I am doing. This picture is also where I want to crater to be. I need the crater to be in my existing picture or have it match the picture. I went through the entire tutorial and managed to get the ground to look like ice/snow but does not look like the picture. Any advice? Is there somewhere I can post the image for people to see?
Mohammad
16 years ago
Can't wait to do this tutorial
Thanks A.K.
oh and don't listen to the people saying this site should only be about after effects, like you said, you can't limit yourself to just one program, I'm pretty sure that's not how the industry works and from learning a multitude of programs we'll have more to bring to the post production table then just after effects so keep bringing the 3d tuts (Maya tuts if possible?
) and motion tracking/boujou etc etc
Thanks bro, the site's awesome!
Thanks A.K.
oh and don't listen to the people saying this site should only be about after effects, like you said, you can't limit yourself to just one program, I'm pretty sure that's not how the industry works and from learning a multitude of programs we'll have more to bring to the post production table then just after effects so keep bringing the 3d tuts (Maya tuts if possible?
) and motion tracking/boujou etc etcThanks bro, the site's awesome!
Neeraj
16 years ago
hey AK..that was simply awesome, I never thought in my dreams I will be doing this kinda stuff...many many thanks to u man...u rocked.
wwwwwwwwuuuuuuuuuuuuu
waiting for more.......
wwwwwwwwuuuuuuuuuuuuu
waiting for more.......
boribohr
17 years ago
All your work is great. A genius that share his knowledge making it simple ... Powerfull and reliable has a good AK-47 oups sorry AK-AE07
Tkx tkx tkx tkx
Tkx tkx tkx tkx
like some people here ,am having trouble to track the x y z points and my tracking points looks stupid and not working right i dont know why ,am picking the points where i need my object to be on the x zxis and the z for after effects but still not fixed points.
andy
17 years ago
if he would use any other software for tracking wouldnt he use then the tutorial in that software?
gah
17 years ago
Andrew, just wanna ask if how
can I track the camera data in max?
I dont know how to use boujou...
That would be nice...^^,
thanks Andrew..
can I track the camera data in max?
I dont know how to use boujou...
That would be nice...^^,
thanks Andrew..
Andrew Farris
17 years ago
is there by any chance this series can be streamed over the net in iPod video format. Because unfortantly for me I do not have access to high speed Internet except through my iPod touch.
and I've really been looking forward to this series but have no way of watching them. I have all the software and whatnot but no Internet
Thanks,
Andrew
and I've really been looking forward to this series but have no way of watching them. I have all the software and whatnot but no Internet
Thanks,
Andrew
w00
17 years ago
Also found some tutorials, could come in handy
http://boards.theforce.net/Fan_Films/b10015/17604478/p1
http://boards.theforce.net/Fan_Films/b10015/17604478/p1
w00
17 years ago
Here is still the old free version of icarus. I've just downloaded it and installed it. But i dont have a clue yet on how it works.
Here is the link, enjoy:
http://boards.theforce.net/Fan_Films/b10015/16721827/p1
Here is the link, enjoy:
http://boards.theforce.net/Fan_Films/b10015/16721827/p1
Jayen
17 years ago
if you guys are looking for footage you might want to check out tut 49 (magic glass)
http://www.videocopilot.net/tutorials/magic_glass/
its works perfect because the camera is moving towards sam
good stuff
http://www.videocopilot.net/tutorials/magic_glass/
its works perfect because the camera is moving towards sam
good stuff
Marco
17 years ago
Did a little research on the free matchmoving program Icarus. The code was bought by a company called the Pixel Farm, and was turned into a full fledged program. See more about it here:
http://hodgkiss.wordpress.com/2008/05/09/matchmoving/
http://hodgkiss.wordpress.com/2008/05/09/matchmoving/
Ashley Maman
17 years ago
well i gotta admit u hav done it again Mr. Kramer lol very well done and i cant wait till the second part
Ramin
17 years ago
andrew you Rock as always.
When Did you start this profession.was it your attitude from childhood or just like other interesting things you wanted to learn in teenagehood ?!
When Did you start this profession.was it your attitude from childhood or just like other interesting things you wanted to learn in teenagehood ?!
illd
17 years ago
Hey Kramer, that was so helpfull and funny,thank you.
I had to laugh five minutes about that stupid hole joke. My girlfriend was shaking their head the whole time
I had to laugh five minutes about that stupid hole joke. My girlfriend was shaking their head the whole time
Mark_B
17 years ago
First of all, thanks for the great tutorial. This is the first accessible tutorial on matchmoving I've been able to find! Great work Andrew and other guys!
There's one small problem I came across when going through the Boujou steps:
When I try to select two dots from the camera solve to add scene geometry, the program will only select them in (large) groups. As far as I can tell from the tutorial Andrew just clicks on one, and ctrl+clicks on a second. But when I click one, it selects a lot of the dots (About half of everything!). Also tried ctrl+clicking for the first one, but it makes no difference. And if I can't select two, it seems impossible to give the program a good idea on the geometry.
Am I overseeing something obvious? Or is my track wrong? It seems allright though.
Hope someone can tell. Thanks in advance!
There's one small problem I came across when going through the Boujou steps:
When I try to select two dots from the camera solve to add scene geometry, the program will only select them in (large) groups. As far as I can tell from the tutorial Andrew just clicks on one, and ctrl+clicks on a second. But when I click one, it selects a lot of the dots (About half of everything!). Also tried ctrl+clicking for the first one, but it makes no difference. And if I can't select two, it seems impossible to give the program a good idea on the geometry.
Am I overseeing something obvious? Or is my track wrong? It seems allright though.
Hope someone can tell. Thanks in advance!
ErvinTheGreat
17 years ago
I wouldn't really recommend boujou to the average guy just messing around with special effects though... it can be a bit costly. Look into a program called Icarus, some other members here have talked about it here. It's an excellent program and it basically does almost the same things as boujou but it's not as pricy. I think there's a free version out there but Idk if that was taken down or not... it would help to research that.
Atnas
17 years ago
Andy: 3d tracking software is required, since the camera moves in 3d space, not just pans around like in the meteor crash tutorial
Donovan
17 years ago
hey andrew,relly sry to be off topic but fringe episode 4, S.E Kramer Manufacturing? cudn't help but to wonder if you had anything to do with that lol
joris strickx
17 years ago
Just keep heading this way. 3D integration is awsome. You make it look like a 5 year old can do it. very well explained in a very understandable way. You're still the best teacher for AE and now becoming more then that.
Zhi
17 years ago
maybe someone could do a lighting/rendering for 3d integration tut for Maya.. 
because when I saw the other meteor debris tutorial in 3ds max... I was stunned how the MAX skylight is effective for quick and simple realistic rendering!
Mentalray for maya is just sooo complex..
because when I saw the other meteor debris tutorial in 3ds max... I was stunned how the MAX skylight is effective for quick and simple realistic rendering!
Mentalray for maya is just sooo complex..
Zhi
17 years ago
I didn't the list of export format in the tutorial, but is there a format for Maya 2008?
I know there's this After Effect (maya) conventional .ma format, but how comes AE can read a maya scene file?
I know there's this After Effect (maya) conventional .ma format, but how comes AE can read a maya scene file?
@Tommy
-I have MatchMover, it??´s cheaper.
i just don??´t know how to use it, its sort of different from Boujou.
-I have MatchMover, it??´s cheaper.
i just don??´t know how to use it, its sort of different from Boujou.
ben says...
17 years ago
andrew. on a side note, congrats on fringe...
also kramer manufacturing.... very nice.
if it was scripted, so be it.
if not. keep having fun.
also kramer manufacturing.... very nice.
if it was scripted, so be it.
if not. keep having fun.
kippyjoe
17 years ago
great tutorial, I now think I have a successful track, although I did run into problems along the way, i think i sorted them out.
this tut + the mental ray production shaders = awesomeness
this tut + the mental ray production shaders = awesomeness
Josh
17 years ago
Hey Andrew,
Big fan! Why do you need to set up a coordinate system (tell boujou where X, Y and Z are)? Does Boujou autmatically set that up in the camera solve? Is it necessary or just a good step to help with the workflow? How can you determine where X,Y and Z are?
Big fan! Why do you need to set up a coordinate system (tell boujou where X, Y and Z are)? Does Boujou autmatically set that up in the camera solve? Is it necessary or just a good step to help with the workflow? How can you determine where X,Y and Z are?
Jason
17 years ago
Really cool! Looks like I'll have to get me Bonjour.. Not very skilled when it comes to 3d programs. I do have Cinema 4D, but really new to it.
hey Andrew, congrats to the article on Smashingmagazine for your Fringe Title.
http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2008/10/01/behind-the-design-5-stories-of-great-inspiration/
http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2008/10/01/behind-the-design-5-stories-of-great-inspiration/
andy
17 years ago
Darren Doyle:
we can track this in AE, you dont need a 3d tracking software for this. but still cool.
we can track this in AE, you dont need a 3d tracking software for this. but still cool.
GOD, every time a new tutorial is out it never ceases to amaze! well done Andrew thanks for everything, it was your site that got me into film and FX
Darren Doyle
17 years ago
Hey Andrew..when are you gonna do some Star wars stuff...check this out...amazing camera tracking..nearly as good as your stuff..but not quite
http://www.dailymotion.com/gb/featured/video/x6woyj_death-star-over-san-francisco_travel
http://www.dailymotion.com/gb/featured/video/x6woyj_death-star-over-san-francisco_travel
vman
17 years ago
SynthEyes does a great job and its only 399.. I used it all the time for this time for this type of work. Same basic work flow.. Track and Solve.. then set up your coordinate system and then export. For those using Cinema 4D.. you export as a Lightwave scene. Anyone interested in the workflow drop me an email
thetaxidriver@mac.com
http://www.ssontech.com/learning.htm
thetaxidriver@mac.com
http://www.ssontech.com/learning.htm
Thais
17 years ago
It was a coincidence that the name of the industry of yesterday Fringe episode was Kramer?
lol
lol
Dan
17 years ago
all this shot needs now is for Tino to be hit by a random car after escaping the meteor...or possibly a Dominos delivery boy...
@ Andy, Have you followed the steps correctly?
It only makes a composition of a composition, so you don't nessesaraly have to worry about not having two. All you need is your Camera exported and/or null objects (if checked/flagged).
It only makes a composition of a composition, so you don't nessesaraly have to worry about not having two. All you need is your Camera exported and/or null objects (if checked/flagged).
andy
17 years ago
andrew so when you imported teh boujou file in after effects it made two compositions?
i only got one.
i only got one.
ray
17 years ago
simply just Awsome Andrew,i really can wait to see it all comming together . but i was hoping there are some guys around here who can also show me how to do this in Maya.
Codemonkey123
17 years ago
GREAT TUTE Kramer & Gang. Once again you explain and simplify a potentially daunting task.
Thank you, take the month off....
Thank you, take the month off....
Biere
17 years ago
@VCP STAFF: please HELP...the video doesn't show up.
I click on the watch icon, it opens up the page for the video, but id doesn't start...
I click on the watch icon, it opens up the page for the video, but id doesn't start...
vcpJunkie
17 years ago
Just watched it, absolutely brilliant...thanks for another excellent tutorial....
respect and gratitude to VCP.....
respect and gratitude to VCP.....
I'll be putting the footage and camera data files out with the other tutorials... when they are ready.
Infaas
17 years ago
EID MUBARAK to everyone out there!
and what a treat from Andrew .
Thanks alot man!
and what a treat from Andrew .
Thanks alot man!
Destroyergla
17 years ago
thanks for teaching us so many things...
also I was watching Fringe and a warehouse ,in an episode, was named after, you i think....
also I was watching Fringe and a warehouse ,in an episode, was named after, you i think....
Jason
17 years ago
http://www.peerlessproductions.com/tuts/pages/Icarus.html
Apparently you can download Icarus here. Have not tried it yet.
Apparently you can download Icarus here. Have not tried it yet.
Hey Andrew do you plan on releasing the footage for this portion of the project? I may be willing to do a Syntheyes/C4D version of the first part of the turoial .
.
Marco
17 years ago
This tutorial is awesome however, I'm sure most of us need an alternative to Boujou considering the price. The freeware matchmoving program Icarus is discontinued. Anyone know of a comparable piece of software for mac/pc?
however, I'm sure most of us need an alternative to Boujou considering the price. The freeware matchmoving program Icarus is discontinued. Anyone know of a comparable piece of software for mac/pc?
Alemão
17 years ago
WOW that's great i was waiting for this for a long time know i just need the second part.
Thanks andrew for the great tutorial and continue a good job.
Thanks andrew for the great tutorial and continue a good job.
one question for you ,how do we know which points tp select ? is it always the points close to the ground or the eara that the object will be replaced at .please ypu advise on this point.
you said soon ,and you did ,thanks alot i learned some good stuff in boujou from this last tutorials.
andy
17 years ago
Scott i agree.
i know that some guy will now say that boujou is really easie to use. no its f... not. a lot of people didnt understand the software until now.
but this is why andrews tutorials are the best. when he wants to make a tutorial he doesnt just jump recording. he makes a plan and thinks about the best and easiest way to to teach.
i know that some guy will now say that boujou is really easie to use. no its f... not. a lot of people didnt understand the software until now.
but this is why andrews tutorials are the best. when he wants to make a tutorial he doesnt just jump recording. he makes a plan and thinks about the best and easiest way to to teach.
andy
17 years ago
when you said that you can use markers you also said that you would need to paint them out.
we could also export it in after effects and use images to replace the amrkers right?
for example the cards on the street. we could use images in AE to replace them right?the good thing about matchmoving is that you have the 3d data so you dont need to paint when it comes to a floor or walls.
we could also export it in after effects and use images to replace the amrkers right?
for example the cards on the street. we could use images in AE to replace them right?the good thing about matchmoving is that you have the 3d data so you dont need to paint when it comes to a floor or walls.
HashemMohammad
17 years ago
??´??????±??§ ????????? ??§???????¯??±???? ??¹?????????? ???????°??§ ??§????????????¬???????????¯...???????????? ????????????¯??± ???????°??§
thx andrew
thx andrew
wow cool. I'm again commenting before I watch just because. Thanks Andrew and team for all your hard work. I can't wait to polish my matchmoving skills
Peace!
Peace!
Dan
17 years ago
For anyone thats interested, there is a FREE matchmoving program floating about on the internet called Icarus, google it and you should be able to get the personal edition which pretty much works in the same way as Boujou. I have tested it on a few bits of footage and it seems to be pretty good considering the price!
It exports camera data in the same way and has options for free movement camera footage and tripod footage plus the extra calibration for origin points, axis and ground plane alignment.
Hope this helps a few people who want to do this stuff but lack the budget (like me!)
Dan
It exports camera data in the same way and has options for free movement camera footage and tripod footage plus the extra calibration for origin points, axis and ground plane alignment.
Hope this helps a few people who want to do this stuff but lack the budget (like me!)
Dan
andy
17 years ago
thanks AK for this. importing to AE never worked to me. now i know why. your solution was simple and good. copy the position of the null object.
this is the first normal boujou tutorial.
belive me i will promote this tutorial on a lot of 3D forums. and i will also buy your new DVD. i will support your site because you always explain everything so simple. you spend a lot of time so that we understand you.
thanks again.
this is the first normal boujou tutorial.
belive me i will promote this tutorial on a lot of 3D forums. and i will also buy your new DVD. i will support your site because you always explain everything so simple. you spend a lot of time so that we understand you.
thanks again.
McManus
17 years ago
Thanks again Mr.Kramer.
You make people's dreams come true.
Moltes gr?? cies...
You make people's dreams come true.
Moltes gr?? cies...
David
17 years ago
Wow, AK, you are pretty incredible. I've been waiting for this to arive.
The real question is, "Can I do it in Blender?" I will definitely give it a shot.
The real question is, "Can I do it in Blender?" I will definitely give it a shot.
Martin
17 years ago
I have tried Boujou before, and you might wanne set it up to 3DS Max. Copy / Paste from the help files:
"boujou defaults to a Y-up coordinate system. 3DS Max users may prefer to change this default to Z-up by clicking on the Preferences button in the Toolbox and selecting Edit->Options->3D Display>Preferred Camera Orientation->Z-up, Y-forward."
"boujou defaults to a Y-up coordinate system. 3DS Max users may prefer to change this default to Z-up by clicking on the Preferences button in the Toolbox and selecting Edit->Options->3D Display>Preferred Camera Orientation->Z-up, Y-forward."
