In a high-tech Skype interview, I had the pleasure of sitting down (remotely) with John Dickinson of MotionWorks to talk about Video Copilot and some fun stories from the past few years.
Looking back was fun for me and also reminded that I should also thank everyone here for your dedication and support, none of this would be possible without you. Here is to all the exciting things of the future!
Part II should be out next week or so, I'll let everyone know!
I never thought I would be linking to College Humor but they posted a pretty cool montage of some of the most iconic visual effects from the last 100 years.
When did you first gain an interest in the world of visual effects? Was it a movie or even a TV show? For me seeing some behind the scenes work on James Cameron's Terminator 2 was brain-busting. The scene when robert patrick passes through the jail doors always rattled my processor. I also credit the first Matrix movie because it was rather exciting watching how they did some of the amazing shots on set.
I just had an idea to allow the community to design the graphics for the header that could cycle through for everyone to see. It's not really a contest but I'll make a forum topic where people can post their designs and the VC staff will pick some good ones to publish. Sound good? Good.
Notes:
Must include "Video Copilot" & "Presented By: Andrew Kramer".
Looking for slick inspiring designs and color schemes.
Stay away from any humorous stuff, we want to keep it professional.
No recognizable people or products.
Have fun!
Feel free to use one of our tag lines:
Visual Effects & Motion Graphics
Feeding Creativity with Knowledge
Aspire to create, Create to inspire
File size:
879 x 94
Please don't post anything just yet, I'll get the page ready so we can have them all in one place. Then I will let everyone know on the blog where to post them. Keep your PSDs just in case we have minor format adjustments.
It's no secret that I primarily use 3D Max for animation and I think it is a great tool, but the main reason I use it is because I know how to and I haven't worked on a job that required me to change.
Over the years 3D Max has progressed but it seems the push towards only using their compositing solutions has alienated many After Effects compositors and lacked new features that might encourage better integration as 3D becomes more important.
Cinema 4D:
Now the folks at Maxon and creators of Cinema 4D are continually developing a 3D product that encourages and provides better integration (especially for AE users) with the new 11.5 release. Early on, Cinema 4D was a 3D solution that was easy-to-use but perhaps lacked hard-core 3D features but that was years ago. Now they have all the special rendering , particle generation, AE integration, physics/dynamics, character animation tools, keyboard customization and great motion graphics components.
I've got a bit more to say so be sure to click on the read story link below.
I had a chance to Meet the president Paul a couple years ago at AENY and he really seemed dedicated to listening to customers and innovating where others won't.
Conclusions:
This isn't to say Maya or 3D Max isn't a good choice, in fact I think these programs and other popular 3D apps are powerful and used by many studios and it's exciting to see Cinema 4D showing up more and more. The real truth is that if you understand the world of 3D animation, you can likely transition to whatever program you need to if required.
I encourage everyone to investigate the various 3D programs and even download a demo to find the right app for you. I'm certainly not trying to start a mac VS pc debate on 3D programs so please keep the comments intelligent there is no need for bashing of any program. Besides I'm mainly an After Effects guy anyway.
I just wanted to tip my hat to a company that keeps us in mind on the innovation pathway.
PS, this is not a sponsored advertisement obviously but if anyone at Maxon wants to sent me a gift-card or a TV. Just let me know :)
When things go bad, they really go bad! Here was the scene recently at my presentation in Los Angeles. Seems wherever I go, people just boo me :(
In reality it was a great meeting and the group was really supportive, oh wait... that was a different meeting. This one was good too though. Big thanks to everyone for coming, I hope to do it again!
ALL DESIGN TOOLS
