Animating Avatar

ALMA

Alma from Rodrigo Blaas on Vimeo.

Sweet Story & Lovely Style !

Avatar 3D Sculptures !

Here it goes, the 3D sculptures of characters from AVATAR done in ZBRUSH posted at zbrushcentral.com ! Check out Scott Patton digital concept sculpts ...

U Like Avatar, U Will Love This Link ...

The Alien Ecosystem of Avatar ! Checkout this amazing feature video on the alien life of Pandora ... Loads of other videos out there too about the interview, making and the story behind the AVATAR !

December Cloud ...

Taken with my new HTC Hero, these fantastic cloud formation brings the winter chill...

Making of Burning Safari

Making of Burning Safari, Florent de La Taille from Florent de La Taille on Vimeo.

A really cool video showing the making of a beautiful short "Burning Safari"...

Getting A Promotion 11 Steps

Here is a great article on animation career ... really useful tips !

" In my own experience, being good at what you do and having an ‘easy-to-get-along-with’ attitude are key to being considered for a promotion.

If you rock the boat too much at work or you’re too outspoken it’s probably not going to help you, but at the same time being too aloof and not communicating with people isn’t well received either.

You want people to want to work with you again, so here’s eleven ways to put yourself in good standing in the animation production environment and increase your chances of getting a promotion….(in no particular order)

1. Take time to produce the highest quality animation that you possibly can. This one sounds obvious, but if you can impress them with your animation your name will become known around the studio.

2. Mentoring others. This is really important. We’ve promoted people because they were doing this (among other things mentioned in this list). Helping others who are having trouble in production – could be with software or animation skills. If your successful in helping someone else to improve their knowledge and skills, you’ll be seen as a leader.

3. Take direction well. Don’t get irritated with retakes/revisions, or at least don’t show it.

4. Offer suggestions when you see an issue or problem in production. Don’t overdo this one though, you could come off as overzealous. You don’t want to step on the toes of your supervisor or lead (or director). Take the opportunities to offer solutions to a problem that has been identified by someone else.

5. Try not to go to your supervisor with every question or concern that you may have. Make an effort to figure it our on our own first. If they feel like they have to hold your hand, they’re not going to promote you. Besides you are better off answering your own question at your workstation than answering it while standing in front of your supervisor or directors desk. (you will often answer your own question when you start to talk about it out loud).

6. Be easy to get along with and try to maintain a positive attitude. This is important in any work place. Try and stay on good terms with everyone. May not always be easy but try your best. That one person you don’t get along with could end up becoming your supervisor!

7. Work at least eight hours per day or what’s being asked by the studio. Sounds obvious, but most studios don’t have a specific start and end time. It’s usually understood that you are a responsible adult and won’t take advantage. It’s also understood that you have integrity and you’re there because you want to be there.

8. External Contacts. It can come in handy if the studio is staffing up for a production and you’re able to refer them to some good people.

9. Diversity in skills. Having experience in both 2D and 3D Animation makes you a valuable asset to the company. 1.) You’ll be able to work on any type of project that comes through the door. 2.) You can train others in 2D or 3D to work on those productions.

10. Always be willing and ready to help out with any last minute ‘fill-ins’ (work that won’t get done in time), or animation tests that need to be done for a potential project. Sometimes, when you work on an animation test you’ll get promoted if the studio is awarded that project. Show an interest in it and make it clear that you would like to work on it.

11. Be professional. Don’t talk nasty about the director or any other people while you’re at work. Stay positive while your there. If you can’t your better off being quiet. You can vent later at the pub or coffee place.

Follow these suggestions when possible and you’ll likely be in good standing in any production studio. Remember not to be too overanxious or pushy. If you know there is an animation test, ask to work on it but don’t be a pest – that will hurt you more than help.

If your studio offers any on-the-job training, take it. Especially if it’s learning a new software package. Your getting a free course and it shows your employer that your ambitious. Plus your likely to draw from that information sometime in the future. I always have. "

To read more just click here ...

2012 CGSociety Coverage

One of the most intensive movie yet produced, 2012 has revolutionized the big screen. Though the storyline was a bit lacking, the movie stand ups with all the amazing VFX. Here is a behind the scene cgsociety coverage on the making of this VFX full block buster. Click the image above for more info on how Digital Domain made the movie possible.

Also, here is a quick link at CGChannel on behind the scene with Digital Domain...

The Men Who Stare at Goats

Sometimes the smallest animations can have the biggest impact. In George Clooney’s latest film, 'The Men Who Stare at Goats', he plays a character who believes he has the psychic power to control his surroundings. While the FX were nominal, they were pivotal in achieving this storyline.

Check out this cgsociety coverage behind the making of "The Men Who Stare at Goats" ...

35 Incredible Digital Painting Tutorials

Smashing Magazine has posted links to 35 great digital painting tutorials taken from all over the CG-site world. Click the above image for the link ...

Lonely Sunset

A quick speed painting that I did in my free time. Just wanted to create a calm ocean at the time of sunset with a lonely boatman rowing his way ... hence the title Lonely Sunset !

2012 "Vegas in Ruins"

Here is a clip showing behind the scenes footage on the work done to make a realistic Las Vegas after an apocalyptic event. I just can't wait to see this VFX full movie ! Truly awesome ...

Photo real digital facial animation

At TEDxUSC, computer graphics trailblazer Paul Debevec explains the scene-stealing technology behind Digital Emily, a digitally constructed human face so realistic it stands up to multiple takes.

HL2 Rocks !

I seriously loved playing Half Life 2. And this is by far one of my favorite HL2 character. I killed a lot of them in the game. Well, the original inspiration for this painting came from a HL2 wallpaper. I loved it so decided to paint it in Photoshop with a bit of my flavor...

2 Medhak

NEW PROJECT "2 MEDHAK" COMPLETE! Credit goes equally to all of us at Incessant Rain Animation who worked with dedication, patience and constant efforts.

I worked as a Lead Rigger for this project :)

Shy Spider

This little jumping spider crawled down the wall near my desk. I just couldn't resist to take a snap...

G.I.Joe Production Focus

Here is a cgsociety production focus on previz, plate creation and the mysteries of Digital Matte Painting a heap of visual effects shots for 'G.I. JOE: The Rise of Cobra.'

X - Goofy

With the shocking news that Disney buys Marvel, many artist created a mash up of Disney and Marvel characters. So here is my own creation. Its my all time favorite Disney character Goofy and Wolverine of Marvel. Blended them both, and here it is the incredible X - Goofy !

Disney Marvel MashUp

The news of Disney buying Marvel has set off shockwaves in the entertainment industry. That means Super-Man, Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, X-Men, Captain America and the other 5,000 characters in the Marvel library will soon be part of the House of Mouse.

So here is a clash of Disney and Marvel character mash up...Isn't is Shocking?

For more funny images click here...
Disney Buys Marvel...

Pixologic Turntable Gallary

Click the above image to get into the world of Pixologic's gallery of stunning turntable. The site is constantly updating its gallery with great art work.

Palm Tree Rig Demo

Here is a procedural rigging demonstration tutorial that I created for a palm tree for a little short. The rigging doesn't involve any dynamics but uses a couple of expression. Enjoy the demo !

The Saboteur

Here is a sneak peak at the look development of "The Saboteur" game posted on cgsociety. Featuring great environment set at war time paris with beautiful concept arts, I can't wait to play this game !

Avatar - Teaser Trailer

Avatar takes us to a spectacular new world beyond our imagination, where a reluctant hero embarks on a journey of redemption and discovery, as he leads a heroic battle to save a civilization. The film was first conceived by Cameron 14 years ago, when... the means to realize his vision did not yet exist...

Click the image above to watch a teaser trailer for Avatar...

Seriously waiting to watch this one in theater !

Just For Fun...

Animation Mentor Summer 2009 Reel

Click the image above to check out the latest show reel from animation mentor for summer 2009.

Singha...

Recently updated some photographs on flickr. This is a traditional Newari metal statue of a Singha (Mythical Lion)...Usually a pair of Singha stand at the main entrance of a temple as a guard !

The Making of Up

Gnomon School of Visual Effects and the VES bring you a fun-filled night with a behind-the scenes look into the creation of this summer’s box office hit, Up. Special guest Gary Bruins (Effects Supervisor) will share his experience of working on the film and what it took to make this special, animated feature.

Vol Libre "First Fractal Geometry"

I just came across this video by (Pixar's Chief Scientist) Loren Carpenter, who describes his work as follows:

"I made this film in 1979-80 to accompany a SIGGRAPH paper on how to synthesize fractal geometry with a computer. It is the world's first fractal movie. It utilizes 8-10 different fractal generating algorithms. I used an antialiased version of this software to create the fractal planet in the Genesis Sequence of Star Trek 2, the Wrath of Khan. These frames were computed on a VAX-11/780 at about 20-40 minutes each."

I was not even born at that time. There is a primitive teapot in the scene, may be the beginning of it as well. Click the image above to watch the video...

U2 - I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight

Here is a music video for U2's new single "I'll go crazy if I don't go crazy tonight". I love the animation and the storyline of this music video. Also, the slow panning of camera from left to right creates an interesting mood in combination with the actual song. The blend of animation with the song goes very well...

Gnomon Wallpapers

Click the image above for free cool wallpapers from the Gnomon Workshop Image Challenge Winners...

Gears of War Movie Details from SDCC ‘09

Seems like every successful game is now turning in to the big screen. Guess what, its rumored that Rock is playing Marcus Fenix. I hope that the movie is not DOOMED. Click the image above for more details of Gears of Wars the movie.

Balloo "Toony Ball Rig"

Hello everyone, Finally got some time to do a bit of toony ball rig. Balloo is a toony ball rig with a tail for the purpose of learning and enjoying the art of animation :)

Any comments and feedbacks are greatly appreciated. Feel free to contact me for any query suggestions at my mailing id...

Click here for the rig...
Click here for a video demonstration...

Enjoy...

TR2N (aka Tron Legacy)

Slideshow featuring pictures of concept art and of the Tron Legacy cast and crew panel at Comic Con '09...

Here are some more images and video trailer for Tron Legacy on cghub.com... Click Here...

Total Solar Eclipse

I was lucky enough to capture this heavenly moment in my camcorder. It was mainly cloudy but I got a sneak peek inside this historical event which happens in more than a century (^__^)...Click the image above and Enjoy !

ICE AGE 3 :: Production Focus

Blue Sky did it again, watched it in the theater and was a marvelous piece of movie. Really loved the movie...

Great animation and some really good VFX...

Blue Sky Studios' VFX Supervisor Kirk Garfield faced an imposing list of FX and volumetrics for the third installment of Ice Age. In this feature, CGSociety digs deep into the geeky depths of Maya to show how they made snow stick.

Also, here is a podcast on Scientific American on artists working at Blue Sky...

Click Here...

Ribbon MEL

Here is a little MEL script that I wrote for easily creating a deformable ribbon setup. User have the ability to change the length, width, number of joints (UV Span)...

Click the here for the link...

Enjoy !

Terminator Salvation :: Game Production Focus

Here is a cgsociety production focus of stream line studios venture into making of Terminator Salvation game...

Funky -- Rigging Details by Keith Lango...

Here is a bit of rigging techniques involved in the creation of this Funky character named Otto created by Kieth Lango...Pretty interesting setup with good old simple techniques...

Keith Lango Blog...
Funkiest Man Alive...

Photographs Updated...Clouds

So here it goes again...Got some time to capture these beautiful moments of the nature...Enjoy !

Fable 2 : Special Feature

Fable 1 was a smash hit among the gamers and enthusiasts alike. Here comes Fable 2 which will most likely be a great game ! Here is a cgsociety exclusive special coverage of the game...

Transformer 2 Production Focus

Transformer 2 production focus posted on cgsociety...

Story of a little goat... "Sacrifice"

Sacrifice is a 2d/3d hybrid short featuring the story of a little goat who got separated from his parents and faces life and death situation along his path. The animation is being done by a very good animator and my friend Deepak and his team. I got a chance to work on this little project as a rigger...

Link to Blog...
Link to Site...

Transformer Revenge of the Fallen...

Eye Lid Rigging Tutorial

This is a video tutorial that I did on joint based eye lid rigging. Hope you peoples enjoy it...

Transformer 2 Statistics

Robots 14 robots last time, 46 robots this time (ILM only) If you had all the gold ever mined in the history of man, you could build a little more than half of Devastator. Optimus Prime will be life size on IMAX screens in many forest fight shots. Devastator’s hand is traveling 390 miles per hour when he punches the pyramid. The pyramid destruction simulation was 8 times bigger than the old rigid simulation all-time record holder at ILM. All robot parts laid out end to end would stretch from one side of California to the other, about 180 miles Devastator’s parts stacked tip to tip would be as tall as 58 empire state buildings. If all the texture maps on the show were printed on 1 square yard sheets, they would cover 13 football fields. Disk space TF1 took 20 Terabytes of disk space. Trans2 took 145 Terabytes. Seven times bigger! 145 terabytes would fill 35,000 DVDs. Stacked one on top of the other without storage cases, they would be 145 feet tall. Rendering times If you rendered the entire movie on a modern home PC, you would have had to start the renders 16,000 years ago (when cave paintings like the Hall of Bulls were being made) to finish for this year’s premiere! A single imax shot in the movie (df250) would have taken almost 3 years to render on a top of the line home PC running nonstop. IMAX frame render times: As high as 72 hours per frame! Imax Optimus Prime will be life size on IMAX screens in many forest fight shots. Imax frames take about 6 times longer than anamorphic to render. IMAX frame render times: As high as 72 hours per frame! ILM screen time ILM Screen Time is about 51 minutes. Devastator Devastator is as tall as a 10 story building. Devastator has more than 10 times the number of individual parts found in an average car. Laid out end to end, Devastator’s parts would be almost 14 miles long. Devastator totals Number of geom pieces: 52632 The total number of polygons: 11,716,127 The total length of all pieces: 73090 feet The total length of all pieces: 13.84 miles

Now...that's freaking statistics...crazy huh?

Source

Yet Again...Terminater 4

Here is another production foicus of terminator 4 in cgsociety...

Meet the spy...

Great character design and great animation...

Octopus is alive !!!

A CGS feature article on how Rhythm & Hues animated the octopus in Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian.

Introducing Spotlight and Lightbox...

A demonstration of two new amazing features for Zbrush 4....Preety Cool !

Angels & Demons "Behind the scene..."

An article about for behind the scene with the Moving Picture Company for the newest block buster Angels & Demons...posted on cgchannel...

A gloomy wave and the lighthouse...

I have been always interested in wave. This time I thought of painting a wave with a dramatic feel to it. There is a silhouette of a hill in the background. I wanted to bring a feeling of stormy sea with a lighthouse beaming the lights. I wanted to put more lighting to the painting with more dramatic contrast. The hills in the background are actually burning (Forest fire). A sense of tense is created in this painting. I used photoshop for this digital painting...