3D Animation is the order of the day for the modern visual arts and media. You cannot help but wonder how far we have come in the technology, and this fact is only evident by the remarkable realism in the 3D animations which feature in animated movies and computer games. But it really involves a complex team effort behind those amazing productions.
They use various computer programs to create realistically appearing and behaving characters and environments. The Autodesk Motion Builder 3d animation software is one of the instruments used in modern day 3d entertainment products.
It is actually one of the latest offerings of AutoDesk, the American animation software giants. However, the software has done pretty well and has attracted a lot attention in a short span of time. The Motion Builder is a creation of the Montreal wing of the organization, produced under their Media and Entertainment Division.
You already would have witnessed the remarkable effects this software can create in recent notable Hollywood blockbusters such as Avatar, which was the winner of the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects in 2010. But apart from that achievement, the software has also been used in a number of computer games such as Assassin’s Creed 2, Wet and Killzone 2.
The AutoDesk Motion Builder is just right for animation artists who need to work through the pipeline production stages. The software has some remarkable features which allow them to create remarkably realistic animations with stunning detail, while also creating the perfect three dimensional environment for it.
The Motion Builder allows artists to produce high quality performance animation through a number of applications featured in it. The software is known for delivering high value in pre-visualization, and more importantly in virtual cinematography, which is fast replacing the traditional one, considering the kind of movies this tool has been utilized for the production of.
Each feature of the AutoDesk Motion Builder holds immense value for helping the artists in the creation of top-notch works of art with amazing realism, and they need to be examined in detail in order to grasp their potential. In fact, in the 2011 version of the Motion Builder, you can even find an additional feature in the Real-Time Engine.
It incorporates all of the tools for modeling, animation and editing. They are functionally set so that 3d animation management becomes more efficient. A statistic, provided by the developer Autodesk, claims that the animation output of a single artist, using the program, is increased by some 250%.
But what really brings the animation to life in the shape of 3D kinematic characters, is the Dynamics feature. The Simulation feature allows the animation artist to offer realistic movements and behavior to the three-dimensional models or characters, which is possible to be executed either within the animation or without it. .
The dynamics feature allows computer graphics artists to create full-body 3-dimensional kinematic characters. One of the most notable tool sets of this module is the character simulation one. Artists can make all kinds of simulations to give the modeled object a realistic behavior and motion. These can be done in line with or separately from the actual animations.
Yet another useful tool of this 3D animation software is Pre-Visualization. The function of this tool is absolutely vital for the creative value of an animation, since it allows editors and directors to preview the animation for the purpose of editing. This also allows them to improve the animation as per their requirements.
The reason why the Pre-Visualization tool can be of great help to productions, is that it allows producers to make improvements in an animation at a very early stage, which can save them a lot of cost, time and energy. Not only does that bring more efficiency to their work, but allows artists to incorporate necessary changes without any difficulty.
The pre-visualization and layout work of graphics artists is made easier with Motion Builder’s Story tool. It is virtually a nonlinear environment, in which many different media types can be put together. This timeline editor makes it possible to tweak, modify and incorporate composed animation tracks. The tool can be used with digital video, audio and camera tracks as well.
The example of the movies the Motion Builder has been used for the production of only illustrates its cinematic value, offering it a competitive edge. Since virtual cinematography is quickly replacing the traditional means of filmmaking, tools like the Motion Builder will define the future of cinema. Its features also allow directors to work with animated characters side by side with real actors to an amazing effect.
Other convenient features of the software include customization specifications and options for Full Pipeline Integration. Since computer graphics artists are offered a simple language scripting language in Python makes encoding a piece cake. It can allow computer graphic artists to make life easier for themselves by building new and customized plug-ins.
The features of the software offer it immense value to aid artists in the pipeline production phases. Since the software offers a QT user interface base, this not only allows them to attain greater efficiency, but also helps them in exploring the potential of the Open Reality kit to the fullest for customizing tools for creating high quality animation.
AutoDesk has a number of other popular software in the market, so you will find the fact that the Motion Builder offers extensive support to all of them very convenient. The main reason for that is the mutual FBX support base of all AutoDesk software, which is yet another dimension where AutoDesk has an edge over their competitors, and can offer greater efficiency and productivity.
These are major benefits for both big and small studios. Computer graphics artists can interoperate Motion Builder with Maya, 3ds Max, Mudbox and Softimage. This is certainly an advantage given that these are award winning products with superb industry reputation based on their performance.
Motion Builder has established its position as one of the best animation tools in the industry, and while the technology on which it is based is still being upgraded, it offers probably the best results in the industry when used with other AutoDesk software. However, it can also be used separately. If animation is your trade, then you should see how it works for you.
Looking to find out how to create 3d animations, then visit www.3dmd.net to find the best advice on choosing a 3d animation software for your projects.
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