-
OT-Animation
I work in a university media production department. I have been charged with evaluating 3D packages for use by our production personnel. None of us have animation backgrounds, but we are graphic designers, web designers, and video production people. We won’t be trying to make Shrek 7 but simple animations for web work, CD delivery, and within video productions. We hope to provide some support for research projects, but not full-blown scientific visualizations.
I have some experience with After Effects, more with Boris FX, and am now using Motion.
Beyond recommendations for which software to try, I’d like to hear from video people that occasionally produce 3D about their trials and tribulations. Also any good software reviews/comparisons would be appreciated.
Much Thanks.“Where ever you go, there you are.”
-
2 Replies
-
cweath,
What kind of 3D animation would you want to do? If you just want to do 3D text or extrude a logo then the easiest and best looking route would be Zaxwerks 3D invigorator for After Effects. If you wnat to do character animation or complex objects, Cinema 4D or Maya or many others.
If you have FCP, there are a ton of cool 3rd party plugins the help you animate in the NLE, from Boris, Eureka!, etc. and Kevin Monihan’s book Motion Graphics and Effects in FCP is a great way to get started.
-
So you need a good 3D package? Have a Mac? Maya and Cinema 4D are the most popular with broadcast graphics pros. They integrate with After Effects very well too. Problem with 3D apps? Steep learning curve! Just keep after it. I myself am always trying to learn something new in AE, C4D and Shake. If you want to max out FCP’s FX capability (you’d be surprised), please check out my book.
Kevin Monahan
Author – Motion Graphics and Effects in Final Cut Pro
fcpworld.com
Reply to this Discussion! Login or Sign Up