[Jeff Memmer]

This is one of the best threads I’ve seen in awhile. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a load of good stuff on this forum, but, man, I’m telling ya, this rendering speed deal is what really keeps me, as a novice, from doing a whole lot with AE and other pro to prosumer level software.

It’s amazingly cool how the prices have dropped and how easy it is to get a copy of pro software now – and even the learning curve is reduced by the web and all of the free information out there, including info on this website. But… it’s the rendering time for even the small stuff that’s such a killer.

I’m sure there’s a lot of others out there – weekend warriors who would love to do some more creative stuff, but hit that rendering barrier, where it’s just not worth the time to sit and wait – mainly because our paychecks aren’t dependent on it.

It’s great that we now have cheap storage capacity to do the projects, but it’s really going to be awesome when the processing power starts increasing again. Maybe in a few years we’ll see some of these often spoken of “breakthroughs” in computing actually hit the market and make our weekend fun a little more fun.

And if that’s the case, can you imagine how big sites like this will grow, because so many people will actually have the ability to share creative ideas that can turn more quickly into real projects…

I still have to check and make sure the hamsters are ok in my simple little HP.

Hey, but did you see Michael Bay talking about how with 3 robots in a scene, that it took them 38 hours to render one frame of film for Transformers:

https://www.amazon.com/Transformers-Shia-Labeouf/dp/B000VR0570/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1204176257&sr=8-1

It’s about 2:30 into the short video titled Transformers: Inside the Allspark.

And you KNOW that they had a good setup…

[Jeff Memmer]

You could always try a program like iClone, which allows you to map a picture to the characters face and then use a green background when creating a scene, which can be keyed out.

[Jeff Memmer]

Ok, I did find one from

https://boards.theforce.net/fan_films/b10015/23536106

Though, any other would be great too.

[Jeff Memmer]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9tc48FR9Tw

[Jeff Memmer]

That was quick. Thanks!

[Jeff Memmer]

Maybe this old tutorial will help:

https://www.digitalvideoediting.com/2002/04_apr/tutorials/aeexplosion.htm

[Jeff Memmer]

I think I saw that explained in Aharon Rabinowitz’s tutorials:

Creating a Flock of Birds

I believe it’s in part two that he does an explanation of the 3d aspect:
https://cowcast.creativecow.net/after_effects/episodes/CC_Bird_Flock_B_POD.m4v

or his
Effectively using Z scale:
https://cowcast.creativecow.net/after_effects/episodes/CC_Z_Scale_NewOpen.m4v

[Jeff Memmer]

I can take a picture of the screen you asked about, folded into its carrying case, so that you have an idea of how small it gets down too. If I have time, I’ll do that tonight.

Folding that sucker can be a pain too. I’ve purchased another screen material from B&H that just folds up, but it’s still in its package… Maybe a good time to pull it out and see how wrinkly it is.

[Jeff Memmer]

Alejandro,

What you might actually be looking for is a Telecommunications Degree, which deals primarily with the broadcast industry, but includes aspects of production that you are referring too. Most public universities list their compositing and video production classes under this type of program. Personally, I would recommend a dual major in Telecom and Business to give you the best broad range of skills necessary.

I used a lot of my basic knowledge of Adobe programs to blow away people with very simple stuff learned from online tutorials and just messing around. Business marketing and Telecom may be the way to go for you:

This is where I took mine, though my major was Business (IU is a top 20 program), I took some Telecom for fun, which it was very fun. One thing to note, most large schools always have film/production clubs and contests.

https://www.indiana.edu/~telecom/

Also, see this link for a list of classes (now you will know where to look at other schools):
IU Telecom Production & Design
https://www.indiana.edu/~telecom/design.html

About the Program:
https://www.indiana.edu/~telecom/faq.html
Most schools offer Adobe, Flash, and other courses that you would be interested in.

While I was there, the students were asked by John Mellencamp to film a documentary (he lives near the school) at the making of his new album at the time. We were shown bits and pieces in class – very interesting stuff.

IU Sponsored media festivals (notice they include 2d, 3d, etc):
https://www.ideasfest.org/

For Business, here is a club that was started back in 03-04 while I was there:
https://www.indiana.edu/~bcec/

If you search through their links, you’ll find interesting stuff like this about them bringing execs to campus, or taking trips to visit studio execs:
https://www.indiana.edu/~bcec/committees/film.php

So, basically, you should just goto Indiana University. It’s awesome, you’ll love it:

https://www.kelley.iu.edu/ugrad/academics/curriculum/international_maj.cfm

Hey, remember the Star Wars Gangsta Rap:
———
The original “Star Wars Gangsta Rap” (or Classic edition) was conceived by Jason Brannon at Indiana University in 1996 and recorded in Chicago in the summer of 1999. Five years later, in 2004, Bentframe Comedy decided to completely redo the animation, adding shaded colors and thinner lines, and several animated versions of scenes in the actual Star Wars film. In addition, there were entirely new credits added, showing small animated clips from Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. However, the lyrics were left untouched except for some sound effects from the real movies.

The “Star Wars Gangsta Rap Special Edition” follows along parts of the basic plotlines for Star Wars Episode IV and V, along with a small addition of Episode VI unlike in the original one.
—————–
source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars_Gangsta_Rap

and of course they did the Chipmunk Gangsta Rap.

Some guy in the class ahead of mine even won some award:
https://newsinfo.iu.edu/news/page/normal/1912.html

Anyways, hope this opens some thoughts on other schools where you probably didn’t think to look.

[Jeff Memmer]

I have this screen and it is HUGE. You need a lot of light and a lot of space. Most importantly, it does NOT stand by itself. I just lean it against a wall; but, I’m just messing around at home. You will probably want some type of rig setup to hold it steady.

You may want to buy two light stands and rig something up that can be packed into a small suitcase of some sort for travel.