*Procedural Animation from the MASH plug-in for Maya.* *Note that the week before this post was Spring Break, the reason behind the date not matching up.* Approach: This week I began to examine the relationship between my work and the comparisons that could be made between the theoretical implications of the animated short based on audience reaction. I utilized some MEL/Python scripting from Maya's website that utilizes the MASH (procedural animation) plug-in to create large bodies of physics objects. I also started to create a chart for another class assignment that had us question the meaning behind our choices, and made use of other classmates to see how they approached their own research. We also had a visiting animator, JP Sans from DreamWorks Animation, who had us complete a 4-hour workshop of his that he happens to teach on CGTarian.com . Overall, HE WAS AMAZING. I have never seen an individual have a more beautiful presentation and have it so well planned out that I was actually engaged in learning for 4 hours straight. After the end of the sessions, I ACTUALLY felt smarter than when I had walked in. We went out for drinks and dinner afterword, and on Sunday had him look at our short for out Production Animation class. He has worked on everything from Ice Age, to Rio, to The Last Guardians. I SINCERELY hope he comes back again. Choices Made: I didn't use my time to the best of it's ability this week on creating assets for the short, but I did happen to create and utilize the tutorials from the previous week on how to create assets more quickly than if I modeled them piece by piece. I eventually went into the MASH tab of Maya as well and found that it would be extremely beneficial to my research. Mostly, MASH is used for particles and large body containers of objects. It's very fast as well, making the time needed for creating a large pile of pills for my short be a breeze instead of placing each individual object. https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/maya/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2016/ENU/Maya/files/GUID-5F45C398-D87D-424E-9F00-51D9FAB5A40B-htm.html *This link leads to the MASH section of Maya. * After doing some more research, I learned that MASH is used for procedural animation and hasn't necessarily been used often yet, but many people are starting to catch on and realize the potential of the effects. Relevant Sources: I didn't find many sources to utilize effects and create new assets for the short. But I did find sources pertaining to the reasoning behind my research. I will include these as files of the downloaded PDF's. I found a particular existential philosopher from Australia with the last name "Lippit" who has done research about existential laughter. I dug deeper and also found someone who cited Lippit and used his basis of existential laughter as an analysis of the ethical impact and satirical exaggerations of the "Simpsons".
Questions Raised & Needs:
Next Steps: Work more on the project this coming week. Create more assets and play around with Toon-shaders again to see if I feel like they are still viable in the visual development of the short. I have also considered asking my other graduate students their suggest on which render looks more visually appealing; I am apprehensive that they will pick the Arnold shading, but I also want to explain to them that this isn't necessarily meant to look as realistic as possible but only to look different than Chuck. I also have some readings to complete for the following week assigned for class. I'm glad for them at the moment, they provide a large variety of helpful and uplifting information about the animation medium. I also feels like it gives me more of a chance to work on my own things rather than spending too much time finding articles about what I might work on and consider to be useful. -Taylor Olsen Comments are closed.
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May 2020
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