Work in Progress - March 2009

TPD WIP March 2009 from Paul Caggegi on Vimeo.


This WIP features the first in what I hope is a continuing format. I've recorded the process of modeling David Winfield, and have supplied it with commentary. I've ended it with some pertinent models, including the set for the pilot episode.

Marcello has supplied a rendering of the trader lair, so I am happy to show this concept art and model. Marcello's background in architectural visualization comes in handy when designing these habitats. He's got a good stock library of textures, and as you can see from the renders, he has managed to get a quick render out.

I've been working on the more "organic" looking environments such as the West-Cadian ridge. I have relied on Blender's multi-res and sculpting tools. This toolset is extremely powerful. There is always a trade-off in 3D, and that is: what I can very quickly sculpt an environment, it soon becomes very detailed, and the poly-count rises. The trick is to keep all the levels, then export a Z-map of the high-resolution version, then reimport it as a displacement map for the low res mesh.

There is a peculiar optical effect which is difficult to overcome when using procedural textures: when you zoom out, they soon become patterned and look like noise. For this reason, I have duplicated the mesh and enlarged the duplicate, re-textured it, and even done a little re-sculpting. This larger mesh will become the plate for the close ups, and the smaller one for wide angles.

In other news: I recently got a warning from facebook, when I attempted to post some life drawings in a new album. Here is the warning:

Hello,

You uploaded a photo that violates our Terms of Use, and this photo has been removed. Facebook does not allow photos that attack an individual or group, or that contain nudity, drug use, violence, or other violations of the Terms of Use. These policies are designed to ensure Facebook remains a safe, secure and trusted environment for all users, including the many children who use the site.

If you have any questions or concerns, you can visit our FAQ page at http://www.facebook.com/help.php?topic=wphotos.

The Facebook Team

I'm guessing it was cos it was nude. I post here a link to the public life-drawing album just so you guys can see a bit of what I've been doing in terms of practice. Here is the one picture which was removed from my facebook album:

From Life Drawings

To date, this is the one I've felt most comfortable with. I've been getting into shading more than just using lines.

But I feel like such a rebel! Am I sad for getting a buzz outa this? Maybe. What next? Should I try shoplifting lipstick? Ok, that's just wierd...

I am genuinely looking forward to the following month. The script is now in its second draft, and Marcello and I are feverishly editing to get to a storyboard ASAP. We might be splitting up the tasks to speed up to the next animatic - part of which you might end up seeing. So the process is all on again! We hope to bring you solid progress until the episode and trailer are complete.

A shout-out to a reader and listener of the process diary: James Wadsworth. His blog - http://brickblender.blogspot.com/ - is currently showing the trailer for his Star Wars Lego fan-film Fall from Grace. I am a fan on both LEGO and Star Wars. That it is totally done in Blender, and pretty much handled by one person (James) is just the icing on the cake. Swing by, take a look, and comment on his blog. You won't be disappointed.

Finally, I am responding to a post recently made on Phil Plait's Bad Astronomer Blog - Phil: hi, I know you're SUCH a fan of The Process Diary (hahahaha) . I am spreading the word about his blog right here. If you're into all things Star-Stuff and space-scienc-y, check out the links in the above paragraph, so he sees that I sent y'all over there. Apparently he's got some plan that involves being linked to.

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