Sad but true..

A cautionary tale:

 From @VFXSoldier twitter

Art Institute graduate spent 70K on degree, can't find video game job, takes up stripping instead.

Believe me,  you don't want to see most vfx artists stripping.

---
Unfortunately most VFX companies end up going through the following.  These would be funny if
they weren't so realistic.  I've seen the same things almost verbatim so they're not exaggerated. 
Note that a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing since there are times when the client feels they need to define how the vfx need to be done to the experienced vfx people they hired.

And from @alba twitter:
VIDEO:  VFX Guy versus commercial producer video "This is a fixed bid"

    Caution: Explicit Language

The unrealistic portion here is the client reminding you it's a fixed bid.  They don't even bother saying that. 

Here's another example how clients work with VFX companies and vfx artists

VIDEO: The Vendor Client relationship - in real world situations

Overtime?  What's that?

VIDEO: Do you like fighting robots? The interview. 

Fliparoni

My newest iPhone application is now available.
Fliparoni, It's a video puzzle game for the iPhone. Improve your visual sense.
Click on the post title above to go to the website.

Now I'll be getting back to visual effects postings.

Rotoscoping - Part 2

Rotoscoping - Part 2
I cover the process of creating rotosplines for visual effects and some tips and suggestions. Examples are in Commotion but should apply to any application that has rotosplines (or masks in the case of After Effects)

I've changed this to use the YouTube version which should be easier to view.



In case you missed it:
Rotoscoping - Part 1

[Update: I have a Rotoscoping Basics post that links to the various roto posts, covers some basic notes and provides a linking to the fxGuide  article on roto that discusses the history of rotoscoping and some of the currently available tools. It also includes an interview with me talking about Commotion, which is the package I did the video demos with.]

Rotoscoping - Part 1

Rotoscoping for Animation and Visual Effects.
In this first part I cover what is rotoscoping and when do you use it. Includes examples of creating animation and roto mattes.

I've changed this to link to the YouTube video which should make it easier for viewing.






:41 Rotoscoping Basics and Examples
2:50 Tracing for animation
6:42 Matting with GreenScreen
8:02 Garbage Matting
9:55 Mid Ground Roto
12:08 Compositing Mid Ground
14:54 Creating Twins
19:10 Colorizing
20:36 Animated Wipe


Part 2 video

Rotoscoping Hair article

Wacom tablets for roto and paint work.

Wacom Intuos3 6X8

Wacom Graphire4 6x8

[April 2010 - Wacom has new tablets available]
The wireless uses Bluetooth to connect to the machine. Very nice.

Wacom Intuos4 Medium Pen Tablet
Wacom Intuos4 Wireless Pen Tablet

Wacom also makes their Bamboo series tablets at a lower cost. I haven't used these but suspect they're fine for basic roto and general work for the budget limited. As always students should check on educational discounts.



For those interested I show more rotoscoping in use in a Levis commercial. It's in the archives.
Levis Breakdown Part 2

Rotoscoping hair article

[Update: I have a Rotoscoping Basics post that links to the various roto posts, covers some basic notes and provides a linking to the fxGuide  article entitled The Art of Roto: 2011that discusses the history of rotoscoping and some of the currently available tools. It also includes an interview with me talking about Commotion, which is the package I did the video demos with.]

Walking Pants Breakdown Video Part 2

This is the second part of the breakdown video where the specific shots in the commercial are broken down into the rotoscoping and visual effects process used.

(Now using YouTube)




Previous post:
Pants breakdown Part 1

I've posted more information on Rotoscoping in a new post.
Rotoscoping Part 1

Walking Pants (Invisible Man) Breakdown Video Part 1

This is a video podcast breaking down a commercial I did. We see a walking pair of pants and a man with no pants in this invisible man type of spot. I discuss some possible approaches in this first part.

(Now updated with YouTube)



Next part:
Pants breakdown Part 2

Walking Pants (Invisible Man) Breakdown Video

[ Notice: I've reposted this in two parts. Look at the later postings.
Pants breakdown Part 1
]

[Notice: I've had to remove this file since it and the other podcasts are exceeding my bandwidth. I'll re-post once I locate a place that has large bandwidth and storage]

This is a video podcast breaking down a commercial I did. We see a walking pair of pants and a man with no pants in this invisible man type of spot. I discuss some possible approaches and then do a breakdown of key shots. Breakdown starts at 15:53.
This is encoded at 1/2 video res, h264 (ipod video format). You may need QuickTime 7 to view. Even at that it's almost 100MB for 36 minutes.
Let me know what you think. Thanks.