I knew this day would come, and I have been dreaming about it for quite sometime since I joined the industry 15 years ago, what I did not picture was the dramatic results that Realtime Rendering in a Game engine would bring to the souped up, Feature hungry gamers and 3D art world.
Graphics researcher Jorge Jimenez has cracked the problem of rendering what he calls “ultra realistic skin” in real-time with consumer-level computer and graphics hardware. It’s a breakthrough made possible by the process of separable subsurface scattering (SSS) which quickly renders the translucent properties of skin and its effect on light in two post-processing passes. The code is based wholly on original research using DirectX 10. Jimenez describes the achievement as the result of hours of “research, desperation, excitement, happiness, pride, sadness and extreme dedication.”
I came upon these 2 videos which demonstrate the arrival of a new breed of Realtime Graphics and effects processing combined with capable machines. I am watching this video, and I am thinking, dude, this right here is what I have been waiting to see for so long in a Video game engine and 3D applications like 3DS and Maya. Take a look and Feast Yur Eyes (think of a Brave, scottish accent)
This second video shows the results Achieved by using DirectX 11 in the New Crytek 3 Engine. This makes for a much richer gaming experience. I believe Hardware advances like GPU enabled graphics cards are going to drive the ever increasing demand for this type of graphics.
I can Imagine a world where there will no longer be a need to wait long hours for 3D scenes to Render ~ the Introduction of Directx 11 has definitely opened a door to that new world of Realtime Rendering. Take a look
A special thank you to the team at Faceware Technologies, Inc and ImageMetrics for their kind support of the Galiwango Film and My cartoon TV Series (https://www.sowl.com/2012/12/a-seed-for-nkoza-and-nankya/ ). I am so excited about working with their talented team to help make the Galiwango film Characters even more awesome. I highly recommend their services.
Thanks Again Peter and the entire team. You guys rock, and thanks for joining in this effort of making the world a better place for endangered wildlife, especially the mountain gorillas, plus cheering on the selfless sacrifices of the rangers engaged in the protection of these great apes and their habitats.
Check out this video explaining the services provided by Faceware Technologies, Inc: http://www.facewaretech.com
This particular video shows the process in a more linear way and gives a visual example of how the Faceware technology works:
Faceware has been used on over 45 shipped video game titles as well as 8 feature films, with many more in production now. Both Analyzer and Retargeter are extremely battle-tested and have shipped thousands of minutes of facial animation and our Head-Mounted Cameras have been on hundreds of shoots with thousands of production hours logged. Take a look below at some of the titles our products have been used on.
Element3D ~ One word ~ EPIC!! ~ Andrew Kramer has just democratized Motion graphics design and 3D asset integration, giving every aspiring artist a fighting chance at getting a job doing a commercial. I think that Artistry and creativity is what’s going to separate the boys from the men!! lol!!! YIKES!!! ~ still shaking my head in AWE!!!
I created this 3D scene after going out on a date with my wife to watch “Battleship” ~ The visuals and FX in the film were so amazing, I couldn’t wait to get back home and jump into Vue and 3DS Max, and see if I could recreate some of the shots. I highly recommend Battleship, you can definitely see the fingerprints of the teams that worked on Transformers, all over the VFX shots. The sea scenes are some of the best I have ever seen in a film. I was totally inspired.
Short video clip of the above scene:
Animation Breakdown ~ Minus the Titling
Here are some wireframe renders of the scene inside of Vue Xstream. The above shot was rendered at 1600 x 900. I am working on a short animated clip to capture the motion and water effects.
Here is the Video of the Short 3D Character animation featuring a Family learning How to get Along in a Small Fictional Village called Blameville. I used Motionbuilder for the Character Rigging and animation, and 3DS Max and Mental Ray for the Rendering. Postproduction was done in Adobe After Effects.
Credits: Voice Acting by Ruth Crews, Matt Templeton and Jordan Tate, Sound Track by Jordan Tate, Script by Chris and Michael Fletcher. Manna Production Team
Below are some more renders of the making of the short film. Check out the Gallery at the bottom for some screen grabs of the scenes inside of 3D Studio Max.
The Little Boy Character, Role Playing as the Dad
This is the little Girl Character Role playing as the Mom
The Baby Character
The 3D Environment, serving as the backdrop to the entire animation.
Here are some more Renders and Screen Shots of the Behind the Scenes and the 3D Environment.
VIDEO ~ Autodesk Sneak Preview Release: In this video Solomon Jagwe shows the new 3ds Max 2013 enhancements to Hair & Fur from the customer’s perspective and how he’s been able to apply it to recent work completed for a Mountain Gorilla Conservation Film.
MACHINE SPECS: I used an ATI Radeon HD 5700 Series which has 1GB of Dedicated Graphics Memory, and my machine specs are 64Bit Dell Studio XPS 8100, i7 CPU 860 @2.80GHz 2.80GHz, with 8GB of RAM
I created this 3D Nature composition with Vue xStream using the native renderer and Photoshop for post production. The theme and atmosphere captures the challenges of survival in ever changing world, and the vulnerability of even the strongest Predators such as the indomitable T-rex. I have included some wireframe renders in the gallery below.
Here are some more renders with a focus on key composition areas. It includes the interface screen grab of Vue.
Autodesk Sneak Preview Release: This video shows current research related to the Nitrous accelerated graphics core. The goal is to shorten the iteration process and allow art directors and animators to crank out quick but nice looking animation previews with soft shadows, depth of field, transparency and indirect lighting. This particular Clip of 177 frames at 30fps, took 2 minutes to create using the Nitrous Realistic Display mode. Comparable Software render times of the same animation took close to 7 minutes to render with comparable looking quality.
MACHINE SPECS: I used an ATI Radeon HD 5700 Series which has 1GB of Dedicated Graphics Memory, and my machine specs are 64Bit Dell Studio XPS 8100, i7 CPU 860 @2.80GHz 2.80GHz, with 8GB of RAM
Autodesk wishes to caution you that this video reflects technology research, and that actual events or results could differ materially from the video seen here. Also, this video is not intended to be a promise or guarantee of future delivery of products, services or features but merely reflects technology research, which may change. Purchasing decisions should not be made based upon reliance on this video. Autodesk does not assume any obligation to update any statements we make to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date of this technology preview.
“Dare to Dream Big, Friends” ~ This is a quick update to this interesting path I have been on since I came to the United States in 1996, and my quest to using film and animation to tell stories and make movies that can make a difference in Africa and around the world.
At My Desk at the Manna Production team studio. I think after while, the OS fades into the background and its just you and the software.
I am back to working full time as a 3D Artist, Animator and Post Production artist. After my studio was raided by robbers at the end of 2011 (see my reflections on that here), I was stripped off pretty much all my ability to work as a Freelancer and Independent film director.
I had to do some serious soul searching. I knew I didn’t want to give up on my dream of making films, and the wildlife conservation effort was on my heart through the mental struggles of what I needed to do move forward.
So my family and I sat down and mapped a way forward. Both my wife and I are now working fulltime, and we have signed up our son and daughter to a great lady who is a friend of the family, to homeschool them. Homeschooling our kids was a priority and that’s one of the reasons I have been a stay at home dad for the last 3 years, while working on the Galiwango film and freelancing.
I was so used to working on a PC but now I am working on a MAC. Needless to say the transition has been more than interesting
I have learnt so many lessons through this challenging time. I have had to hold on to my dream even when faced with adversity and I know that the God who put all these gifts in me, will see my journey through to the end.
I continue to strive and desire to be used as an instrument to make a difference in peoples lives while I am still here on planet Earth.
I shall continue to share my testimony and hope that it will inspire other aspiring Independent film makers in Africa and around the world. We have been created for a purpose and until we harness the talents inside us to make a difference, we will continue to simply exist instead of Living out our destinies to the full.
I thank God that I have a job, especially in this economy where over 16 Million Americans are without jobs. I am grateful that I still get to do something I love and that is create 3D animations and Content
I encourage you to never give up, God is still at work in your life and he cares about every tear that you shed and the cry you send out for help.
Here is a verse that has inspired me through the adversity.
Isaiah 40:27-29
New International Version (NIV)
27 Why do you complain, Jacob?
Why do you say, Israel,
“My way is hidden from the LORD;
my cause is disregarded by my God”?
28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
DIARY Galiwango Film Production: October 10th Update
I have spent the day working on refining the Facial Motion Capture Rigs and Data for the Gorilla Characters. It’s crunch time, and these animations have to start rendering like Yesterday. Here is a screen grab of the Rig with one of the gorilla characters.
Check out this VIDEO ~ Behind the scenes of the Making of the Galiwango film Sound track and audio score ~ Thanks to Alan Kisaka, based in Los Angeles, CA ~ your talent is greatly appreciated and thanks for joining me in this effort to raise awareness to the plight of the last remaining mountain gorillas, and the sacrifices of the Rangers in the range states, who are working hard to protect these endangered great apes and their forest habitats.
August 24th Update:
WOW! where does the time go?? So here is an update on the Galiwango Film Audio score. My good friend Alan Kisaka has been busy at work on several tracks for the more somber scenes in the film. I am really excited at how the final is going to sound and for Alan’s generosity. I will be uploading the behind the scenes video shortly. Alan plays for a Band called The Strangers, do please check them out and show them your support! Website: http://thestrangers.org/
Galiwango Film 3D Character Profiles/Sketch: Sergeant. Muteesa: A ranger of 10 years experience. Voice Acting by Maurice Kirya ~ Mwooyo Kirya ~ Maurice is lending his talents and voice to this Character, playing as a former co-worker o Colonel Kasobeza, as a committed soldier and voice of reason, with a goal of encouraging Col. Kasobeza to abandon the Poacher ranks and rejoin the Elite Ranger Unit.
July 6th Update:
First Video look at the new 3D environment This is a test render of one of the more emotive scenes in the film featuring the sad transition from a beautiful habitat to one stripped of the forest cover ~ Undergrowth shot
July 5th Update:
This is another Galiwango Film Jungle Environment ~ In this particular scene, I am showing the gradual decline of the Jungle from a prestine and beautiful habitat, to one poluted with ash falling from illegal charcoal burning Kilns ~ a practice that is stripping the Virunga Jungles of the much needed forest and tree cover, which provides a home for many endangered animal and bird species.
Charcoal particles floating in the jungle undergrowth.
June 28th Update:
I have been up to my neck with wrapping up other projects before leaving North Carolina. Here is a quick update of the Jungle environment from one of the Scenes with the Poachers and Mountain Gorillas.
The render was done in 3DS Max with Mental Ray, the scene was setup using Vue xStream for the vegetation and some custome plants.
June 23rd Update:
I have been working on fixing the Hair Solutions, I noticed in one of the animation renders that as the Gorilla character was talking, some hairs were poking through the mouth so I had to go back in and repaint the hair solution. See the screen grabs below.
This is a test render of the New Facial Rig for the mountain gorilla characters: Emotion test.
June 2012 3D Character Update ~ Galiwango’s updated Beard 🙂 I am working on new models of the Galiwango Mountain Gorilla Characters, Poachers and Rangers.
Galiwango film Reload ~ I lost a lot of my film models, renders and environments to a robbery at the end of 2011. This is my new effort to getting back into the film pre-production and recreation. I have been working on this new model in my free time. It’s a joy to see it coming to life ~ out of the ashes and adversity. I am committed to seeing this Wildlife conservation film through to the end.
Here is a Video Preview of the 3D Galiwango, Mountain Gorilla Character.
This is Less Blurry Vimeo Version
Here is a Youtube Version (It’s a bit more blurry, something about the Youtube Compression)
If you find it in your heart to help, kindly consider a small donation to help me regain the progress I had made, and rebuild the render and animation system. The rangers, Batwa and mountain gorillas deserve their story to be shared. Together we can make a difference:
Here is a Gallery of some more shots of the refined mountain gorilla characters, with a new look and feel.
[nggallery id=15]
Galiwango Film ~ a Pre-Production and promotional Preview. The film is still in production. Thank you all for your support. Learm more about the film at: http://www.galiwango.com/
