IZation Labs

With the shelling out of some decent dinero and about six hours of effort, I have here for the entertainment of all up and coming VFX enthusiasts a camera tracking test. If you are looking for bright lights, action, and large explosions… well you may be disappointed, this is just a test, there’s nothing too fancy about it, visually. The key focus was the tracking of a CG item to handheld video footage, and it turned out well for a first attempt.

The tracking was done using Syntheyes, the same software used for tracking in films such as Iron Man 2, Alice in Wonderland, and Avatar. If it isn’t already, Syntheyes is becoming an industry standard. However, if you can’t afford the license, the Voodoo camera tracker works rather well, and is free for the most part.

The compositing and CG effects were done using the node editing engine in Blender 3D, a free and open source program that continues to improve daily.

For a look at what the best of the best can do with Blender, check out this Sintel trailer, the newest short film from the Blender Foundation coming out in a few months

Critiques are welcome. More to come.

-Lace

In spite of holidays looming and exams taking up much of my time, I’ve been working on some models instead of visiting with family like I should be. Not only that, but I’ve also been modeling with 3D printing in mind, so many of them are now at Shapeways! For more info on 3D prints, click on the new IZL Model Shop link up above.

Most of these models were done in a single sitting, though one or two are still works in progress. All were done in 2.49b. There is a model or two that I’ve done in the new 2.5, but… suffice it to say, they aren’t quite ready for daylight yet.

On a personal note, my favorite is the robot head.

–Lace

To keep the ball moving, and to try to make up for the lack of content that comes with a full time job and a busy schedule, here are some models that I have been working on, some to help improve my modeling skills and comprehension, and all of then for fun.

All models and pictures are, of course, copyright IzationLabs.

Do you have any ideas for interesting items you would like to see modeled in 3D? Drop me a line on the IZL ScratchSpace, I’m always in need of attention getting objects that need to be ‘digitized’.

More to come.

–Lace

Ambient Occlusion: a somewhat resource intensive way to make things just look better. If you’ve ever visited the Blender Artist forums, you’ll see people posting models that they have put their hearts and souls into for weeks, months, even years! Often you will see multiple comments below the first pictures blasting something along the lines of “TURN ON AO”!

Ambient Occlusion simulates the way light travels and bounces off of objects, especially objects that aren’t meant to be reflective. Describing it would be well and good, but I am a firm believer in visual learning. So instead, here are some video examples.

The first video shows a basic cube, with the inner faces extruded inward to give it some depth, as well as an interesting little ‘nub’ on top. Ambient Occlusion has not been activated, it is a simple render with simple lighting.

Click here to see the rest!

I’m writing this at 12:50 in the morning, and I need to be up in 7 hours for work, so I’ll try to keep it short and sweet.

The newest build of WNBG is working for both Mac and Windows now. Primary updates include a scrolling cautionary opening, an audio test, and some UV Mapping tests on background textures. I’m getting close to the point where I need to start coding in python to keep up with the game logic. I’ve got a good friend of mine who should be able to give me a jump start, though. Make sure to leave your constructive criticism and comments below the post!

(Don’t forget to right click and save.)

05-04-2009

Mac Build — [Build 0.2]

5.7 MB

Windows Build — [Build 0.2]

8.1 MB

–Lace

I finally started doing some reading, and some playing around with the Blender3D Game Engine, and this is the output of a few hours worth of learning experience. This Game is Alpha. Pre-pre-release. Read, “were this an actual attempt, the game would probably never be shown to the public on this level”, so no need to tear it apart, it’s a work in progress. I’ve already learned a lot, and I hope to have a nice little game developed when it’s all over.

The game is being produced under the codename WNBG. At this point, there is only one rule. Knock down the green one! Post your comments on bugs (there will be tons) and constructive criticism in the comment section of this post.

(Make sure to right click and save.)

05-01-2009

Mac Build — [Build 01]

8.8 MB

Windows Build — Not up yet

?

Blend File [Build 01]

3.4 MB

– Lace