Animating

After all of the models and textures where finished we moved onto animating the scenes. The main task I had in animating was creating the camera angles for the HD shots, including there path constraints. I also learnt how to effectively light the scenes with the daylight tool from Jack Cassie, and in return started him off with the basic commands in Rayfire. (The Rayfire animations where given to Jack to complete as unfortunately the program requires high-spec computers, of which only he owns).

The way I completed the camera movements was mostly done using splines and path constraints. To do this you simply draw out the path you with the camera to follow, and then apply the camera to said path. The camera will then go from start to end of the path, allowing the user to use AutoFrame to focus of the camera shot when necessary.

Path constraints and camera

Daylight system used with "portals" (Placed lower then usual)

The lighting was created using the daylight system, where by you use a beacon to indicate the sun, and then "portals" that you can places inside of windows and doors to allow light through. This helps create realistic shadows and lighting. The only issue with this is that as a group we found the images would look grainy, and there would be clear points where the light beams could be seen, ending on walls. This made some points in the images overly bright with dots, and then making darker areas such as walls look very dirty and blotchy. For example in the image below there are a few spots, notably the computer and celling where the light spots can be seen. The blotches can be seen on the wall surrounding the window and again further down the wall.

Library Render

 

The scenes I animated where:

Library
Shop
Museum
Guild Room