One
of the most exciting features I found with FF3DS2
is the new and improved interface for character posing;
limbs, digits, and even facial features can be tweaked
to portray just the right emotion for the frame. As
I have found with many of the functions of this program,
the user can be as broad or specific as they wish. A
library of general poses is available for ready-made
action, yet the user can still refine these poses manually
even down to the angle of bend in each of the actor's
fingers or the shape of their mouth. Thanks to the advanced-meshing-math
done by FrameForge 3D Studio 2, there are no
visible joint hinges to interrupt flow. (Unlike it's
less sophisticated predecessor.)
Ethnicity,
clothing, accessories; all are incredibly easy to access
and modify. This newest version also includes the option
to adjust body type, age, and facial features; a wonderful
addition to this newest installment. I would caution
would-be directors or producers: Keep an eye on your
storyboard artist (especially if paying per hour) because
it is very easy to spend hours on end tooling with the
lifelike poses and expressions without realizing it!
For
all of you people out there in Techno land familiar
with other 3D products, you'll be in for a pleasant
surprise. FrameForge 3D Studio 2 has no render
time!
Imagine
composing a scene and not having to stare blankly around
the room or get up and buy a soft drink while you wait
for your scene to render. You also have the option of
applying filters to these frames to give more of a traditional
sketch or 'cartoony' feel with little to no render time
as well. People, this program displays it all in real
time! Sure, rendering isn't much of an issue if you
can afford a $20,000 SGI package, but for the rest of
us mortals involved in independent film, this is additional
time that can now be spent doing something else.. Time
is money and therefore is as equally precious as the
green stuff.
While
a $400 price tag might seem a little steep for some,
you have to look at the prices of other software packages
out there. FrameForge 3D Studio 2 is a bargain when
you look at the number of options at your disposal.
Learning curve and ease of use are a tremendous benefit
(i.e. you don't have to have great drawing prowess to
be able to create a spectacular storyboard!). This package
just looks professional, and could even give you quite
an edge in selling your film idea to would-be producers.
