The Animation is Complete!

Check it out, it's done! Ok, ok... calm down, I've been holding out on you (like your girlfriend). This wasn't the first version to be pieced together, but the previous one was a bit less polished. To be sincere for a moment (difficult for me), this really did turn out as good as, if not better than I'd hoped. Thanks to Russell and John for their help on this project.

And if anyone is wondering... Russell isn't really dead, but he's glad that you're concerned. Thanks for stopping by! ;P

Set design complete (almost)

With the exception of some color correction and texture on the stove, the work here is done and only animation remains. Lighting was further optimized, although still not super smooth, and all raytracing elements were added. Without raytracing (useful for the majority of shots), the frame you're looking at here renders in 25 seconds. With raytracing, the shot renders in 1:25 (still not super bad) much better than where we started.

The animation should go fast and rendering should go faster. We're so close I can almost taste it!

Ok... ok, enough already! we know you've been itching for an update of some kind. Here is a preview of our scene, lit for an optimized render time, but almost fully untextured. The first render is close to our envisioned lighting setup, however, it's running away at about 1:46 per frame without the added detail. The second render is likely what we will be using for lighting, at least to turn in our "finished" project (John has already given us the go-ahead on this). The re-render will commence after the completion of the first product, taking more time, but being free of deadlines.
The second render, if you're wondering, is currently being spit out at roughly 31 seconds per frame... much more manageable at this point in the game. Enjoy the view!

Sponge movement test 2

movement 2 from Russell Kamp on Vimeo.

Here is the second go. give me your thoughts.

Sponge Movement 1

Movement Test 1 from Russell Kamp on Vimeo.

So the rig is done and this is the first movement test. This is for the first scene where the sponge is moving across the counter. There are no background objects or texture yet.

Sponge Timing test 3

Sponge Timing test 3 from Russell Kamp on Vimeo.

Timing test 3. This one uses cuts only. I'm sure in the end we will use a combination of all 3 camera styles. This should give us a good idea though.

Rough Storyboard

At this point the "plot" of the animation is leaning toward being a bit more touching than originally anticipated. I'm Sorry for those of you (John, Russel, me 4 hours ago, etc.) who were thinking otherwise. If this stands as is, those of you (John, Russel, me right now, etc.) who are following this blog should expect to see some models being churned by Sunday at the latest. We'll also be getting our revamped timeline posted as well. Enjoi.