Conclusion

Now that I have a finished animation, I would have to say that in my opinion, the project was a huge success. After spending the entire first semester struggling to create 3 models, I was not looking forward to having to spend around about the same amount of time not only having to create even more models, but also having to use them in at least a 1 minute animation! However, now that the project is over I think I can safely say that I am much more experienced with 3D Studio Max, and now very much enjoy using it.

I am very happy with my animation. I am particulary proud of 3 scenes. The first one being the Zelda scene. It turned out much better than I expected. I am very pleased with the text box that I added at the bottom of the screen too. The second one being the scene where the lumberjack cuts down the tree. I was expecting to have to scrap the idea of a shadow apearing over the tree's body as I wasn unsure if 3DS Max would allow it. But aparently, it can be done! The third scene that I am proud of is the final scene. I am very fond of the camera work, as well as the tree's reaction to realising that he has been cut down.

I believe that I have used a wide range of modeling and animating techniques. I was lucky enough to have very simple faces on my models, so I did not have to worry about fully animation the expressions of the tree's. The lumberjack's beard also rather conviniently covered up his mouth. So all I had to do to show his expressions was manipulate his eyebrows and mustache.

I believe that I have used cameras and lighting to a good enough standard. Cameras more so than lighting. I was expecting the camera work to be rather difficult, but i was pleasently surprised to find that it was actually very easy to do. In future, I will use the camera tool more often. Lighting on the other hand, while I am pleased with the job I have accomplished, I believe that I could have done a better job in some cases. The main case being finding a certain light and angle which would blend the ground and background together to make it more believable. I was not able to do this for most of my scenes, so unfortunately the background does look as though it has been plastered on. But in some scenes, like the tree giving the lumberjack the branch scene, the blend has been done very well. So I guess that proves that I can do it!

The most difficult process of the whole project was definately the skinning. Never have I wanted to destroy my laptop so badly out of rage. Getting the verticies to all match up was a very difficult job. In the end, I was unable to do so, but got it as close to perfect as I possibly could. It took me a while to also get the hand of the Link tool. This allows 2 or more objects to link together. However for some reason, which I am still unaware of why, sometimes when the tool was used, it just would not work! I believe that this is also the cause of my lumberjack's left eyebrow magically appearing infront of his face whenever a saved sile is open. But I somehow managed to get it all working in the end!

If I had the extra time, I would definately improve it. First of all I would put more detail into my models. While I am happy with them, there is definately some room for improvement. For example, the lumberjack doesnt seem to have a palm, but rather has his hand merge with his arm. I would also like to add eyelids to the model in order to make him blink. Its quite creepy having him have his eyes constantly open! I would also put more time and effort into the scenery. Maybe add small details, such as bushes, flowers, animals etc. Just to give it a little more realism. Finally, I would put more effort into the editing. Although I am very pleased with my final animation, I definately felt as though I rushed the editing as I was quite close to the dealine of the project. If I had more time I would go through all of the possible rendering options and find the best possibly result. I would also try to find a better way of presenting the text in the speechbubbles. I just feel as though they dont really belong in the animation. Perhaps using real voices would have been a better idea...

Overall, I have really enjoyed this project. I have learnt how to use a wide variety of techniques that will definately be of some use in the future. I plan on continuing to use 3DS Max, even if I eventually stop using it as part of my course. I just find it a relaxing way to kill some time...apart from when something goes wrong and I end up going crazy with rage...But still, the amount of things that this program can be used to create is pretty much infinate. I am very glad I have had the chance to use the program and am very thankful for the 2 great lecturers that I have had giving me hints and tips! This project has, in my opinion, been a great achievment.