To work on special effects and complex scenes with large amount of 3D
graphics Levitation Studio uses Blender.
What is so special about this free open source program? If now there are
splendid creation suites from such software giant as Autodesk – 3ds Max, Maya,
or for example quite amicable Cinema4D. Let me explain why we’ve chosen this
very 3D content creation software. Firstly, it is the fact that you don’t have to spend a penny to use
Blender in your work. You can hardly find a freeware product so considered and
multifunctional which is developed not by a single man or a small group of
people but by a large international team (consisting mostly of enthusiasts).
But of course absolute accessibility would not be enough.
In our project we will work a lot on constructing 3-dimension scenes,
various interior and exterior objects and on modeling numerous highly detailed
characters. This will require much time. I can safely say that with no other
suite I managed to create a 3D-model as quickly as it is possible with Blender.
After you look into, you can completely reorganize its interface to your own
convenience. No additional menus necessary. Also, Blender offers an amazing
default set of shortcuts. For example, I didn’t change the initial keyboard
layout as it is extremely convenient.
As far as we don’t just make fine pictures but make a movie, we need
powerful animation technologies. In this aspect Blender is on the same level as
the above mentioned software. It offers excellent character rig (btw, linking objects
to bones is easier in Blender than in other software) and also possibility of
Motion Capture import and various modifiers which allow to change the shape of
objects dynamically. I mean that you can animate anything you like and can do
it quite easily. Blender also offers technology of combining 3D-graphics with video
fragments. Recently object tracking has been added and it significantly
simplifies the whole compositing process.
Also I want to mention the technology of rendering used in Blender. Until
recently the main means of visualization was Internal Blender, and
professionals from 3ds Max could just shrug their shoulders seeing the results
got in Blender. But a few months ago GPU Cycles was added to the official
suite. I will not describe the results, just advise you to see them in the
internet. Very impressive. On the whole there are many functions in Blender which simplify the
creation of high-quality CG. For example, sculpting mode and extras that can be
added with Python scripting, and a wide range of add-ons , even a built-in game
engine! I can’t describe everything in
just one article – if you are interested, visit the official website and check
the Doc page. There is no doubt that Blender has all possibilities to carry out
3D-visualization and animation of scenes, objects and characters which will
compete in beauty with Hollywood blockbusters.
At the moment we’ve got several people working with Blender, all at
different levels: some of them have just started the program while other
already make money with its help. But all of them are united by vivid interest
to this program and desire that Levitation Studio will develop with their help.
As for the use of Blender in Russia, well it’s not so widely used as 3ds
Max, for example. But I guess it is mostly about lack of publicity. Everyone
knows Autodesk because it’s a brand and they’ve got fine PR. Blender hasn’t
acquired deserved popularity yet but for sure it will, and people who use it
will help. Such software cannot remain in the shadow for a long time. Online
communities, social networks and blogs of CG professionals – aren’t these the
best advertisement?
Evgeniy Rodygin,
Levitation Studio.
