A new project!

This one is similar to the cross-map cams that I've been trying to do over the past week or so, with an added twist: I'm going to be using 3ds Max as well. It might be easier, it might be harder, but I don't really know what I'll be doing.

I'm going to be using Camtrace 3D for my cameras, as usual, but I'm going to be using the camera script importer for 3ds Max 7/8, as well. The only problem is that I have 3ds Max 2012, so I need to get the earlier version, or find some way to make it compatible with the current version. The latter will definitely not happen, sadly.

What my plan right now is, is something like this: I make a camera on a number of maps (the camera is going to be about 30-40 seconds long, which is probably almost 5 times as long as any one I've made before), export/import it to 3ds Max, add the rocket .md3, then try and animate it (all I have to do is a slow rotation so it shouldn't be too hard), all the while keeping it in line with the camera in such a way that it doesn't turn or do anything strange.

Because I'm very inexperienced with anything to do with 3d modeling and animation, I'm going to need a lot of help, especially with the effects I'll be using. I know a lot of people who are very experienced in this, but their willingness to help might not be too high. That would mean lots of tutorials and imperfect work.

The other part of this project is the filters/effects I'll be using. I don't quite know what they will be yet, but it will be something like cel shading, or outlines/shapes only (sort-of like shadow art?). I might use some weird colors as well, who knows?

I really hope this project finishes, because it's the most inclusive one I've started (3d modeling, scripting, configging, and a couple other things), and it also doesn't seem like it will have many complications, at least not in-game, which is really nice.

To be honest, the only main problem I can see right now is lining up the rocket with the dude who shoots it, if it will even start like that. I only have a vague image of it in my head that needs refinement. I don't even know if I will need to animate the rocket in Max, if that's possible, or if I will even want to. I don't know what sort of demos I'll be using, if it will be through some action (that would be really nice), or just empty maps (pretty lame, but this whole thing is pretty lame), or what. With a bunch of players running around, making the effects properly will be a huge challenge, but without any action, it would be a boring video to watch.

The more I think about it, the more ideas pop into my head. For instance, I might try and incorporate my map-to-map airrocket thing, and have the video end with the rocket hitting a Keel. If I pull this off properly, it would be a really, really sweet video. I can't wait!

I also know what song I'm going to be using.