Google Sketchup Meets Autodesk 3DS Max

Using the model I created in Google Sketchup I created the small video below as a sample of what is to come. To get the lighting I wanted I needed to use 3DS Max, so I imported the model and gave the scene a daylight system, I then set up my camera giving it the correct field of view and made it track across my scene. I then compiled a video out of 3DS Max using a mental ray set up. Once the video had rendered I played around with it in Sony Vegas giving it several filter effects, I used each filter in a sequence so that I could work out which I liked best. This process will help me create the final video. I'm pretty happy with how the production is going so far and I think I will have a final product soon.  

Here are some still renders that have been edited In Photoshop. I may use Photoshop to create individual frames of the video as I may be able to give the video a nice tilt shift effect.

Google Sketchup Yale Model

I have been tasked with making a video for Yale college similar to the 'Sol' music video I did earlier in the week. So far I have created part of the college campus in Google Sketchup which I will later export into 3DS Max. Here is my progress on the model so far. I need to take some reference photography so that I can accurately reproduce the rest of the college as the model so far has been created from memory. I also created some mock up images using the BBC Three logo and Yale logo so that people understand what I'm trying to achieve. So far I'm pretty happy with the model, there is some inaccurate details here and there which I will be able to correct with some reference photography.

Photoshop Painting

I don't tend to use the brush tools that much in Photoshop but after seeing the potential of Photoshop painting I decided to give  it a try; I was really pleased with the outcome. Below is a picture of the process of drawing the character. I used a Wacom tablet; it really helped get the right definition on each brush stroke.

I did the colouring in on several different layers so that I could easily change small details. I then drew a background and pasted the image of the dog over it. I then added a few details like a border and a small colour tweak and got the below as my final image. I'm really impressed with how good the brush tools are in Photoshop and it's something I'm going to continue using. I'm also really happy with the detail on the picture especially the on the eyes. I think the background could probably do with a bit of work though.

Sol - Solar Fields - Movements UNOFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

Here is a music video I created to put to the track Sol from the album Movements by solar fields. The visuals were inspired by the game Mirrors Edge with clean cut lighting and a use of three tonal colour system consisting of red, white and black. Solar Fields created the amazing soundtrack for Mirrors Edge, which for me really made the style of the game work. I got the permission from Magnus Birgersson (solar fields) to upload the video to any public website. I was ecstatic with Magnus's response to the video "Happy to see the video, i really like it,  minimalistic with only a few colours. Great job Chris, really different and personal touch on it. You should definitely go public with this!". I'm really happy with how the video turned out, I'm starting to get used to using 3DS Max now and after the success of this little project I really want make more videos like it.

 The picture above gives a general aesthetic impression of the games minimalist visuals. The visuals played a huge part in how the game play worked as players were drawn to objects in the game environments that were red. These red objects would help players progress through a level. 

3D video editing

Recently I have been working 3DS Max to make some of my videos, I'm not fully to grips with it yet but I'm slowly getting there, below is a sample of what I've managed to create, I have edited the 3D footage I have made using Sony Vegas by adding a couple of video filters but otherwise the video is all original footage. I really enjoy working with 3D and it's something I definitely want to continue doing.

Illustration and Photography Combined

Here is a image that I created using a range of different programs. I wanted to experiment with the idea of my illustrations being put into a 3d space. This is a 2d render in Photoshop that I did by placing my drawing over a photograph, but I would next like to experiment with using this in video with actual 3d because I really like how the effect turned out.

Transition Animations

I'm currently making a series of Transition animations like the one below to put in-between videos. I'm making them using frame by frame animation in Flash and then exporting them into what ever video editor I'm using at the time. I primarily use Sony Vegas but I'm also learning how to use After Effects as well. Here is a sample of how the transition would be used (all video footage is property of Alex Green).

Photography - Night Shoot

scenes as I'm on a photography course I thought I should upload some photos onto my blog. Here are four shots that I did In Whitchurch with my film Canon Eos. I really like the colour in these shots. Because it was at night I had to use a tripod so that I didn't get camera shake. I took these images in the style of Lewis Blatz who is on of my favorite photographers.