Movie Diaries: Software

[mapsedge]

Let's say that you want to put an animated monster in your movie, like in Jurassic Park (t-rex, to pick the benchmark example) or Dragon Wars (just about everything, to pick the newest) or Lord of the Rings (Gollum/Smeagol, to pick the one everyone will know.)

For the PC user, the software you wanted was Autodesk Maya.  According to MySimon.com, it can be had for as low as $ 2000.

Notice, the past tense.  "The software you wanted was..."

Today, I learn about a software called Blender.  I'm still looking at it, learning about it, but based on what I've seen so far it looks like a complete Maya replacement.  I've been watching a film called "Elephant's Dream"* whose animation was produced using Blender, and I have to say I'm impressed (by the technology, if not the animator's style). 

Now, the real kicker.  Blender is open source, free under the GNU General Public License.

http://www.blender.org


* The movie has a very European flavor, very stream of consciousness without any real plot.  But I was watching for the animation. 

EDIT: and while we're at it: http://www.celtx.com/overview.html

Comments

[jehosefatz.livejournal.com]

He shoots! He SCORES! OpenSource FTW!

- Jeho

[ericcaptdrake.livejournal.com]

Woot Def. OPEN SOURCE FTW Wow Thanks Man!!!!

[billthetailor.livejournal.com]

While you're at it, check out http://www.celtx.com/overview.html: open source screenwriting, storyboarding, and scheduling software. :)

[ericcaptdrake.livejournal.com]

Yes I saw that, too Awsome!! It's getting me stoked about doing something so get to writing! LOL Also I told my friend Chuck which Im not sure if you have met him yet, he has a creative writing degree, and works as a programer Go fig. anyway he would like to get involved too. Also I had several E-Mails from ppl that want to contribute to the project in whatever way we need them. So I guess the first step is to get together and come up with an Idea? whatch think. Hey or for that matter you may already have something you have been working on. I just want to be in an Indy doing some sort of action or whatever. Something to get me off my ass!~! LMAO isnt working

[iarraidh.livejournal.com]

You've come a long way from scratching individual cells with a needle and bleach, huh?

:)

[billthetailor.livejournal.com]

HOLY SHIT. You remember that? Gods, my eyes still sting from the late nights in the dark of the basement with the chlorine fumes.