Re: Random thoughts that occur while watchin anims
 

Yes, I do use quite a few photoskins, in my exprence, I've found PS's to be the easiest way to get good looking skinds in a (very) short period of time.(and time is quite scarce.) All's you need is some handy photoshop aciton and a digi-cam. Let me say that using photoskins is probibly the worst way to do things because it makes other content (that you can't take cam shots of.) look 'lacking' next to the your model with a wonderful texture. Furthermore, simply using a photoskin will not get the job done. It must be used in conjunction with bumpmapping as well as specular mapping. ( Render of me above) If you're lazy (like me) you can add your fancy photoskin as a spec map and it turns out pretty well.
Latley ive been trying to use (what I think to be the best method) of using hand painted skins (not real paint... photoshop) as well as photoskins. In addition you can make a simple max material look rather nice without any skins at all. (Flesh-tone on the 'female' model above.)

ANYWAY, that lengthy slideshow aside, lets get down to buisness.
First things first. Before we can get started we need several things. A website, a server for hoasting files, a team (lol), and a project leader(s). Perhaps that 'blogg' deal could help too, but its not needed right away. We must also find out how to get all these things. (Hopefully without costing any money) From what ive seen here, as well in your animations assemble'n the team is no issue at all. The topic and web-space, however will be more difficult. *shrug* seeing as how so many people want to do this, why not just get this shindig started. Does anyone have any objections to myself heading the project? (If so, no worries, we'll just get everyone interested together and take a vote of sorts)

Re: Random thoughts that occur while watchin anims
 

I personally have no objection, seeing that YOU are the one who came up with the idea!

Re: Random thoughts that occur while watchin anims
 

I second that. :)

Re: Random thoughts that occur while watchin anims
 

Well im jumping the gun a bit, but I went ahead and got one o those free forums for us. http://roushey.proboards34.com/ Anyhoo, they're open to pretty much anyone. Anyhoo, I suggest anyone interested in following, or joining the project just bookmark it and leave it be 'till we start rollin.

Re: Random thoughts that occur while watchin anims
 

I'm definitely no 3ds max guru. I'm proficient but not nearly at the levels of many of you. However, I'm particularly skilled in NLE software (FCP & Premiere), Compositing/Color Correction Tools (2+ yr. experience in Shake), video pacing, and video compression.

Some of my work from last year:

http://homepage.mac.com/av11d/newShake/theBlob.mov
An animated blob from maya composited on a still photo. Used distortion, color-correction, and compositing tools in Shake to accomplish.

http://homepage.mac.com/av11d/newSha...mitecurves.mov
Used shake's hermite curves to create smooth animated text. I think I was trying to replicate a blockbuster commercial.. not sure.

http://homepage.mac.com/av11d/newSha..._text_test.mov
Using distortion and DoF effects to create a shaky 2d text in a 3d environment. I usually prefer AE for this type of work... but I was just experimenting with Shake.

I'm also good at compressing videos for the web. I've researched all the available codecs and am good at choosing bit-rates and codecs based on the amount movement and color saturation of the videos.

I'd love to participate in this event. Just send me a PM if you want me to help out. :)

Re: Random thoughts that occur while watchin anims
 

Okey dokey.

Everyone who wants in for this project (there will be no cuts) drop me an email at: Tadakichisan@gmail.com Just say your name and a brief discription of what you plan on doing for the project. If your a rookie, cheers. You can observe, learn, & hone your skills for next year. Basically, everyone who wants in, is in. Mentors, Vets, and rookie's alike. (Mentor input is always welcome. Perhaps the mentors will learn a few new tricks too)