Hello everyone, I'm currently working on a new image in Bryce - the centerpiece of the image is based on the main 'prop' from one of my favourite films. I have no measurements, plans or information on this 'centerpiece' other than some stills from the film and therefore the entire model has to be built by eye. The question is - should I be trying to reproduce the model as close as possible to the item in the film , or should I just try and make a really good picture? I wouldn't want to annoy fans of the film! Thanks for any ideas, Mark.

depends what it is, if you're modelling an ewok, and it comes out as chewie, there might be problems. i understand what you're saying though... i think that you should try your best at it if that's what you're striving for and if your current skills can afford it. otherwise try to immitate the idea and go with poetic license. Drac (darth vader's suit was pink dammit!!!)

It really does depend. If it is going to be the centerpiece as you say, you may have to pack on as much detail as you can, and try to get it as close to the film model as possible. If it wasn't going to be the focus of the image, then you could just get close, use your artistic license, and that would be good enough. HTH, Mike

Thanks! The model is going to be the centerpiece, therefore I am going to have to get as much detail in as possible (based on the reference material I have which isn't much). I have included a WIP image of the item which is about 10% complete - see if you can guess what it's going to be (assuming you saw the film of course!) Probably about time I renewed my artistic license anyway hehe...

Time machine? Check the newtek website's gallery, they've got some straight renders of it.

Well said guys, I think it depends on what your'e goals are. If your'e going for replication of an existing movie, then agonizing detail work it is! But personally, I prefer to just make a good image the way I want it (regardless of what the movie fans think) hehehe. BTW that's some awesome modelling!

antevark: Of course! - they mention LightWave on the Time Machine DVD - should have thought to look for that! Thanks for all the advice everyone - I'm going to concentrate on the artistic imagery rather than get the model 100% accurate (although getting it even 50% accurate is being a real challenge!) And no, I'm not going to animate it!

Great modelling work Hutch, I'm looking forward to seeing it completed.

So am I!

depends what it is, if you're modelling an ewok, and it comes out as chewie, there might be problems. <---- funny guy.... wow your going to build a TIME MACHINE? now thats a modelling madness, i had my chance to model MATRIX'S NEBUCHADNEZZAR, but had it dropped... the details too much strain for my eye, might as well do my own, atleast i wont offend anybody... now about yours? if talent and patience persits... go for it!

Dang, I just finished modelling a time machine..what a wasted effort..;) (mine's not nearly this good, tho..;) I've often found a good story or caption can excuse/misdirect/gloss over any number of imperfections..;) just my 2p.;)

Hurrah! The Time Machine model is now at 43 million polygons! Hate to think how many once I've added details!

43 million? is it smoothed to the sub-atomic level?..;) so that's how you break the time barrier..looks good, keep at it, want to see the final version..if we live that long..;) (imagine the render times..;)

43 million for the model in post 4? Wow. I think that could have been done with 50.000 without any visual difference.

The model looks very nice though.