Hi, Friends & Family :) It's been a long while, but in these weeks I tried to follow the postings and the uploads, even if not on a daily basis like before. Some quite great works as usual, and my late congrats to the challenge winners. I want to thank all the people who IMed me during this difficult period, you were all of great support. Luckily, now my family situation is a bit better, so I have begun again to dedicate some of my spare time to my favourite hobby. As many of you (thanks for your comments!) already know, lately I started working with C4D, and I'm slowly grasping the basics of the app. But I have great news, and for this I really have to be thankful to this community and specially to this Forum. Apart two new books on the making (scheduled to be published late next year), a small Italian videographics agency bought the rights of an earlier sci-fi short story of mine to make... a 3D animation of it! :) And they didn't even know that I'm a 3D maniac. So I phoned them immediately and bargained heavily :) I gave up the money they were offering (not millions, by the way, LOL) and proposed, instead, to be part of the production, even if only as a "bystander" (quite the right role, considering my skills). They agreed, so presently I'm learning, under their guide, to use Softimage|XSI, the full functional version in their studio and the free EXP version at home (too bad the two versions can't exchange files). What can I say? XSI is just plain incredible, and I'm dedicating to it virtually all of my spare time in order to be able to give my support to the final feature. Of course, I still remember all too well when, last November (almost a year ago) I started posting my images here. Without all the things I've learned here and the suggestions and exchanges I had with the members of this Bryce Forum, today I won't even be thinking of realizing one of my dreams like it's happening now. But, XSI notwithstanding, guess what the pros use for the early visualization process of the scenes? Yeah, you guessed it: good ole' Bryce 5. :-D I'll be again "present" in the forum and the galleries from now on, thanks to the "lighter" family situation. So, guys and gals, thanks a lot and, if for you it's alright, I'll be really glad to post here the various WIPS of the project even if they're not Bryce-related, because I trust your judgement more than anyone else's. May Your Renders Be Short :) Stefano

Thats great news, things seem to be on the up for you! It's been strange around here without you glad to see you back!

Good to hear. Hope everything goes along smoothly. I hope you'll be showing us some previews of the animation. That's really neat though, I've heard that XSI is most likely going to be the new standard in the movie business. Should give you a huge boost. As always, best of luck. Robert

wow dude thats awesome--This is a first big step into the professional world of 3d art for you. orbitals right, it has been kinda weird around here without you (see some of the recent forum posts). Ive enjoyed seeing your c4d posts, i cant believe how fast ouve grasped it--your city street scene was amazing, better than alot of the other posts in the gallery(and most of them have been using 4d for a while!) well, all I can say is good luck and God speed with your journey, this will open up alot of new doors for you im sure:) oh, and plz post some of the WIPS!!! Jordan

Re woodhurst: I don't think I've seen anyone come so far so quickly as DC. I mean he's been posting less than a year and is easily one of the most original and technically gifted artists we have. The same goes for his C4D work, I don't know much about the app but what he's doing sure looks good. I'm sure he's destined for great things. Whats more he takes the time to view all the works in the gallery and nearly always posts a comment, thats whats been strange for me cos 9 times out of 10 he's got there before me. Anyway thats enough ass kissing, but you deserve it Stefano!

Great news, Stephano. Let's see, published author, excellent digital artist, now involved in the bringing of one of his works to film. Yeah, that's great news. Congratulation, DC, you deserve it!

Hey, congrats man! Thats fantastic news! Just dont forget about us mortals...and aliens. :)

Stefano!! Great to hear from you, glad things are better. Super news on the ANI, keep us posted. Well deserved friend, CONGRATS!!

I agree with all the above, its super news for you Stefano, and I am so glad things are getting better all round. You definately deserve it in my book. Pam

Congratulations Stefano, well deserved! Glad things are going better for you!!

It's wonderful to hear that your situation is improving and your news is VERY exciting. Don't forget us! Tres

I'm glad to hear that your problems have been sorted out but even moreso... How awesome! You certainly deserve this opportunity and I'm so glad that you got to where you are. You have gotten the chance to do something that tons of people would love to do (myself included ;) ). Congratulations and make the best of it! We're expecting frequent updates on your progress. "I gave up the money they were offering (not millions, by the way, LOL) and proposed, instead, to be part of the production, even if only as a 'bystander'" Don't you mean "Bryce-stander"? 8^D

Stefano, It makes me very happy to see you posting again. I'm glad your family situation is improving. And, as to your good fortune--you deserve it, of that there is no doubt. See you around.

Yoh, hoo! Congratulations on your career opportunities! And it's also good to hear that your family situation has improved. You've been greatly missed! And I am so much looking forward to see your work again. :)

Hi Stefano I'm so pleased to hear that your situation has improved and I look forward to seeing the work your doing for this new project. It sounds like your fortunes have turned and I wish you all the very best with the book and animation. 8) Catlin

WhooHooo, go Stefano!, great news, a 'foot in the door' of the BIG TIME...glad that everything is working out at home too!

Hi man.

:-D Missed you around here, so glad things are on the upswing. Congrats on the new opportunities you're getting too! Angela

Do we have to call you 'SIR' from now on.........? Many congratulations..................

Congratulations you are on your way to the top!!!

Outstanding News Stefano, congrats to you. Keep us all informed on how you and your projects are progressing. Top stuff Stefano. Scott.

Stefano, so good to hear from you! I am delighted to hear that the family situation is so much better, and that you have arranged such a marvelous opportunity to learn XSI in an OJT (on the job training)type atmosphere. I'll bet that you're finding that as you're learning this new 3D application it is also inspiring your writing. Think of all the new neural connections you're forming! I think your writing and 3D will "cross-polinate"each other.

Dan

all the best Stefano! Mihnea

Good news alround Stefano, XSI is an awesome package especially if it's the full monty version with hair and combustion.

Welcome back, hope things are looking up for you as well!

Im delighted to hear that your life has taken a positive turn full circle! It all sounds so fascinating and exciting to be so involved in the animation production of your very own short story, a most enviable position to be in and obviously well deserved! Godspeed and best wishes in all your endeavors, and now that youve wetted our appetites with your artistic undertaking, be sure to pass us the eye candy whenever you can. Best regards

OOOOOH Quest, you know he will. lol 8D

Sweet! Congrats on the pick-up and the OJT! Look forward to following this as it progresses.

LOL @ Catlin. I hope so! Sometimes these companies put a big "no can divulge our secrets to the public" stamp on their work only letting out minor pre-production story-boarding and rough WIP just to get the public juices flowing.

Sometimes??? Gotta say just about every animation I've ever worked on I've been asked to sign a 'No Show' agreement.

Is that the animation equivalent to the signing the "State Secrets Act". 8) I signed that once when I worked in a hospital in medical records. We were not allowed to divulge any information about anyone who had been to the hospital for treatment. I think they charge you with treason if you do and as far as I know signing that is valid for life, so I better shush. 8) Catlin