Is it possible to have them? I have repeatedly tried to use them in animations, but each time failed...all I get is the transparent look of the object lol. I've read my books and done a search on this, but have come up with nill. What am I missing or doing wrong if it's possible to have them actually show in animations? Lady Stormy

Lady, can you post an example? ::::: Opera :::::

This problem "usually" comes from using display mode instead of render mode. Under the Make Movie choice, you'll see a pulldown list that shows "Current Display Settings". Pull it down to "Current Render Settings", then go ahead and name the movie and so on.

It all depends on the render engine. If you're asking in general if it's possible to have them, then the answer is yes. However, some render engeines (don't know if it's a problem with firefly, because I've never had the patience to try it out) do have problems with motion blur/transparency. In a related note, here's a GREAT article/thread about professional render engines, and why the Pros use what they use: Choosing the Best 3D Rendering Application for Your Needs It's a good read if you're into 3D animation rendering on a pro or semi-pro/serious hobbiest level.

:::::::: whew :::::::: but thanks maxx. ::::: Opera :::::

Thanks all!! Started to read some of the article maxx..will finish it tomorrow :) Going to give it another try with okham's suggestion and see what happens :) Don't have animations right now, deleted them in frustration lol. Even tho, I have been working with Poser 4 for about five years now and now Poser 5 since Christmas, I haven't played with animations much..so am quite new to them. Have tried twice in P4 and now once in P5. But I'd like to broaden my horizons and learn this :)

unsolicited free advice: stay away from spline interpolation until the last minutes. ::::: Opera :::::

This is my favorite quote near the beginning of the article (where he's talking about what 3D package to use), and it goes to show you that TRUE industry professionals are NOT the "snobs" you see on message boards proclaiming the religeous greatness of one particular software package...

"A professional Hollywood stunt driver will maneuver a sloshy Chevy through a tight obstacle course far better than a novice driver does in the seat of a tight Porsche. 3D rendering is no different: a 3D industry professional can pick up a $99 off-the-shelf rendering package and produce better art than the no-talent hobbyist can with a $15,000 highend integrated software solution....some companies are simply better at marketing than other companies. Alias (makers of Maya) is quite infamous for its highly-effective ad campaigns. Finally, the biggest and best studios often use particular 3D programs with ability to translate well to a preferred renderer technology, and not necessarily because of the value of that 3D software's toolset itself. In other words, studios usually begin with a rendering pipeline and then port to it with whichever 3D software applications are best-suited to translate. Also, long-standing industry artists may prefer one program over another because they probably 'grew up' on SoftImage and the predecessors of Maya because that's all that was available back then for professional use. Why would these artists learn a whole new package when they don't need to?"

It's important to note that the guy who wrote the thread actually works himself as Creative Director in the 3D/FX industry, and isn't just "talking out of his arse". His article has been discussed on CgTalk and many other "professional" forums. Excellent overall advice. ;-)

Message edited on: 02/13/2005 20:21

i like his response when asked if he should go with Maya because it looks good on your resume. The advice was to show your "reel" or "book" but don't tell them what software you used. Cool answer. ::::: Opera :::::

Yep, I agree with that, Opera. If you really want to be appreciated for artistic merit, it makes little sense to have to mention what programs you use. Take Bryce, for example. Bryce is by no means anywhere near the technical capabilites of most high end solutions, yet so many of the artists who use it can push it's limitations and create fantastic art with it. In the article he says, "Finally, although Maya/XSI might be the most technically proficient, I ask myself sometimes why it seems that the most artistically beautiful 3d work tends to come foremost from 3dsmax and Lightwave users." It's important for everyone in 3D to understand that it's not JUST about the software. It's the artist that makes it happen.