Google SketchUp

...a friend gave me a copy of this programme called Google SketchUp and told me it's a cool but stupid 3D application (he is a 3Ds Max freak). I then asked him why did he call it cool but stupid and he replied by saying...'it is too easy to use'.

I got home loaded the application unto my hard drive and ran it...and yes it was too simple to use, I agreed with him but I guess I saw something he did not see which was and I 'think'...it can be used to pre-viz (animatics) a shot for vfx...

I really dont know if anyone on this board have used this application before but can my finding be true?

What uses can this software be used for....U can check up the website here http://sketchup.google.com/index.html

I hope I read from someone soon...

Regards,
'kk'

KK you really do need to lay your hands on a copy of Stu's Book, The DV REBELS GUIDE!!!
try the link below its 4 posts below your own Rolling Eyes

http://rebelsguide.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=643&highlight=sketchup

Thanks for tip friend but the problem I have is this...it's not available here in my country secondly buying the book from the US or from the UK is about three times the price of one...and sincerely, I am not that rich at all not even close to being comfortable...In one word I'm a 'hustler' Laughing

I have asked some colleagues/friends abroad to help me purchase one but unfortunately none has been successful...my bad I'll say Crying or Very sad

...hopefully with time, I will be able to get it.

At the moment, I'll read the link you posted...

Regards,
'kk'

A hustler

yes I do understand not being well off. My copy was an xmas present. Sorry didn't realize you couldn't get hold of the book. I think that is awful if its 3 times the price, shipping costs etc. just re read and it does come across a bit preachy not how it was meant, it just is a great book to take out on shoots, as a reference and while working through the whole process of creating your film. Hope the link was useful also if you have a query use the search button at the top of forum page and see if you get any results ( not in a preaching kind o way, oh maybe it is Embarassed

)

...thank you very much and I apreciate you kind gesture. Well, with time I know I will be able to buy Stu's book. The link was great but after reading it...I am begining to ask myself if I should just stick to Maya...I think sketchup has a huge weakness, which is poseable models...

Please give me your opinion...I wonder how Stu uses it for pre-viz or is it storyboading.

Stu if you are reading this, can you also add a comment/tip...

Regards,
'kk'

I think Stu might say "look at pages 43 and 44". But that's just my guess.

I cant help but think: DV Rebel's Guide: $30. Autodesk Maya: $2000.

I don't understand what you are trying to say Gage...but I think you mean why buy Maya for $2000 when I can learn alot from using SketchUp which Stu has discussed in his book and his book is simply $30...

Well you have a point...I'll explain something to you...presently at this moment, I have the Maya PLE 7 on my machine and this was how I learnt to use Maya and still using the Maya PLE 7 to learn more about application...don't you think I can create my scenes (storyboards and previz) in Maya and use for that for the pre-production stage even if the PLE watermarks are embedded in your final image... Question

I also want to stress that, I will love and love to have a copy of Stu's book but unfortunately, I cant have it...so will you say I should wait to have his book in my hands before making a movie... Question

No, not at all. That's not what I'm saying. I think Maya would be amazing for storyboards. I'd love to see them when you get them made. I think that would be inspirational. And I appologize. I dont know what "PLE" is. I only know of the full software. I guess "PLE" is a demo version? I took Maya classes back when the software was $25,000+ and a 6 week class was $3000. $2000 actually sounds like a bargain.

As for my guess as to what Stu might say (and it is only a guess; I am by no means putting any words in his mouth) it is in keeping with his response to me, here:

http://rebelsguide.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=2978#2978

I'm only pointing out how useful the book is. Certainly you shouldn't wait to get The Guide before you make a film, but it's hardly out of line to speak it's virtues in a forum that exists in support of The Guide.

I am sorry for misunderstanding what you are trying to say. Please forgive my igonrance. I guess with time, I'll get the book and then I'll be very happy when I do.

The Maya PLE application is the demo version of Maya but this is a demo with a difference (PLE means...Personal Learning Edition)...it's fully functional, you can save your project and it does not expire like some other demo apps will do...but you'll have a watermark at the background of Maya...which in my opinion it's not bad for pre-viz or storyboarding...

please read...

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=7639525

I think the underlying theme here is to use what you already have or can obtain cheaply. For most of us, Sketch Up represents the only realistic option for quick 'boards. Others of us have other tools at our disposal. Whatever works is what you should use.

KK01, when you prep your character models for animatics, do you first create an IK rig with dynamics? If you aren't already doing this, you might consider using The Setup Machine by Anzovin Studio. It's only $99 and might save you the effort. I know that in Nigeria $99 is a lot more than it is in the US, and I'm not sure how far your personal funds stretch. It'd be a question what is more valuable for you: time or money. The link to TSM is http://www.anzovin.com/TSM2Maya/.

I'm personally looking at using Hash Animation:Master. It's an annual subscription of $49. It has built in dynamics, and I taught it back in 1999-2000, so I have some familiarity (though it has changed a lot since then). This app lets you setup lights and cameras with sensor sizes, apertures, focal lengths. You can do a very detailed previs of your shoot this way.

Nothing is standardized in the film industry, especially on the Indie side of things. Whatever you can use to get your vision across is a tool in my opinion. I'd rather see a google sketchup of a scene that I am going to shoot, compared to a directors less-than-chicken-scratch "boards".

Learn the program inside out, and become great at it. It will only open doors to your creative outlet.

_________________
Jamie A. Metzger
DP + Aerial + Specialty Rigging + Underwater
Features + Music Videos + Commercials
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2335925/ - IMDB
http://youtube.com/watch?v=uVGuVv-tDQo - Demo Reel
http://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiemetzger - Linked In

I haven't tried Google Sketch-up, since I'm a 3dsMax guy. Another option for those looking for something cheap (like, FREE) and FULLY functional (as in fluid simulators, rigid body dynamics, particles, and even a built in compositor), there's always Blender.

http://www.blender.org/features-gallery/features/

And I know a guy from another forum who made a few cool tutorials using it. he uses it for all his stuff, and he does great work!

http://www.peerlessproductions.com/tuts.html

some of his fx work with it...
http://www.peerlessproductions.com/vfx.html

There's also a new program out (for FREE, again) that is specifically made for pre-viz. It's called Antics. I downloaded it, but haven't tried it yet.

http://www.antics3d.com/

Just some other options for anyone interested...

_________________
if it's not fun, what's the point?
www.mackdadd.com

My tutorials, if you're into that sort of thing.
http://www.mackdadd.com/html/visualfx.html

Im a Maya person, but I've been trying out SketchUp for the past 6-7 months for storyboarding. Its a great way to play around with simple camera set ups and you are able to import meshes/models from other 3d apps i.e poser which helps greatly when you neeed posable characters (well, duh lol), but thats all i find it helpful for. Im sure there are other people who think otherwise and who have played with the ins and outs of the app.

Ive also downloaded the free version of Antics.......wow!!! Simple, easy, great results for pre-viz!!! The controls were weird for me at first but im finding my way around with it.

I kinda find it weird that kk01 can afford Adobe After Effects and Autodesk Combutsion, but cant afford a book Confused

	Quote:
	I kinda find it weird that kk01 can afford Adobe After Effects and Autodesk Combutsion, but cant afford a book.

I dont think he should wait to make his movie until he gets the book.