Community Projects: Brainstorming, Ideas & Project Themes

[atomic]

This will be the place were anyone interested in participating in the project, can leave their ideas, brainstorm about Project themes and discuss everything with other members.
So have do you have any ideas? Shoot! :)

[Xpandemic]

I have an idea! We could create a movie poster titled "The Evil Scientist" (something around there) and the two main characters would be the cartoon characters in DTs tutorials; the cop and the scientist.

Layout: Title on top, scientest in the middle with evil look with some chemistry props in the background and the cop popping his head through the side.
Something around those lines

[atomic]

Me liky alot, imagening it allready. :D
Really good idea man. But do you mean we would model the characters or use the ones from the training kit?
Maybe the poster could be a dark basement or some kind of workplace, with some ominous lights and the scientist working on something in the back. And then the cop carefully wandering around looking at the scientist.

[Fusedgore]

Yeah but I think you guys should create a short movie .With all your own created content .That could be cool

[Xpandemic]

Me liky alot, imagening it allready. :D
Really good idea man. But do you mean we would model the characters or use the ones from the training kit?
Maybe the poster could be a dark basement or some kind of workplace, with some ominous lights and the scientist working on something in the back. And then the cop carefully wandering around looking at the scientist.

I think we should use the ones from the kit to speed things up and not make it too frustrating. A dark basement would be sweet! yes, have the scientist work on something in the background like a computer maybe, nice idea.

@fusedgore
I think its better if we start small and work our way up to that point.

[danlefeb]

I think we should use the ones from the kit to speed things up and not make it too frustrating.

Contact a DT admin before doing this to verify it's OK because for a project like this you'll be transferring files back and forth between anyone involved and DT subscribers have access to the DT project files you will no doubt be transferring these project files to non-subscribers. That is outside the current acceptable-use license for those files.

[Xpandemic]

Contact a DT admin before doing this to verify it's OK because for a project like this you'll be transferring files back and forth between anyone involved and DT subscribers have access to the DT project files you will no doubt be transferring these project files to non-subscribers. That is outside the current acceptable-use license for those files. Ah yes very true, thanks for the heads up.

[atomic]

Yes offcourse we should ask DT first if we decide to use DT material. And credit them for using it.

[atomic]

@bravo2zero: I was actually thinking that as well. But we just got to make sure we can finish it.
Maybe we can do our own scientist and cop. :)

[Dean]

yeah, no learning if you just use someone else's model, i can only help out in modeling, uv and texturing, cause when it comes to rigging and animation im no good, if im needed for something dont hessetate to contact me guys.

[stwert]

I think this should have original content, though the cop/scientist idea is pretty cool. I just think it looks better when you produce something that wasn't based on existing tutorials.

[Dean]

yeah indeed

[Fusedgore]

Thats why I said you would want to create stuff from scratch .I probably should have explained it a tad further .But anyway .I think there are allot of great artists here .Great modelers,riggers and what not .If you can get some of those people like Dean or Hornet or someone else this would be great .I would help but I cant model so .

[Dean]

How about some cartoony vampire scene, with some old spooky mansion he lives in, the stile can be kinda tim burton's. Anyhow just an idea, lets see what you guys think on this one.

[atomic]

I'm also all for making everything ourselfs, but I just really liked the idea of a mad scientist and cop. :)
And I'm also only good for modeling and perhaps some texturing, cuz I pretty much suck at everything else. :p

[Xpandemic]

I guess I can do the props, I still find modeling characters a pretty hard deal for me but I will get around them some day. I also like the idea of a vampire with the style of tim burton's in a spooky mansion, or maybe we could combine the two. Have an evil vampire scientist in his mansion with a cop.

[atomic]

I still find modeling characters a pretty hard deal for me.
Yea I'm not quite into character modeling aswell, tried it a few times but often got weird body shapes. :p

maybe we could combine the two. Have an evil vampire scientist in his mansion with a cop.
Haha evil vampire scientist with a cop :D

[Yeoman742]

Well atomic, just because your not into character modeling right now don't discount it.. Remember this thread is for Ideas, everything should be placed on the table and selecting the best ideas that work together..

[atomic]

Yea offcourse, we got to collect all ideas first and agree on a theme, character(s), environment, etc. Then we will see who will do what and try to assign/hand out tasks to the people that feel good about doing them. And then if we have a character that no one wants to build, I'll give character modeling another go. :D

[Fusedgore]

The ideas for this are endless .We could all create an animation short for DT to show off .Something to show like internet learning versus illegal content takers .Like an online classroom and someone trying to get free peeks at the teaching .Would could be a really funny idea .If you would all need help just ask cause I would like to help if I can get my skills a little better.All I would say is if your going to pass your scenes on or the main project folder make sure you organize it .Name everything in the outliner .

[Xpandemic]

Does it matter what program we use? Maya was my first program but I made the switch to 3ds Max. I doubt this is a problem as long as we export in supported formats. What 3d program do you guys use?

[atomic]

I use Maya, but we should determine all the different softwares used when we start this project. And see which file formats would be best to use between those application.

[Yeoman742]

Bravo, atomic, xpand.. While I don't want to sound like mean and I do understand the importance of the software used, lets just not jump into software issues on this thread..

Now, the idea of an Evil Vampire Scientist and a Cop sounds like great, but I do have to ask what is the problem that they against each other?? Whats the situation?

We know the legends of Vampires; avoid daytime, garlic, stakes and must drink blood.
we know that good cops; avoid breaking the law, help those in need, like to eat donuts!!

oh, here's a funny one.. Vampire Scientist creates a cop eating donut!! lol

Any other suggestions?

[atomic]

Yeoman you are actually very right, this thread should only be about themes, characters, stories, etc.
And I like that you ask these questions, these are the kind of questions that will have to be anwsered to get a good story build.
What I think would be the base of the story is that the scientist has working on something evil, like a mind control device,pill or world domination or anything. :D And the cop is trying to stop the scientist. now for the actuall animation in the future, we might have the cop wondering around the mansion trying to find the scientist. And then switch the shots between the cop in the mansion and the scientist working in the basement or something.
Let me know what you think. :)

[Yeoman742]

its got possibilites.. more questions to ask.. How did the cop find out something was up?? Wouldn't it make a little more sense that he is working in the Attic, that way the cop could work his way up the mansion (giving more reason to show him searching, also could answer first question by suggesting the cop saw flashes of light coming from an attic window)?? This also could provide comic scenes with things he could run into..

[Xpandemic]

How did the cop find out something was up?? hmm maybe people from the community would walk by the mansion and hear screams? or someone went missing and the cop is investigating everyone. your right theirs lots of possibilities

Wouldn't it make a little more sense that he is working in the Attic, that way the cop could work his way up the mansion (giving more reason to show him searching)
yeah either the basement or attic would be good

[atomic]

This is also why I like to do a project with other people, you get all those ideas and critiques that make your project so much better. :)
I'm for the scientist working in the attic and the cop seeing flashes or something as a cause for investigating the place.
I like where this story is going, keep up the comments. :D

[stwert]

Just an idea, but why don't we focus on our ideas on a still image (not necessarily a poster for a future animation). If this project is a success, there's no reason why we couldn't do an animation on some other topic. So maybe we should imagine a still image as its own project.

[atomic]

Just an idea, but why don't we focus on our ideas on a still image (not necessarily a poster for a future animation). If this project is a success, there's no reason why we couldn't do an animation on some other topic. So maybe we should imagine a still image as its own project.

Why don't make are still about a possible future animation? Then if it's a succes we can create the animation behind the poster.


You will need to sketch out something maybe even a simple storyboard if you do decide to make a simple animation .

Yea this will be a part of the pre-production work if we are going to work on an animation.

[spam_septic]

Just saw this thread. Some good ideas here. I like the idea of the mad scientist in the attic. Would give plenty of opportunities to play with interesting lighting, textures, simulations, etc.

I have this image of an old house like the Bates Motel with eerie light coming through the shutters, maybe a rainstorm...

I'm not experienced enough to lead, but I'm happy to be a minion. I use XSI and can model, texture and do some simple rigging. I'm also "getting there" with ICE simulations. I recently picked up Maya, so, with a little help from DT's tutorials, I should be able to get up to speed on modeling with it reasonably quickly.

[atomic]

Everyone is welcome, so I would say hop on board and join the discussion. :)

Offtopic: We have 2 Project leader nominees (Yeoman742 and stwert), the nominating thread (http://www.digitaltutors.com/forum/showthread.php?21629-Community-Projects-Project-Leader-Nomination) will remain open till end of this week. (if that sounds good for everyone else) And then we will cast a vote, to choose who will become our Project leader.

[Fusedgore]

If you guys need help on something I will toss my name in the hat here to help on modeling or rigging .Thats if you guys and girls need it.

[Yeoman742]

I want to step back a moment and ask a question.. Even though we have generated a great idea of scientist and cop story, I want to point out that we still do not have a theme.. What message do we want to communicate, whats the theme?? Good alway wins over evil. The good die young. etc.. I've got a good beginning in my mind, but don't know where to go with it..

[atomic]

@Fusedgore: Thx, we sure will when we need some expert help :)

@Yeoman742: Good question there, I would say 'Good always wins' would be a logical theme bring forward. And pls if you got an idea don't hesitate to let us know. As this is the brainstorming thread, all ideas are welcome. :D

[bianconero90]

So it looks like that they are some interested in this kind of group project. That's good and I hope the enthusiasm will stay. :)

I'm not quite sold with the idea of the cop and the scientist. You should do something of your own and don't use or do a remake of the DT scientist or the watchman.

For the first project you should start anyway with stills. Animation is way to much work (like script, storyboards, rigging, animation (!), polish, rendering (image sequenz!) ... )

So I would like to ask you all. What positions do you want to fill and say why you want do for example modeling or texturing?


Concept (Design):
Modeling:
Texturing:
Lighting:
Post-Production:

[atomic]

yea it is most likely that we will do a still first. And I was also leaning towards doing our own characters and such, but I was just allready sold on the idea of a mad scientist vs the justice hunting cop. :p

As for your question, I myself would be interested in doing modeling cuz I want to increase my modeling skills and I enjoy it. :D
Maybe also some texturing work, which is a skill I think is starting develop a bit. :p And perhaps some Post-Production as well, so I can expand my knowledge about it.

Other possible future participants, pls answer bianconero90's question as well if you can. This way it will be easier for the Project Manager to hand out tasks.

[stwert]

I'm just going to throw another idea out there and see what happens... what about a still image on an alien abduction theme. Could be cartoony, could be more realistic, could have a funny twist... maybe a human spaceship "collecting" a life sample from another planet, and the aliens are all freaked out (though that's been done I think with that Planet 51 movie or whatever).
Or how bout an image of someone fishing in a boat and they're in the middle of catching some ginormous sea monster. Just tossing things out there.

[atomic]

nice ideas stwert, I really like the fishing theme. :D And I think this might be easier to organize and work out. while I like the scientist cop theme, with that there you will have to build a mansion/rooms, characters, alot of env props and texture it all. With the fishing theme there will be alot less different objects and have to texture less stuff. Like the water will be a shader that is reasonably fast to setup and get some real nice results allready.

Just to add to the fishing theme, maybe the environment can be a mid-size to large pond in between the forest and perhaps mountains in the distance.

[Fusedgore]

Atomic I am by no means an expert .I am still a noob when it comes to maya but if you all want a person on the project I am willing to help.Though I charge about 50 dollars and hour .LOL jk

[atomic]

haha :D
Not many people call themselfs an expert, there is always someone better.. :p
But I'm sure you are at least reasonably good in a certain field. :)

[Yeoman742]

@bianco: I'm not firm on the Scientist and cop thing, as its been stated by myself, atomic and a few others, this is currently underdevelopment and anything can be changed.. While I agree there will probably be many props used for the previous mentioned story, but I think we can keep it simple. My thought for a design on the scientist is way different then what DT has done, first picture a character similar to "Whitey" from Eight Crazy Nights.. Short with a club foot, oversized lab coat, oversized glass bottle glasses, missing several teeth, replaced right hand with claw.. The cop was more modeled around Mr. Incredible, with a tight waist and oversized chest, drove a small police car.

My story so far requires 4 sets; Outside of house, Entry hall with stairway, hallway with two suits of armor and a doorway, and last the Attic/Lab..

Starts out with opening title.

scene 1 shows cop pulling up to front of house, cop gets out of car, walks up to the front door.

scene 2 shows cop about to knock on door when door automaticly opens (slowly), cop calls out if anyone is home and looks in.

scene 3 cop enters house calling out, climbs stairs.

scene 4 cop at end of hallway, two suits of armor standing guard on either side with axes, as cop walks between armor, hear a creak and both axes drop (one in front, one in back) bearly missing him, cop steps over front axe, opens doorway and looks in, again calling out, walks to end of hall.

scene 5 cop step into attic seeing scientist in front of table (looks normal sized), loud noises of experiments drowned out the cops calling out, walks up to scientist and taps on shoulder, the scientist turns and jumps off stool showing his true height with coat dragging behind him.

Thats all I got so far, cuz I couldn't think where to take it next..

[Xpandemic]

I would like to work as a modeler, I've been modeling for quite a while now and would like to gain more experience and skills in this area. I'm not an expert either :D but I'll give it my best. Like atomic im barely tapping the surface of texturing and would love to get more experience here as well.

Im trying to think of another theme but i just cant come up with anything simple :p, i'll post if anything comes up

Edit: Got some themes;

1. Two aliens trying to figure out how to open a can of peanuts. Possible scene: one alien using a big weapon named " Quantum Fusion Opener" to open the can.
2. A truck driver crying by the side of the road because he killed an insect, Possible scene: Driver on his knees next to the insect crying like a baby lol.
3. Mice in a space shuttle trying to reach for something. This would be a funny animation, we could create an intense scene with the mice in the shuttle with lots of crazy things happening. Then have the camera zoom out its all quite a peaceful and show them trying to reach for something dumb idk.

[Fusedgore]

Nah I am no good in any cg field I can't even model a box .LOL .Just let me know if you guys need help .

[stwert]

Great ideas Xpandemic! I especially like the alien one... but I'm not really familiar with peanuts in a can... is that a universal thing? Does it translate? Maybe they could be puzzling over a tube of toothpaste? Or exploring someone's living room and getting freaked out by a TV.

[Xpandemic]

Great ideas Xpandemic! I especially like the alien one... but I'm not really familiar with peanuts in a can... is that a universal thing? Does it translate? Maybe they could be puzzling over a tube of toothpaste? Or exploring someone's living room and getting freaked out by a TV. thanks :D, I was just thinking of something really easy to open and I just thought of peanuts in a can but it could be anything else.

[stwert]

Bravo, there's another thread for this, as atomic has posted. Yeoman742 and I have nominated ourselves, and a vote will be held relatively soon. Others can volunteer as well, and it'll all get decided in the next few days I think.

[atomic]

1. Two aliens trying to figure out how to open a can of peanuts. Possible scene: one alien using a big weapon named " Quantum Fusion Opener" to open the can.
2. A truck driver crying by the side of the road because he killed an insect, Possible scene: Driver on his knees next to the insect crying like a baby lol.
3. Mice in a space shuttle trying to reach for something. This would be a funny animation, we could create an intense scene with the mice in the shuttle with lots of crazy things happening. Then have the camera zoom out its all quite a peaceful and show them trying to reach for something dumb idk.

Very good ideas Xpandemic, you guys seems to have some real nice imagination :)


Nah I am no good in any cg field I can't even model a box .LOL .Just let me know if you guys need help .

Then what about your Soldier model, your piglets, your... :D We will ask you if we need extra help. And you can always volenteer yourself. :)

@bravo2zero: yes I think it is getting time we choose our Project Manager as well and also hold the Project Theme Poll. (unless you guys want the project manager to decide on this) So I will post a poll on the Project Manager nomination thread (http://www.digitaltutors.com/forum/showthread.php?21629-Community-Projects-Project-Leader-Nomination) to vote on nominees tomorrow.
I will also post a Project Theme poll on this thread tomorrow and I will include al theme ideas posted on this thread. If that is ok with you guys?

[bianconero90]

My story so far requires 4 sets; Outside of house, Entry hall with stairway, hallway with two suits of armor and a doorway, and last the Attic/Lab..

Starts out with opening title.

scene 1 shows cop pulling up to front of house, cop gets out of car, walks up to the front door.

scene 2 shows cop about to knock on door when door automaticly opens (slowly), cop calls out if anyone is home and looks in.

scene 3 cop enters house calling out, climbs stairs.

scene 4 cop at end of hallway, two suits of armor standing guard on either side with axes, as cop walks between armor, hear a creak and both axes drop (one in front, one in back) bearly missing him, cop steps over front axe, opens doorway and looks in, again calling out, walks to end of hall.

scene 5 cop step into attic seeing scientist in front of table (looks normal sized), loud noises of experiments drowned out the cops calling out, walks up to scientist and taps on shoulder, the scientist turns and jumps off stool showing his true height with coat dragging behind him.

Thats all I got so far, cuz I couldn't think where to take it next..



1. Two aliens trying to figure out how to open a can of peanuts. Possible scene: one alien using a big weapon named " Quantum Fusion Opener" to open the can.
2. A truck driver crying by the side of the road because he killed an insect, Possible scene: Driver on his knees next to the insect crying like a baby lol.
3. Mice in a space shuttle trying to reach for something. This would be a funny animation, we could create an intense scene with the mice in the shuttle with lots of crazy things happening. Then have the camera zoom out its all quite a peaceful and show them trying to reach for something dumb idk.

Nice ideas but they are a bit to complex for the start. Again I'm not against short films but you need to be a bit realistic and stay on the ground.

[atomic]

Just to be clear for everyone, we are going to do a still first. just a single frame/poster for a possible future animation, (if everything goes ok).
This way we can start of small(er) and don't get overwelmed by it all. Then when we finish it and there still is interest, we have our models allready build and can do the animation. So first we got mainly modeling, texturing, rendering,... and later on we can focus on everything needed to do an animation.
And if this goes through and we can finish it all, we can perhaps try to do everything in a single project.

[bianconero90]

Right, atomic!

I think you can ask in an other thread, who would like to do what and why because I think they missed the question that I have asked. Knowing how much modelers, concepters ... etc. are in the team helps you deciding how complex the scene will/can be.

[atomic]

Hehe thx bianconero90 :)
And yea you're right on that, so pls everyone who wants to participate in this project read this thread (http://www.digitaltutors.com/forum/showthread.php?21709-Community-Projects-Tasks&p=71735#post71735) and awnser the question.

Hope to see alot of posts. :D

[atomic]

Poll has been put up.

[bianconero90]

What is "Internet learning VS Illegal content takers" ?

[atomic]

Fusedgore came up with that on page 2.

[stwert]

I think it means paying for your tutorials versus pirating... not sure what the image would look like, but there's options there I suppose. How long will these polls be up?

[atomic]

I would say no too long, but I wan't to give everyone the chance to vote so maybe till Tuesday?

[stwert]

Alright, but if there's no clear majority (e.g. 3 vs 2 vs 2 vs 1 etc.) we should let it go a bit longer.

[atomic]

But we want the people who will participate in this project be the ones who vote. and if everyone voted (around 7 people) and there isn't a majority, then I think it isn't a good idea to just leave it open. Cuz everyone has voted allready. Maybe we can then have a revote with multiple awnsers allowed and whichever idea has the most vote then, wins. Or let the Project manager decide on this.

[chrisg]

A common thing with these types of polls is to have an initial vote to create a top 3 or top 5 ideas, then have a second vote with the project members.

[spam_septic]

Some great ideas there. I voted for the scientist/cop, but have to say that the alien/peanut can idea is very interesting too. I would be happy with either.

This is pretty much what has been already said, but with the slight addition of an ending - just the first image that popped into my head: The aliens try a bunch of different and complicated tools to open the can, but nothing seems to work. Much slapstick ensues... At the end, they fire the can out an airlock and blow it up with some fantastical weapon... the scene ends with the peanuts floating in space and the spaceship flying away into the distance.

[stwert]

I like the idea spam_septic. Right now we're still working with a still image idea, but that would be cool if we extend to a full animation.
I also thought it might be funny for them to be opening a soda can, cause the viewer would be able to tell it'll blow up any second.

[Fusedgore]

If you guys want to do an animation you can use my piggies I will just have to finish rigging them.

[kcarp]

The cop walks up to the counter in a diner and says a few words to the pretty waitress (from or similat to the one taught by DT) pours him a coffee.
A few extra customers in the diner could be models made by members. The scientist is sitting in a booth with his laptop computer.
A television in the diner is showing a program called "Mystery Search" The scene on tv changes to the announcement. Starting tomorrow we will begin to investigate where the extra animals are coming from that show up at the Papa Georgio Island Zoo.
The waitress asks the cop what he thinks. The camera shows the evil scientist listening as the cop tells the waitress that it is a mystery to him. The scientist laughs.

[stwert]

Fusedgore: Thanks for the offer, I'm sure if this first project is successful, an animation won't be too long following, so piggies are definitely an option!
kcarp: Again, I think this is much too ambitious to start off with. But that doesn't mean it's not a good idea. I've got a running list of projects that I'd like to do, but don't have time to at the present. Keep a list of ideas somewhere and bring them back out from time to time to see if you have time, or if there's community interest in more ambitious projects.

[atomic]

Now that Stwert has been voted Project Manager, I allready want to ask you (stwert) what you would like to do with this poll?
1/3 voted for 'The evil scientist' and 2/3 voted for other options, with 'Fishing for ginormous sea monsters' and 'Alien can opening dillema' as most popular.
Maybe we could ask the people who voted for other options to choos one of the three themes above, so that we might get a bigger overweight.
Or we could give points 1 to 3 for our favorite options.
Like for me this would be:
-Fishing for ginormous sea monsters: 3
-Alien can opening dillema: 2
-The Evil Scientist: 1
And then count all the points, and then whichever theme got the most points wins.
Let me know what you think. Or perhaps someone else has a better idea..

[stwert]

As Chris suggested, I think we should have a follow-up poll with the three leaders at the moment (fishing, aliens, and scientist). I'm assuming I'll have to start a new thread for that.

[bianconero90]

If you want I can edit the poll and put only the top 3 of the themes in the poll

[stwert]

Thanks bianconero, but we've started another thread for people to vote along with their second choices: http://www.digitaltutors.com/forum/showthread.php?21763-Community-Project-Final-topic

[bianconero90]

Ah, you don't want to use a poll? It would be easier with a poll.

[stwert]

Well a poll would be nice, and but we also want to give people a first and second choice, which doesn't really work with a poll. I suppose people could vote on the poll for their first choice, and then reply with their second, but that seems unnecessarily complex. The only disadvantage is that it's not anonymous, but I don't think that's too big a problem.

[Devere]

this is great, I'm up for either evil scientist with cop or alien would be cool, give me a chance to design some really cool non-functional can openers space ship and guns. Oh yeah did I mention I'm totally game for anything on the design side (vehicles and products are my strength but I'm up to challenge of creatures or characters since this is what it's all about coming together and creating something fun and pushing ourselves), guess depending on the work load if it turns out more help is needed on modeling I'm game for that as well (well solid prop object modeling anyways).

Though I guess we have to select an idea first before we decide on style or level of realism we want to bring in, Whether it's set far in the future or far in the past or more present day, since the available technologies will effect how the design's look and function.

on the aliens wouldn't it be funny if they had an essence of creatures that actually eat nuts or intelligent creatures from a planet that feeds on nuts they rerach to earth far in the future as it turns out we have wiped our selves out their near starving. and they struggle frantically to steal last can of nuts on the planet from each other with hilariously over done attempts to open the vessel to indulge in the only substance that can save their life. (recognize the picture similar to to the main food source on their planet but they have never seen it in a can before or maybe apocalypse an brought upon itself has altered the material properties of the can making it near indestructible minus opening it via the ring on top) maybe include a little life lesson in there and have them each rip a part of the opening instruction off in the initial discovery and it isn't until they decide to work together they are able to put it together and figure out how to open the can.