Project 6: Effects

Goal Learn the basics of various types of effects.

Resources

The overarching goal of this portion of Project 6 is to briefly introduce you to the effects process using seven different systems: Soft Body Simulation with nCloth, Rigid Body Simulation with Bullet, Liquid Simulation with Bifrost, Hair Simulation with XGen, Particles and Fluid simulation with Maya nParticles and Fluids, and Compositing in After Effects.

We also will have a simple introduction to Deformers, a simple rigging system that can allow you to make very basic objects animate-able. Each part is fairly simple and consists mostly of following instructions. After you have gone through all of the parts, you will not be a master of these systems, but you will have a general idea what each is capable of.

Then, after doing each tutorial, you will be required to expand upon your work by making something interesting/improved/anything that pushes the bounds of what a system can do or is technically or artistically intriguing. Choose one of the effects systems you've tried out and explore a new feature, or a unique implementation of the system, or a combination of two systems together. Whichever area you choose you must meet the minimum requirements outlined in the "Advanced Topics" section below. Feel free to research and discover new features to try!

Whatever you do, define a render camera and render out at least 5 seconds (5*24=120 frames), using simple materials, lighting, and render layers if necessary. If you need more frames that's fine, but be sure not to go overboard as rendering can take a long time.

Advanced Topics

nCloth:
Minimum Reqs:

An implementation using the capabilities of the cloth system not described in the tutorial
You must create a type of cloth different than the one used in the tutorial (ex: paper, nylon, wool, etc)

Example project: A handful of Bullet objects flying through and tearing a sheet of cloth using tearable nCloth
Example project: A water balloon breaking against a wall with BiFrost water inside
Example project: A burning pair of pants, with attached maya fluids and particles
Example project: Combine blend shapes and nCloth to turn a flapping flag into a paper boat

XGen:
Minimum Reqs:

An implementation using the capabilities of the XGen system not described in the tutorial

Example project: Define a new XGen description to create hair for a character, and use Groomable Splines to shape it.
Example project: Create a landscape populated with XGen archived geometry such as trees, flowers, and grass, using custom archive primitives.

Bullet:
Minimum Reqs:

An implementation using the capabilities of the Bullet system not described in the tutorial
At least three different types of rigid body objects should interact with one another (For ex: a ball, hits a pendulum, hits a domino)
At least one of those objects should be a soft body, or a hinge, or a shatter

Example Project: Rube Goldberg Machine
Example Project: A mallet on a pendulum, hitting a ball into a shatterable glass window
Example Project: Implement Bullet Ragdoll on a joint skeleton, then have the ragdoll interact with multiple bullet objects

Useful links: Info on making soft bodies in Bullet, Info on making hinges in Bullet, Info on shattering objects in Bullet

Bifrost:
Minimum Reqs:

An implementation using the capabilities of the BiFrost system not described in the tutorial

Example Project: Water pouring into a glass (reference to match)
Example project: A nCloth water balloon breaking against a wall with BiFrost water inside
Example Project: Water shot out of a hose onto another surface (similar to pouring but with more force)
Example Project: Objects using Maya's Bullet system interacting with BiFrost fluid
Example Project: BiFrost Aero simulation of smoke, gas, or fog

Deformers:
Minimum Reqs:

An implementation using different deformers than those used in the tutorial (ex: Vortex, Twist)
Must utilize at least three different kinds of deformers, that are nested or "stacked" upon one another

Example project: Create a convincing whirlpool

Other Options:

Implement a MASH Network
Other ideas? Just ask the staff! We'd be happy to help you come up with ideas, or figure out the best way to execute on your grand vision.

Turn In You will be graded on the following:

Following instructions for each part of the assignment
Expanding upon your work and making something technically or artistically interesting
Turning in at least 5 seconds (5*24=120 frames) of your final rendered effect, that correctly follow sthe guidelines above

Turn in the following:

Each part will have its own specific requirements (See the links above)
A render of your Advanced Effect, using basic lighting or materials if necessary, that lasts at least 5 seconds