Integrating 2D characters into a 3D environment

After we were introduced the idea of using a 3D background, we knew we had to make adjustments to some of our production process. Not only would we require time to construct 3D assets, we also need to allocate time to integrate 2D elements into a 3D background. However, before diving into the 3D production process, it would be prudent for us to start doing simple tests to check out the feasibility of incorporating the 3D environment into our film.

We have found many successful examples and are aware of the appeal and advantages of having a 3D environment. However, we still needed to conduct tests for ourselves to see if we are able to accomplish it.

For the first day we planned out the shot that we wanted to use and made use of a simple blocking that we made before to set-up a moving camera in Maya. After that, the next 3 days were spent doing rough drafts and passes of the character animation. Here’s the result after 4 days, which is not exactly the most reassuring amount of time that was used. However, it was time worth spending because the results were not entirely disastrous.

The integration of 2D into 3D looks pretty good and from this test we’re confident that we can work things out. Even though it took us a long time to accomplish this test, we have learnt from this experience and we are sure that we can work faster for other shots. Moreover, what’s life without constantly challenging ourselves to do better? It is also a good chance for us to try out different things while we still have free reign to decide on the type of project that we can undertake.

#weatherman #3d #update #2d #animation #roughs