OT: Virtual Environments

TeeJay wrote on 5/20/2006, 12:00 AM
Hi,

I am currently working on a project and our aim is to eventually pitch an idea to a network. I have been given the task of creating a studio set, ie: a 3D representation of how the set will appear to the viewer.

Now, I have all of the Serious Magic Master Sets (for Ultra) and there are some brilliant sets there, but I'd love to create my own, think along the lines of an American Idol vibe...........

Are there any programs/apps that are targeted towards creating interior environments? I have Newtek's Lightwave and whilst I am sure that it can do it, it is very cumbersome. Maybe something along the lines of what Vue can do, but for Interiors.

Any ideas?

Cheers,

T

Comments

farss wrote on 5/20/2006, 4:54 AM
As you've discovered ANY 3D application involves a serious amount of learning. However as you probably don't need 95% of the complexity of the usual 3D CGI apps how about something like Autocad. Even it does involve a fair bit of learning but once you've created the 3D drawing and rendered out the virtual set you've also got the drawings for the real set.

And most interior designers use 3D tools, so there's another approach.

Hm, come to think of it there's a few cheap 3D apps just for doing houses and rooms, not all of the them offer photorealism like AutoCAD or camera and lighting control, still some might fill your need and I think Autodesk have a LE version of AutoCAD for room design so you could do you basic design work and then get someone to render it for you.

Bob.
TeeJay wrote on 5/20/2006, 9:58 AM
Thanks Bob,

I'll have a look at their site....tomorrow, as it's 3am here in Oz and i'm 'fried'. Off to get me some ZZZZZZzzzzzzz's
While I'm catchin 40, if anyone else has any suggestions, please feel free to jump in.

T
farss wrote on 5/20/2006, 1:50 PM
Ah,
yet another Australian!
I seem to recall a past issue of APC having a free LE version of Vue and a house / room design package that might fill your need.
Some of the earliest CGI work was done using AutoCAD with scripts to automate the process.

Bob.
TeeJay wrote on 5/20/2006, 8:32 PM
Hmn, I downloaded the trial version of Vue, and it seemed more geared toward outside environments/atmospheres......

Can anyone verify this, cos it is very easy to use. If this can do what I am after, then it could be the go.

(Farss, are you Syd or Melb? I'm a Melbournian.)
farss wrote on 5/20/2006, 11:59 PM
Sydney.

I think Vue only does landscapes.

How good do you want this thing to look. With AutoCAD you can set the camera position, take a frame, move the camera take another etc, etc. That way your background set tracks any camera moves, zooms etc. The other alternative is TurboCAD, starts off at a pretty low pricepoint. Their FloorPlan 3D Design Suite is only $44, really it's for designing a house but might fill your needs, seems to have most things already configured for a room.

Lightwave I guess will also do this for you, if you've already got it, it might be the way to go, I hear it's one of the easier ones to learn. I wouldn't be surprised to find a good starting point on their support site(s).

Bob.
TeetimeNC wrote on 5/21/2006, 6:21 AM
TeeJay, I have Punch Professional Home Design Platinum - I believe I paid less than $100 for it. It has an amazingly good 3d room design capability. Might work for your needs.

-jerry