ZAXWERKS, AE, VS. 3D modeler

scotty_dvc80 wrote on 5/3/2004, 8:00 AM
Anyone familiar with this tool?? Zaxwerks? Its a 3D modeling program used to make really high end 3 D Logos.. Like you see for FOX, NBC, CBS News and programming. It is awesome and I always wondered.. How do they do that??
Ok so what Im asking is..
Does anyone here know of this product?
Has anyone used this product?
Has anyone had the ability to use Vegas 5.0 that has used Zaxwerks software??
Can I learn to do the same thing with Vegas 3 D Modeler?

Of course I would like to avoid investing another $1,800 buying AE PRO and the ZaxWerks software.. Anybody have knowledge fo what Im talking baout?

Comments

JonnyMac wrote on 5/3/2004, 8:03 AM
If you want to do 3D modeling on the cheap, and be able to export sequences for Vegas, check out Blender (www.blender3d.org)
David_Kuznicki wrote on 5/3/2004, 8:59 AM
**Anyone familiar with this tool?? Zaxwerks? Its a 3D modeling program used to make really high end 3 D Logos.. Like you see for FOX, NBC, CBS News and programming. It is awesome and I always wondered.. How do they do that??
Ok so what Im asking is..
Does anyone here know of this product?
Has anyone used this product?
Has anyone had the ability to use Vegas 5.0 that has used Zaxwerks software??
Can I learn to do the same thing with Vegas 3 D Modeler?**

I absolutely LOVE Invigorator! Admittedly, I've only played with the Demo version (it comes with AE now, but not with the educational versions), and it is simply astonishing. It very easy to use, not 100% bulletproof (occasionally I'd have to rework Illustrator files, because certain points would cause these strange, thin spikes), but the results are beautiful! I can't wait to pick it up-- the educational version (without ANY restrictions on use, I might add!) only runs $350.
There is no way that I know of to run it in Vegas-- although I think Pro-Animator (the super-duper version of Invigorator) is a stand-alone only product, if you don't want to spend the $$$ on AE. PRO-A is not cheap, however.
If you already have AE, there are certain plug-ins you really should have (I love Trapcode's 3D Stroke, for example), and I think that Invigorator is right at the top of the list. I'm seriously THAT impressed by the result, as well as the ease of use.
If you don't have AE, I'm not sure that you want to go that route, as AE is pricey & has a bit of a learning curve attatched to it.

As for the Vegas 3D modeller... I really don't know. I'm still on the fence about upgrading from 4 to 5.

Hope that helps you!
David.
ReneH wrote on 5/3/2004, 9:25 AM
I am using the stanalone version and it rocks. It is a program that is easy to use, keyframeable, renders stunning 3 images, and it can import/export in many formats. It will import work done in Illustrator with easy so that you can add terxtures, bevels, and other cool effects. I have been using for about 2 weeks and it is a great package. One other thing, is that you can add many 3d objects and customize effects for each item that is independent. All the flyings/flyouts can be further tweaked for desired results. It is much more that than your basic 3d program than just adding textures, bevels, animations, etc. Just my 2 cents.
scotty_dvc80 wrote on 5/3/2004, 9:50 AM
Wow this is great.. Anyone else?? This Program rocks. I would love to find out you can do the same in VEGAS.. There is a stand alone program?? What is the name now Im confused. Ill go look.. Thanks folks
JakeHannam wrote on 5/3/2004, 10:11 AM
Zaxwerks Invigorator is a plug-in for After Effects. There are also versions available for Photoshop and several other programs. If you have AE and Invigorator, you make your video and effects and then render it to AVI and then bring the rendered AVI into Vegas just as you would with any other video.

I think Boris Red is supposed to have similar capabilities and I believe there is a plug-in version that works with Vegas.

Jake
Jey wrote on 5/4/2004, 1:46 AM
I've been using the Invigorator plugin some time now, and I have to say that I've never experienced a 3d program in which it is so easy to create really good looking images. It's really easy to learn and use.

On the other hand, when you're using a Matrox Parhelia card there are some conflicts between the two, causing the plugin will not work (there is a work around though, but you'll lose your video output on the Parhelia card).