Maya: Laboratory Modelling

On the last couple of days I have been busy modelling the sets for our animation, after getting some done, where my colleague Aflockofpixels started to animate on, I carried on creating the rest. Next on the list was the Lab where the 3 members of the cast will firstly reveal the Invisible Spaceman. So without anymore talking I present you the lab. 

Laboratory Modelled

Firstly is the model of the lab untextured, where I have added the a few props, such as the computer on the desk based on a 1st gaming console, or the tall computer based on the first tape recorders, also I've added a lamp on the top which can be used as a light source, for that purpose I have added a simple control where the lamp rotates if the camera changes.  

This picture shows the set UV mapped and ready for texturing ! :)

As well as the Lab, I have create a small scene in the beginning of the trailer where the space-station commander presses the emergency button, something really simple. Here is the set:

For this set I have created a simple cockpit and then added the button, which has a control to be pressed for animation.

 A  really simple Set to do but crucial for the few seconds it holds in the trailer.

Now onto the outdoor scenes

Maya: Tank Interior Modelling

Today, I have taken a previously modelled set by my Studio colleague Shahbir and added some more details, as well as UV mapping the overall set, ready to be animated. in this scene one of our soldiers will be dragged out of the set by the Invisible Cannibal. I have seen part of the animation that my colleague Aflockofpixels is doing and it looks very promising so await and see!!
For now here is the set finished!

Tank Interior Model

Tank Interior UV Mapped

Maya: Space Station Interior Modelling

After getting the desk ready, so my colleagues can start animate on the set, I commenced to model another environment- the Space-station Interior- based fully on a concept art I have done previously, it prove enjoyable to get back to modelling environment however time consuming when laying out the UVS to apply textures. As you may see the model looks very similar to the concept art, where I have also added the interior of the dorms, or at least the wall you can see.

The Initial Concept Art

Untextured Modelled

 UV mapped

As I mentioned in the beginning of this post this scene can now be animated, but also textured, leaving us only the rendering to do. A backdrop will also be added on the set as the back of the corridor can be seen.

For another scene in the Space-station, i had to create an alarm, which will alert the people in the Space-station. I have added a couple of the models already on the Space-Station Interior, however I created a whole new scene where you can possibly render without all the extra geometry of this scene.

Alarm Model with cap

Alarm Model without cap

Alarm model UV mapped

For this alarm, based on the 1950's police sirens, I have also added a control which will be easier to animate, where the overall inside will rotate in one axis, by merely having an attribute on the mesh group controlling it. 

Now onto the other environments! 

Maya: The Rest of the Character Pose Sneak Previews

Here are the rest of our characters in a test pose. Doing a test pose like this has proved useful as I've found some of the less noticeable glitches in the rig, that couldn't necessarily be found from only testing it's basic functions with only the skeleton to look at. In some cases I have also noticed a few more little problems with the skinning, but I think they will have to remain there as time is running out.

The Scientist - looking very creepy!


The Generic Female - screaming as per usual


The Soldier - he almost looks ready for battle, except he has no weapons.


The assistant - So shocked at the sight of nothing (in the space suit)


The general - fallen asleep on set


Anyway, these are our team of actors who are going to make 'The Day of the Invisible Cannibals from Beyond the Stars' a masterpiece... or a B movie disaster.

A Flock of Pixels