An impressive thing is that it’s all available for a responsible price. The software sells for $349, and $249 for educational proposes. For a low-budget project, $349 is far cheaper than hiring a professional storyboard artist, and you also get a more detailed rendition of your scenes. For now, the software is only available for PC. The requirements are Windows 95 or better and at least Pentium III 350MHz, 128MB RAM (256MB recommended) and 65MB hard disk space. FrameForge3D will be released for Mac OS 9.1 (or better) some time in the fourth quarter of 2003.

Blueprint mode (left) allows a bird’s eye view of the set. This shot shows only a hint of the current detail that can be achieved (right).

Room to Improve
As can be expected with this kind of software, depending on the project, not everyone will get everything they need. The first version of the program only had the actors in one outfit. So if you’re doing a period piece and a certain outfit plays a role in the story, you’ll have to suspend your disbelief. Some things can be mocked up, but more detail means a lot more time and memory. However, users can now download a man wearing a tie as well as textures and pictures can be added to clothing plus facial hair can be added to both men and women characters. Innoventive Software seems very willing to make improvements and give them to users for free.

On their boards it has also been suggested that changes for the 2.0 version of the software will possibly include actors with varying body sizes and the ability to manipulate facial expressions, and that, more common objects would also be added. However, the community site is already helpful in meeting user needs, as I mentioned earlier. Only, time will tell if this kind of superior user support can be kept going once more people are using the software and more requests flood into the forums.

All in all, I think Innoventive Software has something of great value and they seem dedicated to make it even better. If you’re doing a detail-oriented period piece or a Lord of the Rings or Star Wars-type extravaganza, this software may be too lightweight. But for indie creators and students, I cannot recommend this software more highly. I think it has the potential to become standard software in the film industry. If you don’t believe me, check out the free demo online at www.frameforge3d.com.

Rick DeMott is managing editor of Animation World Network. Previously, he served as the production coordinator for sound production house BadaBing BadaBoom Prods. and animation firm Perky Pickle Studios. Prior to that, he served as associate editor of AWN.