The new version of FrameForge 3D Studio is now available. The update offers greater ease-of-use, improved speed, TrueOptix Optically Accurate Depth of Field and a host of other new features.
The improved interface features full click-and-drag mouse control of all object & camera functions. Users can switch among mouse functions simply by middle clicking. The interface also feature faster shot set up with Zoom to Selection Shot Framing as well as USB Controller Pad interface, allowing users to control virtually all functions of the program with a standard USB Game Pad or a FrameForge 3D branded Directors Pad.
TrueOptix optically correct depth of field is not a Parallax simulation, but is true Depth of Field based on the optical properties of the frame, its circle of confusion, the f/stop and point of focus. Users control f/stop and point of focus and can view and print associated hyperfocal lengths, near and far focus and f/stop with all DOF frames.
Version 2 actors now look and bend in a more realistic manner and use Skeletal Mesh Deformation which means they have no visible hinges. The update also features more clothing and hair options, including non-skin tight clothing such as dresses for women. In addition, users have a wider range of control over the look of the actors including age, shape and ethnicity.
There is also three new rendering options. Render with Outlines gives your FrameForge 3D Studio images heavier lines, making it look slightly like a cartoon but without the flatness of color of the cartoon rendering. Render as Cartoon gives your FrameForge 3D Studio images a flatter color and heavier lines, making it look like a cartoon. Sketch Rendering gives your FrameForge 3D Studio images a flatter, black and white line-drawn look, making it look like a sketch.
In posing improvements, "Control Jack" Posing lets users simply click on the limb they want to pose, then clicking and drag the appropriate control jack that appears. "Look At" lets users simply click on any object and the Selected Actor will look right where you clicked, turning eyes and twisting neck, shoulders and upper spine as needed. "Reach For" lets users click on any object and the Selected Actor will reach for where they clicked with the hand of your choice. "Match Eyelines" lets users select two actors and with a single click and they'll look into each other's eyes.
Version 2 features 12 preset Facial Expressions with varying levels of intensity (e.g. slightly angry to very angry). The program also allows users to create new facial expressions or edit existing ones. It also features full phoneme support.
Other improvements include new distance functions, improved object library/handling, more powerful user object creation, "decal" functionality, new printing options and major speed improvements.
For additional information, visit frameforge3d.com/.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
