In part 1 of this innovative course on animating for animatronics, VFX artist and master creature effects mechanic, Craig Caton-Largent, teaches controller board and software basics, including how to animate in Autodesk Maya, how to work with a Pololu controller board, and finally introduces students to his new software, AnimServo. Blending digital & practical effects methodologies, Caton-Largent shares his cutting-edge approach to bringing mechanical characters to life!

Intermediate Level

2h 0m of duration

English (auto), Spanish (auto)

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Curriculum

1. Title & Introduction - 2min

2. Workshop Student Check-In - 6min

3. Connecting the Pololu Board - 5min

4. Pololu Software Overview - 22min

5. Introduction to Maya - 5min

6. Creating a Polygon - 3min

7. Hot Keys - 2min

8. Using the Channel Box - 1min

9. Maya Animation Basics - 13min

10. Parenting Objects - 5min

11. Object Naming - 1min

12. Null & Locator Objects - 4min

13. The Script Editor - 7min

14. AnimServo File Overview - 9min

15. Connecting AnimServo to Maya - 7min

16. Virtual Servos - 18min

17. Workshop Student Check-In - 9min

18. Student Q & A - 3min

19. Wrap Up - 31s

Materials

CLICK on the links below to find the materials you need for this lesson.

Some items might be harder to find, but a little internet scouring usually finds you everything you'll need.

Smith Brother's Hobby Center

FOR YOUR WORKSTATION

Windows PC Computer

SOFTWARE

Autodesk Maya 2016 or 2017 Software - See Link Above

Pololu Maestro Control Center Software - See Link Above

AnimServo Software Package - See Link Above

ELECTRONICS

Pololu Mini Maestro USB Servo Controller (12, 18 or 24 channel) Note: The Pololu Micro Maestro 6 channel USB Servo Controller should work, but has not been tested.

USB A to mini-B cable (to connect Controller to PC)

4 Cell AA Battery Holder (to power servos on Controller Board

Assortment of RC servos. You will need at least two servos for testing, but up to 24 servos depending on the controller board you are using.

OPTIONAL

Faceware Analyzer and Retargeter software

Adobe Mixamo FUSE software

Power supply for Controller Board and Servos (instead of using battery power) See Pololu’s website for specifics.

HEALTH/SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

When working with toxic and/or dangerous materials or tools:

ALWAYS read labels for appropriate use guidelines

ALWAYS wear a high-grade respirator

ALWAYS work in a well-ventilated area

ALWAYS protect your skin

ALWAYS wear eye protection

Artist BiographyCraig Caton-Largent

Animatronic wizard Craig Caton-Largent has built and puppeteered some of the most iconic creatures in Hollywood, and currently enjoys a career as a VFX and animation educator.

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Notice: DVDs do not include closed captions.

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