The groundbreaking journey continues in Part 2 of "Animation for Animatronics" with mechanical & VFX master, Craig Caton-Largent. Building upon the software foundations laid down in Part 1, Craig shows you how to use virtual servos to animate a variety of mechanisms in Maya, including eyes and arms.

Intermediate Level

2h 43m of duration

English (auto), Spanish (auto)

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Curriculum

1. Title & Introduction - 1min

2. Workshop Student Check-In - 5min

3. Workflow Overview - 10min

4. Creating a Servo Controller in Maya - 8min

5. Using the Record Launcher - 7min

6. Eye Controls Overview - 3min

7. Setting Up the Servo Controls - 7min

8. Animating with the Graph Editor - 4min

9. Student Q & A - 16min

10. Testing Realtime Playback - 4min

11. Refining Servo Range - 10min

12. Understanding Servo Data - 15min

13. Eye Controls - 21min

14. Animating Arms - 25min

15. An Alternative Setup for Eyes - 5min

16. Student Q & A - 10min

17. Workshop Student Check-In - 12min

18. Wrap Up - 1min

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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