The poll for deciding which film / book we would like to create images for was completed yesterday and LOTR won. This means you can take from any of the LOTR scenes whether from the books (any of the books) or from film. Go wild.
I'll setup a site in the Image Section in two weeks for Final Renders, though I suspect that will be too early for most of us. Feel free to post your WIPs in the Image Section under your own titles and direct us with links from this thread. This thread is also for discussions to assist in ideas and suggestions to help as we can.
Rules and Clarity -
Any content from the LOTR can be used, whether from the novel or from the books and this includes any of the offshoots from the main trilogy.
I would prefer to keep one location for all of the final images for the contest to make it easier to vote. The contest will last until January 15th.
Here are the rules we have agreed upon for this upcoming contest, which will begin on December 7th after 10AM and be finished by January 15th. If by apparent consensus this date is too sudden, we will extend the date to January 31st.
* We can work in teams, but only one entry is allowed per team
* We can work as individuals, but only one entry is allowed per individual
* You can create something in a group and at the same time work on something as an individual, but this will mean only two possible entries including both group and individual entry
* The theme of this contest will be based upon the LOTR series and our final entry (or entries) will be a recreation of a still image (or images) only - no animation
* Postwork is allowed
* The final basic rendered image must be accomplished within TG2 only; any work outside of TG2 must compliment the basic render in TG2 - this is critical to the integrity of the contest
http://www.framecaplib.com/lotrlib.htm
http://lotr.wikia.com/wiki/LOTR:Featured_pictures
http://www.tednasmith.com/tolkien.html
http://www.tolkienlibrary.com/press/images/Children-of-Hurin-Calendar-2008.jpg
If anyone is intersted I have 1 of the argonath stone guards in high res. It's in 3ds though, and it crashes when I try to convert it.
http://www.patriotresource.com/lotr/places/argonath.html
The one on the right I have.
Iain
Quote from: lonewolf on December 08, 2008, 11:36:54 PM
If anyone is intersted I have 1 of the argonath stone guards in high res. It's in 3ds though, and it crashes when I try to convert it.
http://www.patriotresource.com/lotr/places/argonath.html
The one on the right I have.
Iain
Hi Iain,
I'd be interested to see if I can make good use of it. I think the reference-picture can be reproduced quite accurately :)
Please PM me how you'd like to exchange the file(s). Thanks!
Martin
:) That's the scene I'm working on for the moment too. I've managed to get the Argonath statue into TG by converting it to .obj in Carrara.
I had to remove a lot of the unseen parts to export it though, the original .3ds file was about 17mb, the converted .obj is still 72mb, even with the edits to shrink it.
It's working well so far though...
Quote from: dandelO on December 09, 2008, 05:29:09 AM
:) That's the scene I'm working on for the moment too. I've managed to get the Argonath statue into TG by converting it to .obj in Carrara.
I had to remove a lot of the unseen parts to export it though, the original .3ds file was about 17mb, the converted .obj is still 72mb, even with the edits to shrink it.
It's working well so far though...
That sounds good, do you mind sharing that model with me? I can imagine this is a strange question because this is a contest now ;D
If you feel like I'm too much competition that way or want too keep it strictly for yourself I can understand that :)
Perhaps it might be interested to work as a duo on that scene?
I have 3 weeks of from next monday and I'm planning to put some serious effort into this contest.
Just let me know please.
Martin
At 72mb it's a bit large for tossing around. Here's the link to the original .3ds on Turbosquid though, it's free but there are no credits so I don't know who's it is... http://www.turbosquid.com/FullPreview/Index.cfm/ID/260843 - 17mb.
QuoteIf you feel like I'm too much competition that way or want too keep it strictly for yourself I can understand that :)
Ha-ha! I like that. There's nothing quite like being good, and knowing it, eh, TU? :D
I've never actually done a collab' before, might be interesting, indeed. I'll see how it goes...
Feel free to do the Argonath scene though, I have 3 scenes started from different LOTR locations, I haven't quite settled on any one yet.
Quote from: dandelO on December 09, 2008, 07:43:12 AM
At 72mb it's a bit large for tossing around. Here's the link to the original .3ds on Turbosquid though, it's free but there are no credits so I don't know who's it is... http://www.turbosquid.com/FullPreview/Index.cfm/ID/260843 - 17mb.
QuoteIf you feel like I'm too much competition that way or want too keep it strictly for yourself I can understand that :)
Ha-ha! I like that. There's nothing quite like being good, and knowing it, eh, TU? :D
I've never actually done a collab' before, might be interesting, indeed. I'll see how it goes...
Feel free to do the Argonath scene though, I have 3 scenes started from different LOTR locations, I haven't quite settled on any one yet.
Haha, well that's not how I really meant it though, but now you mention it seems so :P lol...
I meant that sharing this with me would give me a head-start. It would save me a lot of work which I honestly can't do myself.
(I'm not familiar with modeling etc.) See what I mean :)
By the way, you could upload it at megaupload for example. Don't know about your uploadspeed etc. Just a suggestion :)
Thanks for the link anyhow. I'll see how my machine handles the original file.
And thanks for allowing me to work on the scene :P lol
However, I'm still interested in the collab, so just let me know when you feel up to it.
Martin
Great :) ~!! we're up an runnin' ;)
I'm looking forward to getting stuck into this one, got a couple of ideas but I'm still unsure which way forward.
Hurrumph :( :) rendering a test anim at the moment, 600 frames @ 20 min a frame, gona be a while till I can start posting WIP's
Quote from: calico on December 08, 2008, 06:33:44 PM
...
* Postwork is allowed
* The final basic rendered image must be accomplished within TG2 only; any work outside of TG2 must compliment the basic render in TG2 - this is critical to the integrity of the contest
I was wondering weather something like my last image (http://forums.planetside.co.uk/index.php?topic=5215.msg54532#msg54532)would be considered in bounds or not?
Good luck everyone :)
Richard
@cyphyr - My take and opinion is that your image has been basically rendered in TG2, right? This would be what we're looking for. Objects can be added, even if the objects are added outside of TG2...and this could get tricky. So that's why I said in the contest rules and clarity that we should have the basic image rendered in TG2. This means, for example, that rendering 75% of the image in VRay and then Photoshopping TG2 in where it looks good isn't a representative example of creating something in TG2.
Right?
I'm happy with this, (would have been happy either way), its just good to know how far I can push the proverbial boat out.
cheers
Richard
TU(and anyone else, of course): Here's the MEGAUPLOAD link to the .obj... http://www.megaupload.com/?d=CGNS7XKO
I've managed to fold it up, calabi-yau style, into a mere 15mb in Winrar, my fingers are sore from all that folding! ;)
There are more single parts than the .obj reader can assign still, I think. I've just been bypassing the multishader completely and putting rock shader-trees into the input directly. This way your shaders will cover the entire model instead of just its parts.
Here's a site that might be useful: Middle Earth DEM Project
http://www.me-dem.org/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1
This might be helpful in finding a location you wish to find a DEM to translate to TER - http://asni.net/lotr_map.html
A good program to translate DEM to TER is 3DEM and 3DEM is free - http://www.visualizationsoftware.com/3dem.html
To Big Ben, Calico or anyone else concerned: Does anyone have some understanding of the operational status of the donated collective terrains of New Zealand? I have been attmpting to use these terrains both in group assembly (via the BB TGD) and as individual terrains, and cannot seem to keep the Beta program stable enough to make much headway. Jo has sent BB a message saying as I interpret it that the group of terrains is essentially overloading TG2, but no further dialogue of any solution has yet to be made available.
When I attempt to handle the terrain downloads individually I seem to run into problems in how these terrains set on the planet surface. The setting of the ocean or bathemetry levels in the individual terrain/TGD is also not working well for me due to either my own lack of experience in setting them up or possibly the Beta program is not working right. Are you suggesting in your latest post here that anyone getting started on their contest WIP should just forget the BB Terrains and get the appropriate DEM from the NZ group and start off from scratch?
No. Everyone should do anything and everything they can to get the resources needed. But, I'm not helping you with your real issue with the (BB?) files, mostly because I'm not sure about what is happening. I haven't tried what you're trying. Maybe Ben will be able to give you the info you need.
As far as what I am doing, I found this site today - http://www.cartographic.com/ These cost a few $$, though.
Quote from: arisdemos on December 14, 2008, 04:32:38 PM
Are you suggesting in your latest post here that anyone getting started on their contest WIP should just forget the BB Terrains and get the appropriate DEM from the NZ group and start off from scratch?
Guys, I have a small problem... I'm out of inspiration.
Just suddenly ideas just stopped coming (though there's one lingering in the back of my mind, something with Naboo fighters).
So if any of you have great ideas and want to team up, I'd be glad to. I do want to participate in this!
(I'll be on holiday to Ireland from 20 to 27 dec. but that shouldn't be a big problem...)
Watch the movies. ;D
I'm still figuring out what I'm doing, Mohawk. I have a DEM from New Zealand; let me know what you want to do. Maybe we can come up with something together. If nothing comes of working together, it's likely we'll get inspiration for our individual ideas. I can't imagine it would be unproductive, anyway. And we might come up with some magic between us.
Anyone thinking what I'm thinking? http://www.daz3d.com/i/3d-models/new-releases/dragon-head-battering?item=7567&cat=421&_m=d
If your thinking of the war at Minas Tirith, I'm thinking your computer could never handle the scene. ;)
Although, if your going to collaborate with Mohawk, he does already have an army fully assembled and ready to march. hehe
Yeah... sort of (not any marching going on anytime soon ;)).
I'll be off to Ireland tomorrow morning, be back in a week, maybe I'll get some ideas on the way...
Have a wonderful time! Lucky.
Quote from: Mohawk20 on December 19, 2008, 01:43:04 PM
I'll be off to Ireland tomorrow morning, be back in a week, maybe I'll get some ideas on the way...
i'm in :)
I would like to join a team. I have not ime for setting up a scene, but finetuning surfaces, lighting and so on could be mine.
Volker, I would be interested, of course, but I still have not figured out which scene I want to create. If someone who has an idea for a scene already contacts you, then feel free to go with whoever this other person is. Otherwise, working with you would be an enlightening adventure. Sort of like LOTR... :P
To Volker: Considering all that I have learned from your posts and tutorials, any work I produce with TG2 (including this LOTR venture) is in at least in a limited sense in association/parnership with you. The same goes for all major contributors to the TG2 educational cause, Thanks!.
Link to final renders - http://forums.planetside.co.uk/index.php?topic=5416.0
Post your works of progress in a thread of your own making, if you want opinions or want to get help with anything. All final renders to be your final entry for this contest should be put into this - http://forums.planetside.co.uk/index.php?topic=5416.0 thread. In this way, we can make creating the final voting poll easier than the alternative(s).
Some possible Hobbit models - http://www.renderosity.com/mod/bcs/index.php?Start=31&vendor=chikako
My render has been going for over 24 hours and then there's a little more work. But, I should be ready for the 15th. If anyone thinks they won't be ready by the 15th, let us know
I think it'd be worth extending the deadline if it means more entries. I'll have a version ready, but I would not mind having a bit more time. The tweaking is endless :)
Well, this is the second person who has mentioned extending the date. I agree. Anyone else want to weigh in?
Quote from: otakar on January 12, 2009, 03:59:57 PM
I think it'd be worth extending the deadline if it means more entries. I'll have a version ready, but I would not mind having a bit more time. The tweaking is endless :)
Calico: the 31st is a more realistic date for me.
Let's plan to wait until the 31st of January to give everyone the extra time to make their work as fine as it can be.
I am fine with the 31st.
In case anyone hasn't been on the Planetside forums for a while, we are waiting until the 31st of January to complete the LOTR image contest. All entries need to be in by the 31st. I'll setup a poll afterward.
Quote from: arisdemos on December 14, 2008, 04:32:38 PM
To Big Ben, Calico or anyone else concerned: ... I have been attmpting to use these terrains both in group assembly (via the BB TGD) and as individual terrains, ... When I attempt to handle the terrain downloads individually I seem to run into problems in how these terrains set on the planet surface. The setting of the ocean or bathemetry levels in the individual terrain/TGD is also not working well for me due to either my own lack of experience in setting them up or possibly the Beta program is not working right. Are you suggesting in your latest post here that anyone getting started on their contest WIP should just forget the BB Terrains and get the appropriate DEM from the NZ group and start off from scratch?
For single terrains, remember to uncheck
flatten surface first in the
Displacement tab of the terrain and it helps to set the location to
Position center at 0,0.
For the ocean, use a lake object with a water level of 0... or duplicate the planet and connect a water shader to it surface shader input.
I've noticed some odd behaviour in the preview window with either water model but the render is correct ???
Screengrab has a lake object which isn't big enough (bright blue surface is altitude < 0). The lake object in the preview window tends to cover one or two quadrants depending on camera position.
i reduced the argonath (from700 to 30k) if someone needs it....
http://rapidshare.com/files/189150869/argo_Datei.rar.html
Quote from: bigben on January 25, 2009, 03:30:21 AM
I've noticed some odd behaviour in the preview window with either water model but the render is correct ???
Screengrab has a lake object which isn't big enough (bright blue surface is altitude < 0). The lake object in the preview window tends to cover one or two quadrants depending on camera position.
That looks like a clipping issue...
Check this article (translated from German to English by me ;)): http://en.tgblog.de/?p=43
As soon as I get my work FTPed to a site, I'll submit mine. This is a reminder that we have until Saturday to upload our images.
Hope everyone is still on board.
In other words; Run, you fools! ;) :D :D
I don't know if it's a bit late to add a title or something, for polling purposes, as some folks have some strange file names.
Or, I guess you could just go by login name.
OK I have a snow day today, so I may as well take the plunge, someone has to be first and I think the rest of my weeks going to be nuts!!
I'll create the poll based upon login name. It might not get created until the 1st or 2nd of February, unless someone can do it exactly on the 1st. I don't mind creating it.
Hope everyone gets their renders in...
dandelO - ;D
Just for the sake of clarity about the end-date of this contest, I plan to get up early on the 1st of February and close the gallery thread. I'm not sure when I'll do this. It will likely be around 7AM or 8AM (GMT -6). Entries arriving up to the time I close the thread will be accepted.
This seems fair, doesn't it? I don't really want to get up at midnight to close the thread. ;D
QuoteHope everyone gets their renders in...
dandelO - ;D
Sorry, Calico. My internet was cut off on Monday this last week. Back on today, I think I've just made it. The thread still seems open.
The thread will be open until I get to it tomorrow morning, which is at least 8 or 10 hours from now. It's 10:04PM CST (GMT -6) here.
Well here it is those nasty Hobbits doing their best to save Middle Earth from boredom.
I just realized that this is the wrong page, whoops!....sorry.
:D
Image thread for this contest is closed.