Difference between revisions of "3D Lab Manual"

Revision as of 09:01, 24 October 2016

3D Animation Lab Manual

Basic Policies

Log Book

• Every time you enter the lab, please sign in and record the following information:
  • Your name
  • Materials used (puppets, clay, paper, etc....)
  • Equipment used (table, computer, lights, grip cart, camera, etc...)
  • Record any technical problems (so we can fix it)
  • Status of the lab: clean, messy, anything missing or broken?
• This is the main form of communication between you and the staff who maintains and audits the space weekly. Failure to sign in to the Log Book will result in a loss of access privileges.
• If there is an immediate issue, please contact call the Multimedia Lab at x5455 or email animation@evergreen.edu

Scheduling

• Schedule time at Media Loan
• You must always have time reserved when using the labs. Only use your scheduled time.
• It is your responsibility to confirm your reservation time, day and that you are in the correct room by asking for a receipt.
• If you need a substantial amount of time, contact animation staff for scheduling.
• You may lose your scheduled time if you are more than 15 minutes late, and whenever possible, please cancel any time that you will not use.
• Repeated lateness and no-shows will result in a loss of privileges.

Keys

• Checkout a key from Media Loan prior to your reservation and return it promptly afterwards.
• Do not use keys to gain access outside of your scheduled time.
• You are financially responsible for the room and its contents.
• Lost or stolen keys must be reported immediately to both Media Loan and Animation staff.

Support

• Need Help? Please do not attempt to unplug or re-wire anything, especially if you think you know what you are doing. Check the Troubleshooting Guide and see if you can find your answers there. Flip through the Log Book to see if anyone else has experienced the same problem and if a solution was found. If that fails, contact one of the following offices:
  • Multimedia Lab, L1404, 360-867-5455
  • Electronic Media Help Desk L1401, 360-867-6270
  • Animation Lab Aide Office Com 311D, 360-867-7448
  • Media Loan, L2502, 360-867-6253
  • Aaron Kruse, L1520, 360-867-6842
  • email animation@evergreen.edu

Messy Materials

• If you are using clay or any kind of messy materials, you are required to discuss your project with animation staff and get approval BEFORE using the lab.
• Always cover the Keyboard and keypad with Saran Wrap, which are located on the cleaning supplies bin. Leftover clay should be recycled in the Design lab.

Cleaning Supplies

• There are paper towels, spray, a broom, and a dust pan located to the left of the door, of which you are expected to use at the end of each and every session.
• If the lab is left messy, you will lose your access privileges.

Set Construction

• The construction of sets is NOT allowed within the 3D Lab space.
• The design lab can be used for set construction.
• Sets and other materials are NOT to be stored in the lab areas.

In The Lab

Tools

• Basic tools are provided in the 3D lab space and must always be returned to their designated storage area.
• Additional tools such as dremels, drills, and tool kits are available for checkout from animation staff.
• Each tool is to be treated with cation and care, but should never be removed from the 3D room.

Lights

• The 3D Lab DMX Manual has more detail on the DMX set up.
• There is one LED grid light set up as a "bash". It will turn on in-between shots to be used as a work light and turn off during the high-res shot.
• There are 4 LED spot lights that can be controlled from Dragonframe with DMX.
• There is one 4 channel DMX dimmer to control incandescent lights with Dragonframe.
• There are Tiny and mini Molefay lights and Arri lights.
• The Scene Master light board can be used to dim incandescent lights. Do not use LED lights with it.
• To prevent from hurting yourself, others, or the equipment when using the lights, please remember to:
  • inspect the equipment before use; confirming that there are no broken pieces, frayed cables, loose parts, burn marks, or missing ground pins.
  • Confirm that the power switch is turned off before plugging it into an outlet or power source.
  • To prevent the bulb from exploding: do not touch bulbs with your bare hands, shake/move the lights while they are hot, or continuously flick the power switch’s on/off button.
  • If a bulb explodes, replace it with the extras provided in the room, clean up any broken glass, and then alert the animation staff.
  • incandescent lights lights get REALLY HOT: use gaffer gloves around them, keep them away from materials that are flammable or melt-able, and wait for the equipment to cool down before putting it away.

Grip Cart

• The grip cart is where most of the lights and stands are stored.
• Follow the pictures made for putting away c-stands and make sure to tighten (but not over-tighten) any locks so that they do not expand accidentally and crunch your fingers.
• Be gentle with the fabric flags, and do not rip, stain, or keep them too close to any hot lights.
• Make sure to let lights cool down before putting them in their cubbies, and take note of any missing pieces or broken items.

Animation Table

• The animation table is not to be painted or modified in any significant way.
• If you drill into the table, you must remove all of your tie-down screws. Be careful, as the table top is not secured to the legs.

Tripod

• The camera is mounted to a tripod with a bolt screw that should never be overtightened or removed from the tripod.
• Do not use excessive force when tightening screws.
• Do not arrange the tripod so that it is easily tipped over.
• Make sure that everything is locked down when the tripod is not in use.
• Weigh down the base with sandbags for extra stability in order to maintain registration while shooting.

Camera

• All the menu and camera settings are formatted for use with Dragonframe; do not attempt to adjust any settings
• You must turn the camera dial to ON when you need to use it, and set the dial to OFF when you are done.
• Do not shut off power to the camera without properly turning the camera off first.
• Make sure to not pinch, stretch, or squish the camera cables with the tripod or any other equipment.
• It is recommended that you disconnect the cables while setting up the camera.

Lenses

• The camera is installed with a 50mm prime lens and clear filter, but you can also choose to check out your own camera from Media Loan with a zoom lens.
• Additional lenses are also available through Animation staff.
• NEVER EVER touch the lens with anything or attempt to clean it – get a Lab Aide to clean it for you.

Computer

• Save all your files in a folder labeled with your name on the Storage drive.
• When you are done with your session, backup your files to a server or personal hard drive.
• Do not work directly off of the server - only copy to or from it and then disconnect from the server while working.

General Use Expectations

• There are absolutely no food or drinks of any kind allowed in the labs. Leave them stored outside the door.
• Take care of yourself and remember to take a break once in a while.
• Please recycle your paper scraps in the corresponding bins. Garbage cans are located down the hall.
• Clean up after yourself. Cleaning supplies are provided next to the door. If you run out of time for cleaning up you are expected to come back later to clean.
• Do not delete other peoples' files or mess with any settings, postings, in the lab or on the computer.
• Do not unplug or remove anything from the space without asking - cables or registration pegs alike.
• Be courteous and respectful to the lab aides and your fellow animators and abide by the campus code of conduct. We are here to help you and make sure that everything is in working order and everyone has equal access to these facilities.

• When you are done
  • Clean up and restore the room back to normal
  • Log out of the logbook and record any notes
  • Turn of the camera power, shut down the computer, lights, and equipment
  • Return keys promptly to Media Loan

About Dragonframe

• Dragonframe Stop Motion is an animation capture application used and developed by professional animators. This program imports the high-resolution still images directly from the installed DSLR camera and stores them as sequence of images instead of as a single file. These instructions cover the basic shooting procedures specific to the labs here on campus, but to learn more, please refer to the Dragonframe Manual in the Help section of the application, or the Dragonframe website.

Basic Steps for Shooting Animation

• Basic Animation 3D - Dragonframe

MIsc Dragonframe Articles

• Keypad Controls
• Exporting
• Onion skinning

DMX Manual