Animating with Props in MotionBuilder
In this set of MotionBuilder tutorials, we will learn how to animate props inside of MotionBuilder. Software required: Autodesk MotionBuilder 2013.
What you'll learn
In this set of MotionBuilder tutorials, we will learn how to animate props inside of MotionBuilder. We'll start by learning how to work with MotionBuilder's animation layering system to alter the character's performance in order for it naturally interact with our prop. We'll then learn how to seamlessly attach the prop to the character, and then how to make the prop a rigid body so that it can fall naturally as the character lets go of the object. We'll also learn how to bake and export the entire animation from MotionBuilder for use in other software. By the end of this set of lessons, you'll be equipped with the skill-set needed to confidently animate character interactions with props in MotionBuilder. Software required: Autodesk MotionBuilder 2013.
Table of contents
- A Look at Our Assets and How to Approach Animating with Props 7m
- Animating the Character Preparing to Interact with the Prop 14m
- Animating the Character's Hand 16m
- Attaching the Prop to the Character 7m
- Finalizing the Arm 6m
- Using the Physics Solver to Have the Prop Fall from the Character's Hand 7m
- Baking the Animation of the Prop 2m
- Export Our Props 2m
- Exporting the Character's Performance 3m
- Importing Our FBX Files into 3ds Max 5m
Course FAQ
MotionBuilder is a 3D character animation software from Autodesk that allows you to capture, edit, and play back complex animation in an interactive environment. It is mostly used for motion capture, cinematography, and traditional keyframe animation.
In this MotionBuilder course you will learn how to animate props inside of MotionBuilder. Some of the main topics covered include:
- How to approach animating with props
- Animating the character that will interact with the prop
- Animating the character's hand
- Attaching the prop to the character
- Using the physics solver
- Baking the prop animation
- Exporting the props
- Much more
Anyone who wants to learn how to animate props in MotionBuilder, or anyone who just wants to learn more about MotionBuilder in general.
This is an intermediate level course, so it assumes at least a basic understanding of MotionBuilder and/or 3D character animation prinicples.
These tutorials are based off of Autodesk MotionBuilder 2013, but the principles and techniques should be applicable to newer versions as well.
About the author
Delano works avidly as an animation author at Pluralsight. Starting his career at animation studios like Shilo, Delano has developed a strong passion for his talents. His animation and rigging background help him teach and create some of the most-watched training on Pluralsight. A few of his favorite projects that he has contributed to include: Character Interaction in Maya and in Softimage, Rigging the Human Face in Maya, Rigging Sea Creatures in Maya, and Rigging and Animating Transforming... more