Re: Lifeforms 3 vs. Poser 3 & Lifeforms 3 vs Lifeforms Studio 3.

Yacov Sharir (sharir@utxvms.cc.utexas.edu)
Fri, 06 Nov 1998 12:24:41 -0600 (CST)

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Hi Lou,

In my experience, (using both Life Forms and Poser for years now) I
find Life Forms a much more powerful tool for the creation of movement
phrases, dealing with multiple characters in the space and the whole
issue of spatial manipulation. However, I find Poser a much more
complex and interesting program in the area of rendering, texture
mapping, and in and output to Video/performance.

My solution, (on the low end) is to combine both programs, thus,
creating a very powerful tool. I have been very successful in creating
my animations in Life Forms (now Life Forms .3) and then transport the
material to Poser 3. In Poser, I am able to interact with yet another
program, (Painter 3D) for greater and direct interaction with the
figures and texture mapping, with great precision. If you have no
access to Painter 3D, you may revert to Detailer,

It is important to note that the act of digital choreography and the
issues of creating CyberPerformers is best done after you have
completed the creation of your animations.

I consider the animation process only the beginning. All my efforts
are then focused on the process of outputting to performance, via
multiple means, some of which are very accessible. Adobe After effect
3.1 For example, is a great program for adding multiple figures
(already animated) in to the scene. Additionally, a great deal of
effects can be added (depending on your preferences.) For myself, the
act of choreography takes place at this stage.

If you are planing to attend IDAT99, Nate Pagle, Tom Lopez (my two
collaborators) and myself are planing to demonstrate some of our
animations, using this very process. In addition, we will introduce
various aspects of interactive elements for use in performance.

I hope this information is helpful, please let me know how you are
progressing.

Best, Yacov.....

>Does anyone out there have any experience, opinion, and/or knowledge
of the

>pros and cons of using Lifeforms v.3 software verses Poser v.3 for

>choreography and notation. Also, are there strong advantages for
dances to

>use Lifeforms Studio v.3 over Lifeforms v.3.

>

>Any help or information would be appreciated.

>

>Lou

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