Autodesk's Motion Builder is a motion / animation specific software application and as such, focuses on several techniques in order to create realistic and fluid motion. This interesting development seems to bridge the gap between key frame animation and the ultimate alternative, motion capture. Motionbuilder uses a variety of controls which allow for real time editing of an animation sequence, so that alterations and changes can instantly be seen. An example of this is the rag doll and pose controls, which enable for manipulation of the scenes physics. This in turn has an affect on the object or motion which has been key framed. This clip entitled 'Autodesk MotionBuilder 2010 New Features, Animation with Ragdoll' demonstrates this function. The clip shows that with an initial key framed animation, the use of advanced dynamics and physics control such as 'rigid body' and 'match force' can be applied. This acts as a kind of animation mixing system and utilities layers on differing influence. Rigid body allows for objects to be given values and act as solid mass. This can overcome problems in other animation packages such as 3D Studio Max, which allow for objects to pass through one another and seems to be a lot more intuitive. This package make transitions between states more accurately and reduces the time spent key framing. In the article on the 'Develop Online' magazine, they mention that:
“Its non-linear animation features and range of parametric controls means that you don’t have to be a technical animator to get great results either, which would be the case if you were animating with Maya or Max.”
This indicates where some production companies are going in terms of production software and is notably more viable, given the media's consistent demand for realism and engaging content.
One good example, which utilises motionbuilder's full potential is the Ubisoft's Assassins Creed 2. This clip shows the software being used in collaboration with Motion capture technology. In this, you can see in the background the motionbuilder showing the actor's movement in almost real time. This is a very attractive way of working for games developers and fits very well in many hectic and fast paced pipelines.
One downside to this method can be that although it is mentioned that 'you don't have to be a technical animator', the software for a beginner is extremely complex and has a significant learning curve. The mention of scripting and dynamics can be daunting to some. On top of this, a core understanding of the fundamentals of animation and animating software is essential before attempting to use it, as it is based on previous animating systems. However, this is a very interesting way to create animation and allows for further study into movement and conveying believable animations.
Motionbuilder clip - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mH6-szX1xFk&feature=channel
Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed 2 clip - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxJrhnynlN8
Motionbuilder article - http://www.develop-online.net/features/355/TOOL-FOCUS-MotionBuilder-2009
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