In this post, I wanted to show you guys some of the new features in Cinema 4D 12. Of course, with every new release there are a TON of new features, but I wanted to show you the ones I am most excited about.
New Dynamics
I’m most excited about the new dynamics system that now includes soft body dynamics, connectors, motors, and springs. By combining all these object together, you can now create very complex dynamic simulations. As you can see from all the renders below, It’s what I love the most about the new Cinema Release.
Springs And Connectors
New SoftBody Dynamics
Connectors (Hinges)
Motors
RagDoll Physics
Linear Workflow
Cinema 4D 12 has also added linear workflow. Linear workflow ensures that your lights, reflections, and shadows are rendered more realistically. There are a few “gotchas” when it comes to working linearly, but in future tutorials I will show you ways to get around it. There is no easy way to describe linear workflow except to say that it makes your renders look more realistic. More to come for sure.
New Lighting Options
You know I LOVE realistic lighting in my renders. Version 12 adds some really interesting lighting features. Cinema 12 allows you to use IES lighting in your scenes. IES Lighting allows you to download real light profiles that cast photo-real shadows. in your scene. Version 12 also bring white balance and color temperature to your scenes for even more precise control over your lighting.
Render Queue
The New Render Queue is awesome. It allows me to set up multiple renders with different cameras and settings and render them while I’m away. This allows me to set up renders and passes during the day and render overnight really easily. In fact, all the renders above were rendered in one go using the Render Queue. Sure, additions like this aren’t as flashy as new dynamics, but this feature alone will save me hours of tedious render setups and maintenance.
Way Way More
There is so much more with version 12 that I haven’t even explored yet including: new effector types like the Camera Deformer, Surface Deformer and Mesh Deformer, new Open GL Support, dual transformations, and more. You can expect many more videos about the new features and how to use them as I figure them out myself. Stay tuned for many more tutorials about the new dynamics and lighting, too. Version 12 is a really exciting release. What are your thoughts?
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I have been working on a new update for the HDRI Light Kit Pro that should be out within a week or so. So excited, in fact, that I wanted to give you guys a sneak peak into the new “Daylight” Rig that will be included.
Scenes Lit With Daylight
This rig quickly simulates daylight lighting with sun and sky and renders very realistic shadows and highlights with and without Global Illumination. It renders super fast and is a great way to instantly light any scene. I have been using it a TON lately and I can’t wait for you guys to try it when the new version of the HDRI Light Kit Pro comes out. This will be a free update for existing users which means that anybody that buys the kit before the new version comes out will get the update FREE in their email inbox. There are also a few more goodies in store with the new version including new studio presets and HDRI Images. Getting really excited for this one.
Learn More about the HDRI Light Kit Pro
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In this tutorial, I show you how to make the video below using Animated Lathe Nurbs, Blurry Reflections, and specular highlights. You also may also want to watch my Radio Wave Tutorial to learn another way to pull this effect off with After Effects.
Reference
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UPDATE: These special prices are over. I will let you know though when other specials go down.
MAXON currently has some really good specials. If you were thinking of buying Cinema or upgrading your current license, now is definitely the time.
They are offering a special deal on new licenses of CINEMA 4D 11.5 Studio Bundle and Broadcast Edition. The discount is almost half price. These deals include one year of maintenance, which means you get the next upgrade for free. It also includes 12 hours of live online training.
They also have a killer special for current users of the XL Bundle for upgrading to Studio. Studio includes EVERYTHING and is really the way to go if you are serious about Cinema 4D.
For people who already own CINEMA 4D, I STRONGLY recommend purchasing the annual license agreement. Word is, the annual licensing agreement (which includes 12 hours of online live training) is less expensive than future upgrades will be.
Now let’s see … MAXON shipped Release 11.5 in September last year … and they released 11 in September of the previous year … and I’m pretty sure they released 10.5 in September of the year before. So if you are one of those people who is going to upgrade, seems to me it’s a good time to buy the annual licensing agreement and perhaps save a few bucks.
Strangely enough … all the specials I mentioned expire on August 31st. Hmmmmm. What do you think THAT means?
Buy on the Web:
maxon.net
maxonshop.com
Buy over the Phone:
(877) 226-4628
I’m not making money off any of these links or sales. I just want to make sure you guys get in on the sweet deal before it ends.
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Yep, you read that right. Five hours of Live casts today all about design. I’m really excited to join Justin (justinmaller.com), James (SignalNoise), Fabio (abduzeedo) and Ryan (DesignChat) in an all afternoon chat about design, work, and making cool shit. Hope to see you in the chat room.
You may want to follow them on twitter so you can get a link to their live page when it is up. Or, stop by back here. I will try to keep this post updated with links to the live show. We will be on our own channels, but then pitching to the next show, just like a real TV network! Bring some questions and a glass of water. You will need to stay hydrated for this one.
• 2pm EST: Justin Maller – Transmission
• 3pm EST: Nick Campbell – GSG Live Cast
• 4pm EST: James White – Signalnoise Broadcast
• 5pm EST: Fabio Sasso – Abduzeedo Broadcast
• 9pm EST: Design Chat with Ryan McGovern
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There were so many questions and comments about my Layer Tennis match on Friday. So, I decided to make this breakdown video showing you my thought process, workflow and scene files from the match.
Links Mentioned
Layer Tennis
Aaron’s Site ronlewhorn.com
Coudal Partners
How To Precomp in After Effects
Software and Plugins Used
Trapcode Particular
Trapcode Shine
HDRI Light Kit Pro
Nick Campbell’ Vintage Film for Looks
RSMB
Cinema 4D
After Effects
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UPDATE: I just finished the match and I had a blast! You can check out all the volleys here.
I will be battling awesome designer and illustrator, Aaron Scamihorn to start the new season of Layer Tennis. I played a match of Layer Tennis last year when I was at Digital Kitchen and had a blast. Hope to see you all there today. Talk trash or give my hi fives on twitter by adding the #lyt hash tag to your tweets.
Watch Layer Tennis
Follow Aaron on Twitter
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Don’t send DVD reels, nobody watches them. Try something clever instead. Better yet, go make a real connection and stop sending spam.
MK12 is back doing what they do best. Telephoneme blends great design, tight key-framing, impeccable sound design and retro kitsch into another timeless MK12 short film. After the ambitious yet disappointing History of America, it’s good to see MK12 back to knock this one out of the park. It’s shit like this that makes me see the potential of Motion Design as an art form. Bravo, MK12!
P.S. MK12’s short films are what originally got me interested in Motion Design. After watching, Man Of Action and seeing that it was made with Final Cut and After Effects, I had to learn more. MK12 quickly became my favorite studio and was the benchmark for everything I did. If your not fimilar with their work, here are a few more of my favorites of theirs to check out.
Sweater Porn
Untitled 02: Infinity
The Faint: Agenda Suicide
AXN: Chase
Brazil Inspired (AKA The ORIGINAL see and say type video. They fucking invented this shit and nobody has come close to doing it better.)
In this quick video, I show you how to give your 3D Renders a Perfect Timeless look with Nick Campbell’s Vintage Film for Look and After Effects.
Buy Vintage Film For Looks Here
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