3D Sci-Fi Scene

[gpdesigner]

Hello Kirupians,
I thought I would share this project I am working on with you. I am building a landscape scene of a futuristic base. It is for a fan film of the series BattleStar Galactica. The name of the Fanfilm is called "The 14th Colony".

But before I post any of the artwork for the film, here is a link to the website . . . . . FanFilm (http://battlestarfanfilm.org/)

If any of you are familiar with the"Rift" that exists within the BSG ( battlestar galactica ) community, this movie is a Continuation off-shoot, from the original 1979 series, and not related to the New Series BSG at all. The premise behind "The 14th Colony" is that it is set 30 or so years after the "Hand of God" episode which aired in the 70's. Well . . .
maybe lots of you have seen it in re runs . . . . :D

I was asked to join the Fx team because some of the folks over at the fanfilm project saw some of the images of the Nu Battlestar Galactica I was building. I guess they figured I hand a bit of talent . . . . (boy were they wrong). Anyway I agreed to join the team and registered at the forum.
They asked everyone to pick a project from a list, and I picked The Cylon Base. . . .
Boy did I blunder . . . . seems this part of the project turned out to be really huge.

Anyway here is the technical's, the layout and background on the base:
First of all the base is located on a remote planet . . . (details covered by copyright)
My job was to build the landscape, surrounding terrain, and and scene for the base . . . I found that the easiest way to generate large scale terrain is by the use of Terragen. So I opened the program and with the help of the pallet tools, created a land mass to work in.

This image is the actual scape were the base is located:

http://images.graphicproduction.org/forum_images/fanfilm/14th_k/T1.jpg

The size of the terrain is 441.00 square kilometers. In the original designs and script, the base was said to be located on a mesa positioned atop a mountain. I chose the mountain in the center of the above image to fit this need.

Once I had the terrain I wanted, I imported the mesh into Lightwave so I could work on it. Those of you who have Terragen know it will export a lot of different formats, so this was an easy task. Theoretically I could have built the terrain in Lightwave but doing it in Terragen made it possible to have the concept of the scape, textures and lighting done in one program, so now all I have to do is reproduce this in Lightwave which for the most part is easy.
Beside when the render department want to do a running shot of the Mesa, it would be better to do it in Terragen as this program will do a pretty good job of atmospherics and landscape rendering.

http://images.graphicproduction.org/forum_images/fanfilm/14th_k/landmass.jpg

At this point I removed the mountain so that building and positioning the cylon base would be easier. Just so you know, all of this was done out of order. The cylon base was built before I started to scout the landscape. I needed a mountain with specific dimensions in order to fit the base. it just seemed logical at the time that the base be built first. I am just writing it this way to give some order to this piece.

In this next image, if you look in the center of the mountain . . . the black bits are the "foot prints" of the buildings that comprise the cylon base. With that being done you will see everything fits on top here very nicely.

http://images.graphicproduction.org/forum_images/fanfilm/14th_k/omartop.jpg

Now the base . . .
An original sketch was done by rjandron for an idea of the cylon base. If you know any lore about the Cylons the hexagon is a prominent logo in their culture. So naturally the base was built in this manner:

http://images.graphicproduction.org/forum_images/fanfilm/14th_k/index.jpg

I tried to keep faithful to the original design of the base, but added a few changes that made the base user friendly and believable. I added doors to the turrets and a few more entrances scattered about. I also added the ramp area in the center of the facitlity, which opened a new underground dimension to the base concept. With the introduction of the ramp I aided in the realization of a subterranean plot twist, seems this Cylon base was built on top of an existing fascility. (which is under construction at the moment )

http://images.graphicproduction.org/forum_images/fanfilm/14th_k/base_overhead.jpg

http://images.graphicproduction.org/forum_images/fanfilm/14th_k/base_gate.jpg

http://images.graphicproduction.org/forum_images/fanfilm/14th_k/base_b_pilons.jpg

http://images.graphicproduction.org/forum_images/fanfilm/14th_k/base_front.jpg

http://images.graphicproduction.org/forum_images/fanfilm/14th_k/base_night3.jpg

http://images.graphicproduction.org/forum_images/fanfilm/14th_k/base_roof.jpg

http://images.graphicproduction.org/forum_images/fanfilm/14th_k/door.jpg

http://images.graphicproduction.org/forum_images/fanfilm/14th_k/ent.jpg

http://images.graphicproduction.org/forum_images/fanfilm/14th_k/star_5.jpg


In the beginning I misunderstood the concept size of the base and designed extra buildings which allowed for a larger support facility.
The original idea was for 2 hanger bays, so I figured a flight tower would be needed and also A Command Operations Center to coordinate and support unit movements. This would bring the base occupancy up considerably. However I was informed that the base compliment was comprised of a dozen or so Raiders and a platoon or 2 of Toasters. So the un-textured items in the next set of images are out of the plans and will be shelved unless they are needed later.

http://images.graphicproduction.org/forum_images/fanfilm/14th_k/far4.jpg

http://images.graphicproduction.org/forum_images/fanfilm/14th_k/far8.jpg

http://images.graphicproduction.org/forum_images/fanfilm/14th_k/far13.jpg

Ok here is the last bit . . .
As I said the Cylon base was built on top of an Existing facility. The "Grey" Facility was in place before the Cylons took over the compound and built there own structures. The Grey society had it's own style and architecture, so I had to develop something that would be visually different from the cylon architecture and have it built into the landscape. . . .
This is where I am at the moment, Knee deep in building a prototype for the grey architecture. I plan on building a basic structure that can be changes slightly from one building to the next and each building serving a separate task. Once all the buildings are made, I will de-construct them to give an appearance of dilapidation and wear.


http://images.graphicproduction.org/forum_images/fanfilm/14th_k/grey1.jpg

http://images.graphicproduction.org/forum_images/fanfilm/14th_k/grey2.jpg

Anyway I hope I didn't bore you all too much . . . just wanted to share one of my projects with ya'
hope you like it . . .
gp

[wizard]

I guess they figured I hand a bit of talent . . . . (boy were they wrong).He's modest too...


Dude, that's amazing. Having just started LightWave I can only dream of being able to do stuff like that. :thumb2: [fanfilm] sounds like a cool thing, can't wait to see what comes out of this. Will be checking in regularly.

Good stuff gp. As if you didn't already know. :sure:

[kingofnukes]

I love it! Great job!:pleased:

[Sciurus]

Simply amazing.

[~§~]

Wow that's amazing, how do you do 3d, my brother won't teach me, can you send me your used 3d training videos.

[3d Nirvana]

lol at "can you send me your used 3d training videos"


ha, i was about to post "you noob stop using terra gen and calling it your own work" then I read it a little, and then I scrolled down and saw the REAL work. wow, the renderes looks great. good job :)

[hybrid101]

f***, that looks awesome! how long did that take you anyway?

[Bokke]

Thats ugly! Aahrg no its worse! Its horrible! :trout:


I really really like it verry verry much ! :thumb:
Its such a major project! With a lot of detail! verry kool :D
Like wizard, I wish i could do that kind a suff!!

Great job!

[danulf]

nice! me likes...

[theflash]

Yeah very nice job.. you posted it in very detail thanks for sharing :)

[gpdesigner]

Thanks, I am glad you all dig it.
Sorry . . . no training video's . . :D If you are just getting into LW, there are plenty of resources out there to learn from . . start Here (http://www.newtek.com/lightwave/index.php)

@hybrid101: it took about 3 months to get to this point, maybe a bit longer.
I didn't work on it everyday but it was almost the only project I had open. I put a lot of stuff on the back-burner in order to get this done.

When I built the base I also designed architectural lighting for it as well. If you look at some of the "night time" shots you will see them. There is a total of 440 individual lamps in there. Spot Light, Area Lights, and a point light or 2.

gp

[theflash]

wow it must take a very long time rendering due to no of lights :3ye:

[SlowRoasted]

very impressive work.

[Rainman]

You do very nice 3D work. :D
Impressive stuff!

[gpdesigner]

wow it must take a very long time rendering due to no of lights :3ye:

not really . . . the render time was about average. I am using a 6x lighting rig
shadow map at about 1500 . . 5 passes. most of them took 30 mins.:beam:

Thanks Slowroasted and Rainman . . just doing my thing I guess.
I am trying to get threw this project cause I have 4 more in the wings, another Fanfilm, 3 business projects and I really do want to get back to building the Galactica . . . peopl are waiting for me to start that up again.
seems I have a following on another forum.

anyway . . . when the sufacing is done I will post better images,
right now I am trying to realize the Grey Facility . . those round louvers that cover the body like an egg shell actually are supose to close up fully.
I have built a motor for this task, and am trying to design the hardware that makes it all work . . .
Here is a shot of the motor

http://images.graphicproduction.org/forum_images/fanfilm/greys/motor.jpg

It's not textured or anything, but in the tubes around the manifold are plasma injectors I have a texture in mind, it should look cool when it is all done . . I got the idea for this engine from an old Pratt and Whitney Wasp engine . . . . anyway these are the puppies that will power the huge Louvers to open and close . . . :D
I know . . . I crazy . . . .
gp

[NANO3]

just.. INCREDIBLE, hope your dream corporation comes true one day, or maybe oil company might buy the design :-D

looks like a scene from Halo or DOOM

[squishy]

looks sweet nice work

[gpdesigner]

They just put out a few trailers (Teasers) for the Fanfilm.
If you have audio . . . put it on.

http://www.battlestarfanfilm.org/main/media.php

gp

[Bokke]

cool! cant wait to see the movie! :D

[Joppe]

Still I dont understand is there like an original movie or something? :s

[kiwee]

wow!!
I vote for that to be put on the top thingy, That is amazing!

[gpdesigner]

Still I dont understand is there like an original movie or something? :s



* A Quick Update *

In the Mid 1970's just after the original Star Wars, T.V. launched a program called "Battlestar Galactica". It was on the air for one season only.
After a season the series was cancelled, for an assortment of reasons. Then in 1980 a continuation of original 70's BattleStar Galactica aired on T.V., it was called "Galactica 80" or something like that. Galactica 1980 took place a few years after the original 1970's show, sort of like it was the decedents of the original crew. Anyway, this series also went belly up and the show lived out it's life and gained popularity in reruns and in syndication.

About 6 years ago Tom Desanto, Richard Hatch, and a few others got the go ahead to do another continuation of the original series, again, this was to feature the decendents of the original crew, and what the trip to earth was like for these people, but this concept was passed over for various reasons just after 9-11.

problem was, most of the fan base for Battlestar Galactica ( due to the internet) was all set for a continuation . . . in fact it was a continuation cult following. . . .

but out popped Ronald Moore, a veterain of the Star Trek franchise, . . .
Well, Ron Moore decided he wanted to do a remake of the original series . .
and this just set the fan base on fire . . . Split the Galactica community right down the middle. Blood was spilled . . . . even today small skermishes break out on Galactica forums all over the internet over this entire mess . . .

Anyway to make this story even shorter, the fanfilm is a continuation of the original series, set 30 years after the last episode of the original 70's Galactica. . .

By the Original Galactica series boxset and you will be up to speed . . .
so to speak.

Disclaimer:
This was a brief and shortened version of the Galactica saga . . . .
If you want to know more Google "Battlestar Galactica Forums" and read on.

gp

[Joppe]

Ok, i think i understand but is the "fanfilm" only 3d modelled or is it shot with real humans too?

[gpdesigner]

Ok, i think i understand but is the "fanfilm" only 3d modelled or is it shot with real humans too?

Both, actually there is going to be more live action footage than cgi . . . which is what is a bit different about this BSG fanfilm.
gp

[gpdesigner]

Just thought I would give you all an update on the other structures occupying the ailien compounds . . .

I did some small detailing work and started to texture this week. I tried to keep in mind that they probably will not use closeup shot of any of the pieces I am building but I need to put in some micro details just to give it some scale. Who knows later I may need to add a bit more fill but right now I think she is good enough for background shots
gp

http://images.graphicproduction.org/forum_images/fanfilm/greys/grey_0.jpg

http://images.graphicproduction.org/forum_images/fanfilm/greys/grey_1.jpg


I spaced out the letters more and made them larger, you can see them a little bit better in the first textured image further down


http://images.graphicproduction.org/forum_images/fanfilm/greys/grey_2.jpg

http://images.graphicproduction.org/forum_images/fanfilm/greys/grey_3.jpg

http://images.graphicproduction.org/forum_images/fanfilm/greys/grey_4.jpg

http://images.graphicproduction.org/forum_images/fanfilm/greys/grey_7.jpg

http://images.graphicproduction.org/forum_images/fanfilm/greys/grey_8.jpg

http://images.graphicproduction.org/forum_images/fanfilm/greys/grey_9.jpg

http://images.graphicproduction.org/forum_images/fanfilm/greys/surf1.jpg

http://images.graphicproduction.org/forum_images/fanfilm/greys/surf2.jpg

Still more surfacing to go but I thought I would share the progress with yall

gp

[theflash]

wow cool :D