Although SGI once ruled the roost in Hollywood for computer-generated imaging,
the combination of fast chipsets, such as the MIPS and the Alpha, and Windows
NT's raw 32-bit power is rapidly changing the pecking order. In the last year, a
number of the world's leading 3D software packages have been ported to NT, and
it has become an extremely cost-effective and powerful alternative. Exhibit A is
NewTek's LightWave 3D. The program has been used on productions such as Babylon
5, Space: Above and Beyond, and Unsolved Mysteries. But the
Hollywood resume isn't just window-dressing: It's helped LightWave to become a
finely honed creative tool for professionals.
LightWave 3D
LightWave's straightforward, no-nonsense interface doesn't get in the
artist's way, but ease of use doesn't hide it's real power either. Almost every
feature in the program can be animated: Lights can brighten and change direction
while objects morph and rotate and the camera sweeps and zooms in. Features such
as inverse kinematics and bones allow you to create complex character motions
with relative ease.
LightWave's output looks great and is very flexible. There are variable
anti-aliasing options, and you can render images in resolutions ranging from
postage stamp to billboard. You can also swap lenses just like you would on a
real motion picture camera and add features such as adjustable motion blur. Want
special effects? No problem! LightWave has a ton of effects capabilities built
into the program, including fog, lens flares, and digital compositing. This last
feature is particularly useful, as it lets you combine the 3D worlds you create
with the real world you can capture with your camera. Want a spaceship to land
in your backyard? LightWave can give you the footage, including having your 3D
spaceship cast shadows on your real-world lawn.
LightWave's Modeler has enough object-creation tools to keep any 3D artist
happy for years (see screen A). Objects can start as 3D primitives, such as
boxes, balls, or cylinders, or you can use the 2D drawing and editing functions
to make your shape and then lathe, extrude, or twist it. There are also
functions for drawing splines or creating text with TrueType or PostScript
fonts.
Please see sidebar "SoftImage Coming to NT".