Importing outside models?

[Monkeybob22]

I've experimented with the source film maker and I want to go outside the tfm2 models. Is there some way to import models from other games or can you only use the tfm2 and other source game models?

(The game I want to use the models for is from the game Warframe. I've got a few ideas for it and I think it would make for some badass videos if I can)

[Pte Jack]

Not without breaking the exterior (nonvalve) models dow to their source, importing them into a 3d editor, editing the bone structures and meshes, reskinning them, exportiong them to Valve Source, converting the skins to valve VTF and VTM format, then recompiling the model. (This is the Simple answer, the process is quite involved!!)

[Monkeybob22]

Originally posted by Pte Jack:

Not without breaking the exterior (nonvalve) models dow to their source, importing them into a 3d editor, editing the bone structures and meshes, reskinning them, exportiong them to Valve Source, converting the skins to valve VTF and VTM format, then recompiling the model. (This is the Simple answer, the process is quite involved!!)

Holy crap. Do you think just using garry's mod would be easier? or would that be a hassle as well?

[Sarsour]

The process of importing models is pretty much the same for both... you might be better off sticking with a modeling program like 3ds/blender/maya unless you commit to learning the source engine conversion process.

[Monkeybob22]

Originally posted by Sarsour:

The process of importing models is pretty much the same for both... you might be better off sticking with a modeling program like 3ds/blender/maya unless you commit to learning the source engine conversion process.

Wow, that's insane. I'm guessing that's the same for even the levels that you would have convert to source and all that? Where would I go to learn to do that?

[Pte Jack]

If the models are valve type models (ie garry's mod, Portal2, etc), then watch these.

http://youtu.be/DPTQ32g4Wi4

http://youtu.be/0IPC2OfJ0eA

http://youtu.be/6PS1xHbSByI

If not, then the process I outlined above applies.

[Monkeybob22]

Originally posted by Pte Jack:

If the models are valve type models (ie garry's mod, Portal2, etc), then watch these.

http://youtu.be/DPTQ32g4Wi4

http://youtu.be/0IPC2OfJ0eA

http://youtu.be/6PS1xHbSByI

If not, then the process I outlined above applies.

Alright cool. Thanks for the info.

[Pte Jack]

Portal2, L4D2, CS:Source and GO may need another step...

http://youtu.be/UP_QvuYJezU

For Dota2 see this and read the description for the video as well...

http://youtu.be/xkcaOTi-faw

HL Episode2

http://youtu.be/jWRgjQsCock

[Sarsour]

For maps, I believe the only (most practical) way to do it is using hammer editor.
Though there are cases ( if the set you wanna animate on is small) that you can just import the scene as a regular model and film on it. (keep in mind the polygon and size limit, if any).