3ds Max models into SFM - Help / Advise PLEASE!!!

[kIZAru]

Please can I ask anyone who knows about this to help / advise me...

Regarding importing 3ds / Max models into SFM

I am a film / video producer (After effects, premier pro..ect) with only a little bit of 3d skills.. a very tiny bit!!! ---

I REALLY need some help and advise please guys.

Here is my problem, if you are being kind enough to read on..

I have some robot models with IK rigs - like this one:

http://www.turbosquid.com/3d-models/robot-bot-female-3d-model/580014

Normally when I get asked to create a robot video, I would get these models animated with lip sync by a freelancer - render out the clips, edit the video (the bit I am good at).. and the job is done.. HOWEVER: The clips take ages to render even though there is not much movement!!

I need to do these clips faster and in a better way... I have found Source Film Maker and believe I could do the animation and Lip Sync myself in SFM without the huge render times.... In my head I think SFM could be PERFECT... HOWEVER...

I have found its not easy to get the custom models into SFM... I have tried to use Wall Worm tools and all kinds of things.. with no success :( :( :( - AND - even if I got the model with IK rig in... I am thinking the face would not be set up ready to work with?

Please can I ask:

Do you think SFM is a good solution for me?

IF I can get it in... will the model render look nice with the SFM lights ect??

Would the face need a rig making??

Is there anyone who on here who can import my model and get it working?

Should I give up on SFM at this stage or is this a good route for me?

Please Please Please.. ANY help or advise would be amazing..

Guys please remember I am NOT a 3d max master.. I am into video editing so please remember this in any reply's as I have really had lots of goes at this and I have to admit I currently think it is too hard for me to prepare my own models for import. :(

Kind regards

DM

[Pte Jack]

Personally, it is a lot of work to port a high poly model into SFM where it isn't native valve format. It is possible, but in its current state, SFM is geared more to the TF2 crowd. The only game mode available to SFM is TF2, and that is limited as well, so any custom model animation would have to be done manually as well.

Your custom content (Nice "I Robot" type model by the way) would have to be reconfigured, skinned, rigged and converted through 3dsMax to Valve SFM DMX format in order to utilitize the HWM features required for lipsync. There are plugins that will do this and SOME documentation is available on the Valve developer website. To lipsync, you would have to configure the Phoneme presets and program the phoneme set.

Your sets would be limitied to what models are available in TF2, HL2 and other Valve game content, unless you create and convert your own custom models.

It may be better to use the native 3dsMax environment for your type of animation. It is a lot more flexible for your type of models (however, I really would like to see the one your pointed to converted) and filming needs.

But if you wish to give it a try, let me point you to some reading material...

https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/3DS_Max

https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Category:Modeling

https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Materials_for_models

Some of this stuff is dated... but following links embedded in the reading material may assist you with newer editions of Max.

Also, check out conversations in the Forums on http://www.reddit.com

[kIZAru]

thanks so much for the reply.. Really THANKS!!

Seems a big job..a bit above me!!

I may try this as a project to play with but it seems SFM is not ready yet to do what I would need..

I see a lot of things asking people to create original work in SFM, but if you can't bring in custom models to tell your story, then no matter how good and creative you are... with the same sets and characters all SFM creations will look the same!!!

What a massive shame the SFM import side is so week :(

[raptornx01]

Thats probably the biggest problem. creating maps and models is such a tedious and time consuming process. I've tried blender multiple times, and have tried Hammer as well. Some people have the knack for it, I've seen people that can create good quality models in a day. but some, like me don't.

if there were easier way to do it, or even ways inside sfm itself, you'd see alot more things coming out.

But there is still alot of versatility with SFM. i've seen lots of different styles, even just in looks. there is alot you can do to make your videos stand out. alot of maps and models that haven't been fully utilized in SFM. alot of areas within SFM that haven't been fully explored yet. I mean. look us, Me, R234, Jack, even people like Zach scott, ask any of us and we'll tell you there are alot of thing in SFM we just don't know what they do, and things we know you SHOULD be able to do, but just can't find a way to do them.

Then add to that the extra scripts and things that give us even more abilities