By Elina Shatkin, April 16, 2004
Kelseus announced the release of Antics 1.0 its real-time, intelligent 3D scene production, directing and editing system at this year’s NAB exhibition in Las Vegas. Antics allows users to assemble, direct and edit 3d animated scenes in a real time rendered environment using an intelligent and procedural animation toolset.
Antics is intended to provide a solution to the animator, director or producer who needs a fast, cost effective tool to produce animations for pre-visualisation or episodic animated programming where complex multiple character interactions are called for.
Antics provides a unique arena where geometry and motion capture data, either from within the Antics Library, or imported from external sources can be assembled, directed and edited in a real time
. Simple point and click commands combined with intuitive scripted instructions allow characters to intelligently navigate their environments, and interact with objects in a sophisticated multiple camera view architecture.
A non-linear animation workflow takes this a stage further in allowing new components such as characters or props to be seamlessly integrated into the workflow and storyline at any stage during a production with no need for re-animation. Props, furniture, doors, stairs etc can be moved around within a set and characters will find, and interact with them in their new location, without the need for reanimation.
Antics is intended for use by both experienced animators and less experienced users such as directors who may start to edit and direct a scene following its construction. Real time rendered feedback makes Antics an ideal tool for a producer to supervise a shot in situ with an animator, as edits and changes can be made on the fly.
Antics v1.0 is shipping to early access customers and resellers as of 19 April 2004 and will have its global launch at Siggraph 2004 in Los Angeles.
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