With the release of SpeedTree® Cinema 7 approaching, visual effects pros and animators are telling us how anxious they are to get their hands on some of the new features in version 7, including the ability to simulate growth. This feature was put to excellent use by Digital Domain, which utilized a beta version of SpeedTree Cinema 7 to help animate a stunning 40-year time lapse of the South African city of Sandton City. See the animation below . . .
In the piece written by Mike Seymour, Visual Effects Supervisor James Atkinson said . . .
“The reverse-growing tree provided a unique opportunity to deploy some cool new features in SpeedTree. The developers at IDV provided us with a beta version for animated growth, and worked closely with us to add the controls needed to massage timing on individual branches and leaves.”
The video is impressive and is another example of how SpeedTree Cinema’s new technology can be seamlessly integrated into a pipeline with great results. Version 7 promises to be the most powerful and easiest tool for creating digital foliage yet!
Check out the full FXGuide article to learn more about how Atkinson and the DD team did it. Be sure to watch the “making of” video to see a great example of animated growth.