What should I start with??

[HwaRang777]

Hey everybody,

I've really been thinking recently as in what I want to have as a career, and I decided to go with computer animation. While I do draw decently, and have exprienced using some programs, like Terragen, as well as getting some insightful tips about Film, I have no idea what I'm getting into, if you guys (and/or girls) have any books or programs you would recommend me to read/use, I would greatly appreciate it.

My ultimate goal is to someday own a huge Christian digital media production, calling it "Flaming Sword Productions". making console games(like for the PS5 or PS6), CG Movies, music for those movies and games, etc.

[ZiP]

Well, if you want to get into animation, I'd just finding some freeware animation programs, Blender is a decent one.
I believe 3d Canvas is free also.
You might also consider getting GIMP to learn about graphics, I don't know how related it would be to your interests, but it wouldn't hurt anything.

Blender
3D Canvas
GIMP

Marty J

[Esoteric]

If you're super serious about eventually having your own company like that someday, you really need to learn one of the professional tools for animation like, 3D studioMax, Maya, Lightwave, SoftImage. Same for film programs like Premier, Avid, Adobe AfterEffects, and basic imaging software like Photoshop, Coreldraw, or Illustrator.

All these mentioned are professional grade programs, and therefore expensive. So, the best way to learn to use them is through schooling. Research some of these programs and take classes at a community college or university to learn about some of them. You'll probably find an area you enjoy the most, be it CG, film editing, or whatever and you can focus in on. And if you find that you really enjoy this stuff enough pursure your own company, go to a specialized computer or animation school. You'll make valuable connections there that you'll need for such an endeavor.

[ZiP]

I agree, but for starters, you should probably try out free stuff, to see if you like the idea, before you start dolling out the dollars.

[HwaRang777]

well actually, I'm also considering Game Design, which I do know for a fact it's much harder than it sounds, b/c you have to deal with almost all aspects of the game, the animation, controls, voice acting (if any), graphics, bit rate, music (if any), level design, sounds, etc. but I also feel that I want to go into the CG film, while I really wouldn't mind making photos or just promo vids for architects and such

[Esoteric]

I agree, but for starters, you should probably try out free stuff, to see if you like the idea, before you start dolling out the dollars.

Point taken. If you aren't sure, you'll even enjoy something, freeware can be the way to go...as long as you keep in mind that professional tools are generally much easier to use and more powerful. So if you try a free animation program and don't like it how it works, just keep in mind that each program works differently.
To my knowledge CG film makers and videogame makers use essentially the same tools and skills. A CG film maker has to worry about soundFX, music and voice acting too. Instead of level designs, they deal with scripts and storyboards. The only major difference I can think of is with video game design, you need good programming skills.

[HwaRang777]

well, that's the thing. I have a friend who is in his school's robotics team, which happened to get a lot of sponsors, and his team has 3DSM. Which I'll try learning from him of what he knows. Plus, I just downloaded Blender (I'm very surprised by the quality the program and speed of the files) which I do plan on practicing. Also I'm going to get a laptop this summer, which I will get Blender for it, and ask my art teacher (in my Drawing Class, not art class) if I can use it for certain projects.

[HwaRang777]

Hey thanx for the helpful info, I've heard of blender, but considering it's free, I thought that it would be really crappy, nowhere near as close as it really is, and I will be doing a lot of things this summer for it. And for college, while I'm not sure if they have a good program I'm planning on going to Purdue University (it's in Indiana) for just Com. Animaiton or I could go to Ferris State U. (a state college that I live nearby) which has that and game development. Now, I'm not saying that you can stop giving me tips (you know that I'm going to need a lot more than this!!) so please continue to post some more suggestions, tips or ideas.

[HwaRang777]

Um hey, back again, how am I supposed to use Blender? It seems to me that I'm going to know Python or C+, C++, etc. Of which, I will not be able to use until I learn those kinds of things. Right now, I don't even understand QBasic!, would you give me like a link to a "coding" dictionary? I have no idea on how to use this.

[Christian]

Please do not neglect that fact that you will also need a decent education in this field in order to start a media production company. This is where I am going next year for the exact same thing. Great minds think alike I suppose!

Welcome to Regent Undergrad~

If you decide to go here we may run into each other and become parteners! HA!

[Torokun]

I work for a game company. And I come from movie/animation background. email me if you are serious about getting into the entertainment industry.