Anim8or Community

Sort of makes me think of a mellowed/toned down version of a thing called the "Shrike," from a set of sci-fi books I read...

Concept/Theme:
Create a 3D animation scene depicting a land/world of fantasy/science nature. This is a broad spectrum which can mean anything that could be construed as a “world unto itself”… a place inhabited, “lived in”, able to sustain its denizens/residents.  Thus, it could be an island, planet, another plane/dimension of existence, or even a space station – just so long as it could be called “home” by those residing in the realm being shown. 

Contest Duration: February 1 - 29, 2008

Contestant Enrollment Deadline: February 22, 2008

Judging Categories:
There will two classes of judging, with a prize for each top entry:
1) Panel of Judges: A panel of judges will be formed to select overall best choice.
2) Popular Vote:  A poll will be placed for all registered members to vote on their favorite entry.

Prizes:
1)  2 Gig USB Memory Stick, courtesy of Kreator
2)  35 US Dollars credit toward www.TurboSquid.com, courtesy of Arik_the_Red

Contestant Qualifications:
Contestants must be “amateur” designers. This means that the contestant does not work in the 3D animation industry earning their livelihood as a 3D graphics designer. 

Contestants are not required to be active members of AnimAnon forum, but must comply with contest rules regarding message posting for contest activity.

Registration/Entry to Contest:
Several forums shall host an official thread for contestants to track their progress. Forums thus far set up as official contest tracking sites include:

• http://animanon.xtreemhost.com/
• http://anim8or.org/

This list is subject to change to better accommodate interested contestants. All contestants must maintain a message thread on one of these forum's contest tracking threads. Contestants shall include minimum of three progress posts showing artwork development via screenshots, video clips, etc. before the end of the contest.

Should you wish to see your favorite forum host this contest as well, have their administration contact Arik_the_Red@hotmail.com. 


Design Guidelines and Restrictions

Acceptable Software:
Any 3D design software package or combination of 3D software packages may be used for the final composition (3DS Max, Anim8or, Carrara, Maya, etc.). Likewise, any 2D graphics software is acceptable (paint programs, etc.) for the creation of textures, backgrounds, etc.  Other software may be used to implement sound effects, voices, etc.

Original Material Guidelines:
All compositions must be original material created by the contestant.  Minor components of the scene may be “pre-existing,” but the overall scene, as well as of the content, must be newly created and have never been viewed by others prior to the beginning of this contest.

Incorporation of Animation:
The final composition must contain some form of animation, whether small or great, simply adequate to show “life” in the setting.  The final video must thus run for a duration of no less than 15 seconds minimum.

Important Note!
If you have already established an entry thread in another hosting forum, PLEASE maintain that thread only. Duplicate threads in multiple forums may create confusion for judges, contestants, and observers alike! Thank you.