How to create motion.

Using a graphics program, Pixelmator, I created a generic bird in different stages of flight

I then import those images into FCPX and create the bird (green screened) flying. Mainly using key frames.

This takes a lot of work and time to get anywhere near authentic in scale and flight on a back drop.

I have heard of a program, Motion, but don't really get it. I new to this.

Would Motion be a better program to create this in.

(I am only an amateur and my interest is in still motion video)

get inspired by this tutorial from Mark&Steve


forget the road, replace car by bird - and you're done!

Motion allows frame-by-frame animation like you did.
But it offers 'Behaviors', which replace complicated 'loops'by a single action.

Thanx Karsten. Much appreciated

Greg

Also, I forgot to ask, what program do animators use?

Thanx

Greg

Grendel wrote: Also, I forgot to ask, what program do animators use?

I'm not in that business, but watching hundreds of making-ofs, Cinema 4D, Maya etc, and factories like ILM or Weta use their 'own', custom-built software.

Plus, you have to differenciate 2D and 3D animation (allthough the border is 'soft')
Motion asks for plug-ins to create 'real' 3D, motionvfx.com to mention the 'best'.
For traditional, frame-by-frame/stop motion animation, istopmotion from Boinx comes to mind ...

... I think it depends very much what your goal is: to create animation-plug-ins for usage in FCPX, Motion is the only way to go. For else, use the tool which fits your needs, don't forget: first animations used pencil and paper… and have their own charme today

There are many forms of animation. What specifically do you want to do? How much time and money do you want to invest in it.

To get started, there's Manga Studio, Daz3D, Blender, not to mention Motion. In fact, MotionVFX has 2 products that supply a bunch of animated characters you can get a good start with.

Also, check this out. Done with Motion 5 in three months.

Thank you both.

The Gertie-the-Dinosaur video was great.

The-Boy too was good.

I'm checking out all those software programs you mentioned now.

Wow ... just finished downloading Daz3D. Took forever but it installed.

Thank you so much. Not sure yet if it can create morph frames. but you can a create a character and keep him consistent, a huge benefit.