Faking 3D with 2D objects in Motion

I have a 3D environment and I want a to have a layer/group exist in 3D space but remain a 2D object. I want to have this object always orient itself around the camera. When I uncheck the 3D button, it orients itself towards the camera at all times, however it doesn't react to my camera movement in the environment.

Any suggestions?

*Edit*: realized this should be in the motion forum but can't find a way to delete this post.

Did you try to apply a Framing Behavior to your camera?

I did, however I don't want the camera to necessarily stay focused on the object. I'm using the framing behaviour to frame other objects in my scene.

Create a rectangle in the group of your object and use it as source for your framing behavior. Turn off the rectangle layer.

It is basically an empty that is used to control your camera instead of using your actual object. The camera will be framed on this rectangle, while the rest of your scene behaves as you want it to.

I don't know how deep you are in Motion, but I suggest to have a look at Mark Spencer's Camera Tutorial at Rippletraining.

But if I want to use the framing behaviour to frame other objects wouldn't that conflict with using the behaviour on the null/empty?
I'm not at my editing computer now so I can't try it out, but I don't see how this would solve my problem.
Thanks for the advice though, I'll try to see if this somehow fixes my issue.

And yes, I've just finished watching their new Camera series and I loved it. It's what inspired me to use the framing behaviour more often to begin with.

-Athan

You just make that behavior as long as needed.

I think it was in chapter 8 - Camera Framing Tips.

Hi athanc, I am probably misinterpreting your problem. A 2D object that always hangs around with the camera and follows its movement through 3D space… My first thought was: Why not add this object later in FCPX on top of the motion project? I admit: a dull workaround, but at least an excuse for posting this topic in the FCPX forum

If you make a Group a 3D group, the objects in it's layers are still 2D objects, but you can move around them in 3D space.

I'm very unclear what the real goal is here. You want something to hang round the camera all the time, but not always face it? I'm confused. Can you provide some example of what you're trying to achieve?