Cineversity

Im used to working with 2.5D in After effects where I have the ability to precompose and split layers.  Im wondering are there equivalent methods in C4D?  Im thinking that groups are kind of like precomps in the way they are nested etc but what about splitting layers?  In after effects for example I might split a layer so that I can start one animation exactly one frame after the previous one so that it gives the illusion that its the same object animating in a different way.  Im trying to understand how I do the same thing in a 3D programme?

Hi Bikhu,

There are at least two ways that might work towards your idea of animation in Cinema 4D.

• A pre-comp in Ae is like an “XRef” option in Cinema 4D.

• The Animation Clip system works like layers in Ae, but of course things in real 4D works a little bit more complex than in 2D (or 2.5D)

After Effects has its roots in 2D and even today it is palpable more often than not that it has this heritage. I think there is a good reason why Cineware makes some sense, and the combination of Ae C4D even much more.

To apply your idea to the workflow in Cinema 4D might have some advantages right now, but on the long run I think you might limit yourself. As everyone has his/her very own idea how things should be and the kind of work one is doing varies heavily, you might try the two options I have described above. Perhaps you will never miss a thing. I can’t really answer that.
I belive that both options (XRef and Animation Clips) have a huge potential for some areas. However, as with pre-comps it might has some side effects. You will answer that for your work better than I can do this with my limited knowledge of your workflow.

As in most parts of the industry (VFX and Motion Graphics) we are all aware that sometimes Time-Line/Layer approaches are great and sometime Node based workflows are the best. Again, it depends, and the sooner you know what works for you, the sooner you can refine it.

My best wishes

Dr. Sassi - 24 September 2015 12:36 PM

Hi Bikhu,

There are at least two ways that might work towards your idea of animation in Cinema 4D.

• A pre-comp in Ae is like an “XRef” option in Cinema 4D.

• The Animation Clip system works like layers in Ae, but of course things in real 4D works a little bit more complex than in 2D (or 2.5D)

I dont know what either of these are. Are there any tutorials about them on this site?  If not do you know of any?

Hi Bikhu,

You’re welcome. ;o)

The XRef option is a simple method to connect data from a drive, in C4D format, to your scene. In that way the [x]REFerenced file works like a Pre-Comp. So you can use many “pre-comps” in other scenes.

http://www.cineversity.com/vidplaytut/new_in_r13_xrefs

Certainly a should-be-known-option anyway.

The Animation Clip technique is not difficult, but I would say, that a savvy base knowledge should be acquired first. But check for your-self of course.

http://www.cineversity.com/vidplaytut/animation_techniques_for_teams_part_01_course

There is a search option for tutorials, which I have used of course as well. For the XRef you will find an excellent one from Kai, but R10.5

http://www.cineversity.com/vidplaytut/xref_file_referencing_release_10.5

The main difference to Pre-Comps is certainly one suggested to use no “pre-pre-comps” etc. In other words no nested construction.

All the best

Dr. Sassi - 24 September 2015 10:59 PM

Hi Bikhu,

You’re welcome. ;o)

The XRef option is a simple method to connect data from a drive, in C4D format, to your scene. In that way the [x]REFerenced file works like a Pre-Comp. So you can use many “pre-comps” in other scenes.

http://www.cineversity.com/vidplaytut/new_in_r13_xrefs

Certainly a should-be-known-option anyway.

The Animation Clip technique is not difficult, but I would say, that a savvy base knowledge should be acquired first. But check for your-self of course.

http://www.cineversity.com/vidplaytut/animation_techniques_for_teams_part_01_course

There is a search option for tutorials, which I have used of course as well. For the XRef you will find an excellent one from Kai, but R10.5

http://www.cineversity.com/vidplaytut/xref_file_referencing_release_10.5

The main difference to Pre-Comps is certainly one suggested to use no “pre-pre-comps” etc. In other words no nested construction.

All the best

Thanks for your reply and the the links.  A lot of useful information I need to absorb slowly.  When you say animation clip are you talking about motion clips?

Yes, Motion Clips, from the animation system. Sorry, old habit to call it that way, I shouldn’t do that.

Enjoy!