Stupidly forgot to update my blog at all after creating it so its quite behind the times. I'll start it by posting what I'm supposed to be doing and when I expect things to get done. Starting with the specification that I submitted.
Final Year Project Specification
Project Title: The Building of Serenity
Project Aim
The aim of this project is to produce a high detail scale model of the Serenity, a firefly class spaceship that serves as the central location for the TV Series Firefly.
By the end of the project I intend to have a full exterior and interior completely modelled, and a fly through movie that tours the ship to show the entire model and its layout.
I will use this opportunity to experiment with different modelling techniques in Maya and learn about limiting polygon counts for efficiency without detracting from the overall look.
Research
For this project I will be researching the effective use of polygons, and how to reduce the number of polygons in the scene. I will also be looking into the efficiency of using NURBs surfaces for rounded objects as an alternative to polygons. I will be researching the recommended amount of polygons for a project of this scale so that it can be effectively used in games.
I will be doing extensive research on the design and layout of the Serenity, using both the TV series itself and the provided blueprints as a starting point, and searching the internet for any more information that might help with producing an accurate replica of the Serenity.
I will also be looking into how to create a fly-through camera animation that will effectively show off the model in the best possible way, and how to replicate the artificial lights aboard the Serenity.
I will also spend a time researching the more advanced tools in Maya and how to use them effectively to create satisfying models efficiently to speed up the workflow and help me really get to grips with modelling in Maya.
Production
After completing research and getting a general idea of what I can expect in terms of workload, I'll be aiming at getting the basic design and layout of the firefly done to fit the blueprints and give me an overall floor plan to work with.
From there I intend on first adding extra detail to the hull of the ship to really capture that firefly look from the outside.
Once that has been completed I will begin to work on the interior, making sure the interior matches what I've come to expect from my research and working on improving the detail and adding in assets where I feel they are necessary.
Finally I will work on the fly-through camera to show off the completed model and tour the ship.
Objectives
1. To complete a scale replica of Serenity to a high standard
2. To improve on core modelling skills using Maya
3. To complete a fly-through animation touring the ship
Optional:-
1. Work on lighting
2. Animate doors
3. Texture as much as possible
4. Try to maintain a reasonable polygon count
Project Schedule
Nov-Dec : Research, Create exterior of Serenity, general layout.
Jan-Feb : Work on improving model detail and completing model, Start report
March-April: Complete model, Work on fly-through animation and lighting, report writing.
April-Deadline: complete report and as much as possible on optional objectives.
