| Assignment
#1 - Create a script that generates a new scene - with animation and/or
a second script that automates the task of animating in some way.
In the Script
Editor, save your script(s) to an external file ("your_user_name_project1.mel")
and put a copy in the "project_1" directory in our class workspace.
This is a simple exercise
to help get accustomed to finding MEL commands in the script editor's
history window and building up a sequence of commands to acheive a final
result.
As you create objects and use tools in the maya interface, experiment
with the resulting commands and procedures printed in the script window.
Refer often to the on-line command reference to see how arguments
can be used, and to discover related commands.
Create a script that will build a scene. Possible aproaches:
- A creation
of a simple hierarchical model, but with attributes changed for
streamlining the animation process, e.g. the robot arm example
in class.
- An element
of a potentially larger scene that needs repetitive creation,
perhaps later with randomization of shapes and materials, e.g.
buildings in a city.
- A demonstration
of how to build a particular model or use modeling tools.
- A simple
scene in which the script also applies keyframe animation, perhaps
setting the playback options.
|
If appropriate to
your script, create a second script that automates the task of animating
elements in your scene. This is a good candidate for a shelf button!
Consider modest use of the "pause" command in your script. We
will run each script in class and, depending upon your creation, an occasional
pause and refresh may help emphasize steps in your script, or add to the
narrative drama!
To use a pause, remember to use "refresh" first, so that the
view will update:
// refresh view and pause before continuing
refresh;
pause -sec 3;
Important: As you work on this exercise, make notes
for questions that you may run into along the way. Have these questions
ready for discussion in class.
|