I had another programming project dropped into my lap. It's something that I hope I can get done in just a couple of days. That's fine thought, 'cause I still haven't finalized the mechanical arm design, so I am at road-block anyway. I need to finish that before I create an object skeleton for the dolphin. I need the skeleton before I duplicate and alter the model to make more dolphins. I need to create multiple dolphins before I create the scene. This programming assignment will let me plan a design in my evenings, so it's not really a problem. Once this is done, I will have a free schedule again to finish the Startide scene.
As for the render time... I think I grossly underestimated the amount of time the render of a 5 minute scene will take. The render will likely take roughly 75 hours (based on a total of about 9000 frames and a test render time of 30 seconds per frame). I will probably have to render it as a series of overnight renders, or render it next weekend. I will probably post some test renders on my site before then though. Another option on the render would be to render in low antialiasing instead of medium which would render in 1/2 the time, but edges would be somewhat rougher. For animation, the rough edges are not likely to be noticed, and my web sample will probably be heavily compressed and a bit lossy anyway, so I am giving that serious consideration. If anyone wants to express their opinion before that process starts, feel free to do so. Michael Harney [EMAIL PROTECTED] We do not inherit the Earth from our parents; we borrow it from our children. - Native American Phylosophy
