Leaf falling in th ewind

[iaef]

Well, I think I am finally stuck on this thing: I have been trying to simulate a falling leaf as a main character on a long scene where it goes falling alongside of a tree.

Does anyone has knowledge to share about making a realistic motion for this sequence?

Thanks in advance... =c)

PS: I am trying to make this with a phsyics engine or something automated... but if my last hope is to make a keyframed scene, then so it will have to be... =c(

[JulianW]

ouch a physics simulation of a falling leaf, frankly not easy. For the best results go with hand made keyframes, you won't be able to beat it really.

If you want a quick fix though you could create a null a fair distance above the leaf, parent the leaf to the null, and then rotate the null backwards and forwards moving it down as you go to create a sort of flutter effect.

Alternatively you might get something decent from MD setting the leaf up as a scrap of falling cloth effectively. It's probably a bit hit and miss though, and you'll have a hard time directing the leaf in any way.

let us know how you get on,


JW.

[Retroid]

I have seen a tutorial somewhere out there that shows how to use MD on leaves so that they fall differently depending on if they fall flat or edge ways. Quite good results too

I just can't remember where or how old the tut was. Sorry:(

Somebody else may know of it though

[mrunion]

Althought these are old, you might want to try Tutorial number 11 (scroll down the page).

http://www.dstorm.co.jp/DS_Plug/md2/md2demo/indexe.htm

[Red_Oddity]

Ouch...why are people so intent on trying to simulate something...

Just animate it, by the time you're done setting up a simulation or doing the research for that simulation you could also have animated it by hand (not even half an hour to setup if your gonna keyframe it)

Also, why not just go outside, grab a leave from a tree, go back inside, get camera, get stepladder, turn on camera, step on ladder with leave, drop leaf, get down ladder, stop recording, rewind tape, look at tape...a step further could be to: plugin camera into firewire port, capture, write out jpeg sequence, import in LW, set as background composite and rotoscope...