Virtual Moviemaking

Pre-Vis workflow Between Maya and NLE Applications

Maya 2011 introduces a large number of new features. Among those are tools for camera sequencing. These tools are designed to help you to sync an EDL (Edit Decision List) from NLE's such as Final Cut Pro or Avid Media Composer directly with your Maya scene. This workflow can help you to follow a storyboard created in one of these NLEs all without switching out of Maya.

Final Cut Pro is the de facto standard for digital storyboarding, the process of roughing out a story layout and camera shots using conceptual art and draft assets. In the past artists would either have had to have this project open in their NLE or re-create the storyboard on their Maya timeline for reference when creating the CG elements of the story.

Import storyboards

Maya can now import storyboard data in XML or Avid AAF formats directly to the Maya timeline. XML is supported by Final Cut Pro and Premiere Pro CS5 so along with AAF means storyboards created in Apple, Adobe and Avid software can be imported.

When importing these files Maya will interpret the storyboard information and depending on exactly what information is there can create a Maya camera linked to each shot, add each shot to Mayas timeline and even set up an image plane on each camera containing the conceptual artwork.

Lay out scenese easily

Having all of this information inside Maya will help CG artists to quickly and easily lay out their CG scenes to match the director's creative vision. Finally Maya can re-export and EDL using updated shot information and draft CG images for review.

These features really streamline the workflow for anyone doing digital storyboarding and help artists and directors to achieve their creative vision more efficiently.

Written by Ben Kitching in association with Liz Sunter, our pro video copywriter.

For more technical information on implementing this or other workflows, feel free to get in contact with our technical team on 03332 409 204, email 3D@Jigsaw24.com or take a look at our full broadcast range.