Addicted to 3D with Cool 3D Studio
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| Douglas Spotted Eagle Sundance Media Group VASST Instructor |
A Real Time Saver
COOL 3D Studio is both a drag and drop and freehand 3D application. If you're in a time bind you can quickly select a pre-made 3D shape or object and drag various effects and filters to it. You can also create your own 3D objects by hand, which you can enhance with modifiable effects and filters. I installed the product, and in less than an hour, I succeeded in creating motion 3D objects rivaling those that have taken me days to create in other products. Creating the type of graphics seen in NFL Football broadcasts, lower thirds, and 3D station ID bugs is fast, clean, and easy. This tool allows for 32-bit AVI files with an alpha channel, which most NLE systems can read and comprehend correctly. COOL 3D uses a keyframing tool not much different from the keyframing tools found in any NLE system. Orientation, texture, color, size, depth of field, and camera view and other features are all keyframable. The keyframing tool highly resembles the Flash keyframer from Macromedia.
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Full of Design Choices
The first time I opened the tool, I needed to create a quick 3D bug for a client. To create the rough outline of the bug took less than two minutes. Creating a lathed object (an object I drew myself) took a little longer, predominantly because I’m not a freehand artist. However, thanks to the Bezier curve adjustment tools, I could fine-tune my squiggly drawing into smooth and clean curved lines. Ulead provides dozens of 3D objects to work from if freehand drawing isn't your bag. Next, I applied a motion video image to the front face of the bug and applied a chrome steel surface to the sides and back of the bug. The particle generator allowed me to create a trailing blue mist, moving just where I defined it to move. Low-cost particle generators are usually poor in quality, but COOL 3D's particle tool creates smoke, flame, snow, bubbles, and other particle-based imagery cleanly.
I then took a photo image from the corporate logo I was originally intending to use as my corner bug. Using the path editor, I created a vector of the logo, turned the vector into a 3D object, and applied the graphic to the object for a perfect 3D representation of the original 2D image. It took less than five minutes to create the object and morph the graphic onto the 3D image. That goal tackled, I moved on to create a halo around the graphic. Using the Path tool, I drew an oval with a slightly smaller oval inside of it, to create a hollow egg shape. Using the drag and drop bevels from the tool choices, I then applied a shiny chrome texture to the shape. Bada bing, I was DONE! Even a complete novice can create a great image with this tool, and anyone marginally skilled can great amazing textures and images. A Must-Have for Video Editors
Not only was I able to use the 3D image in the client’s video, but I imported it as an identifier in DVD Workshop, Ulead’s DVD authoring software. Particles, objects, text, and composites created in COOL 3D Studio may also be rendered out for use in interactive kiosks, SVCDs, or Web sites. Additional plugin packs are available, opening up still more tools for the production process, and at only $24.95, these additional packages are well worth the cost. COOL 3D Studio takes what were previously complex processes with steep learning curves and makes them simple. In short, every video editor should have this tool within reach. The low cost is eye-catching, but Ulead COOL 3D Studio’s power, speed, and ease of use are the true addiction.
Cool 3D Studio
Price: $129.99
Plug in packs: 24.99 each
www.ulead.com
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