Muvizu

Muvizu is software, free for non-commercial use, that enables users to make 3D animations without the need for expensive equipment or specialist training. Users may collaborate via the Muvizu website on their productions. The Muvizu 3D application is written by Digimania, formerly part of DA Group, the company that developed Ananova. The software is still in the beta stage of development.^[1]

Digimania has licensed Unreal Engine 3 from Epic Games for use with Muvizu.^[2]

Muvizu 3D is noted for its extremely quick production cycle. A high-quality animation set complete with complex character animation - characters will lip-synch to dialogue tracks - may be created and uploaded to YouTube via the application or the Muvizu website in an hour or two; simpler productions may have a turnaround time of 20 minutes.

The program works by providing the user with a huge range of ways to edit and animate a growing library of characters, objects and elements. You do not create these yourself - although as of the 0.12b release of August 31, 2010, you may import static meshes into the application - but neither do you need to worry about the usual things associated with 3D animation such as modelling, meshes, rendering or raytracing. This allows users to concentrate on storytelling and direction, not on technical minutiae; the Muvizu mantra is "Direct, don't animate".

Muvizu 3D makes no attempt to work with realistic-looking characters or objects. The style is based on cartoons. There is also the facility to import certain types of object from other programs and as Muvizu evolves, this option will be expanded.

Muvizu 3D is a large download (about 500Mb) and is updated every six to eight weeks or so. The developers regularly post useful tutorials and there is a very active forum.

References

1. ^ Andrew Orlowski (17 November, 2009). "Making Muvizu: DIY animation is here". The Register. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/11/17/muvizu/. Retrieved 17 November, 2009. 
2. ^ "DA Group Licenses Unreal Engine 3". 26 October, 2009. http://www.gamershell.com/news_86120.html. Retrieved 17 November, 2009.