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Charles
Student
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Questions
Asked
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How do I start my own 3D animations using Sound Filmmaker.
I want to make Splatoon animations using SFM, but I don't know how to. Since I know nothing about mechanics or Blender.
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2 answers
sadia sadia
Teaching
4
Answers
Attock, Punjab, Pakistan
Updated
sadia’s Answer
Starting with Source Filmmaker (SFM) for 3D animation, especially for Splatoon animations, requires learning some basics. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
1. Install Source Filmmaker (SFM)
Download and install SFM for free from Steam.
Launch it and create a new session.
2. Get Splatoon Models and Assets
You’ll need Splatoon character models, maps, and props. These can be found on:
Steam Workshop (within SFM)
SFM Lab or GMod Workshop (export them to SFM)
Subscribe to the models, and they should appear in SFM.
3. Learn the SFM Interface
Open SFM and start a new project.
The main panels:
Primary Viewport (scene preview)
Animation Set Editor (controls models and animation)
Timeline (frames, sequences)
Element Viewer (advanced editing)
4. Import Models and Maps
Maps: Go to File > Load Map and select a background for your animation.
Models: Right-click in the Animation Set Editor → Create Animation Set for New Model and select your Splatoon character.
5. Basic Posing and Animation
Move characters: Use the move and rotate tools to position your characters.
Facial expressions: Adjust sliders in the Animation Set Editor.
Animation: Use keyframes to move characters over time.
6. Adding Sound and Lip Syncing
Import audio files in the Timeline.
Use the phoneme editor (for characters with mouth rigs) to sync dialogue.
7. Lighting and Rendering
Add and adjust lights using the Create Light option.
Change camera angles for cinematic shots.
Render your animation by clicking Export Movie.
8. Learn from Tutorials
YouTube has great SFM tutorials, like:
“SFM for Beginners” by The Winglet or 3kliksphilip.
Splatoon-specific animation tutorials.
Here are some specific resources to assist you:
1. Splatoon Models and Assets:
Steam Workshop Collections:
Splatoon SFM Collection: A comprehensive set of Splatoon models and items for SFM.
Splatoon 1 + 2 Collection: Includes various models from both Splatoon games.
SFMLab Resources:
SFMLab offers a variety of Splatoon models and textures suitable for SFM.
2. Beginner Tutorials for SFM:
Steam Community Guide:
The Fundamentals of SFM: For Beginners: This guide provides an in-depth understanding of SFM's user interface and basic functionalities, supplemented with over 70 reference images.
Video Tutorials:
Source Filmmaker Official Full Tutorial by Valve: A comprehensive video tutorial covering the essentials of SFM.
Source Filmmaker for Beginners Tutorial: Part 1: This video focuses on loading maps and adding character models, tailored for newcomers.
3. Additional Learning Resources:
Udemy Course:
Source Filmmaker (SFM) - Course For Beginners: An online course designed to teach you how to create animations using SFM efficiently.
By exploring these resources, you'll be well-equipped to start creating your own Splatoon animations in SFM. Happy animating!
1. Install Source Filmmaker (SFM)
Download and install SFM for free from Steam.
Launch it and create a new session.
2. Get Splatoon Models and Assets
You’ll need Splatoon character models, maps, and props. These can be found on:
Steam Workshop (within SFM)
SFM Lab or GMod Workshop (export them to SFM)
Subscribe to the models, and they should appear in SFM.
3. Learn the SFM Interface
Open SFM and start a new project.
The main panels:
Primary Viewport (scene preview)
Animation Set Editor (controls models and animation)
Timeline (frames, sequences)
Element Viewer (advanced editing)
4. Import Models and Maps
Maps: Go to File > Load Map and select a background for your animation.
Models: Right-click in the Animation Set Editor → Create Animation Set for New Model and select your Splatoon character.
5. Basic Posing and Animation
Move characters: Use the move and rotate tools to position your characters.
Facial expressions: Adjust sliders in the Animation Set Editor.
Animation: Use keyframes to move characters over time.
6. Adding Sound and Lip Syncing
Import audio files in the Timeline.
Use the phoneme editor (for characters with mouth rigs) to sync dialogue.
7. Lighting and Rendering
Add and adjust lights using the Create Light option.
Change camera angles for cinematic shots.
Render your animation by clicking Export Movie.
8. Learn from Tutorials
YouTube has great SFM tutorials, like:
“SFM for Beginners” by The Winglet or 3kliksphilip.
Splatoon-specific animation tutorials.
Here are some specific resources to assist you:
1. Splatoon Models and Assets:
Steam Workshop Collections:
Splatoon SFM Collection: A comprehensive set of Splatoon models and items for SFM.
Splatoon 1 + 2 Collection: Includes various models from both Splatoon games.
SFMLab Resources:
SFMLab offers a variety of Splatoon models and textures suitable for SFM.
2. Beginner Tutorials for SFM:
Steam Community Guide:
The Fundamentals of SFM: For Beginners: This guide provides an in-depth understanding of SFM's user interface and basic functionalities, supplemented with over 70 reference images.
Video Tutorials:
Source Filmmaker Official Full Tutorial by Valve: A comprehensive video tutorial covering the essentials of SFM.
Source Filmmaker for Beginners Tutorial: Part 1: This video focuses on loading maps and adding character models, tailored for newcomers.
3. Additional Learning Resources:
Udemy Course:
Source Filmmaker (SFM) - Course For Beginners: An online course designed to teach you how to create animations using SFM efficiently.
By exploring these resources, you'll be well-equipped to start creating your own Splatoon animations in SFM. Happy animating!
Thanks for the help.
Charles
Bashayir S
Pr. Solutions Consultant - Software Engineer
22
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Bashayir’s Answer
To start with SFM, you'll need to have Steam installed and purchase the software from the Steam Store. Once you've installed it, you can start exploring the interface and learning the basic controls.
To create Splatoon animations, you'll need to find or create models of the characters and environments. You can find fan-made models online, but be sure to respect the creators' wishes and only use models that are intended for public use.
Once you have your models, you can start animating them using SFM's keyframing tools. Keyframing allows you to set the position, rotation, and other properties of an object at different points in time, and SFM will interpolate between these keyframes to create smooth motion.
You can also use the Graph Editor to fine-tune your animations. The Graph Editor allows you to visualize and adjust the curves that control how properties change over time.
Finally, don't be afraid to experiment and have fun! The best way to learn SFM is to just start using it and see what you can create.
To create Splatoon animations, you'll need to find or create models of the characters and environments. You can find fan-made models online, but be sure to respect the creators' wishes and only use models that are intended for public use.
Once you have your models, you can start animating them using SFM's keyframing tools. Keyframing allows you to set the position, rotation, and other properties of an object at different points in time, and SFM will interpolate between these keyframes to create smooth motion.
You can also use the Graph Editor to fine-tune your animations. The Graph Editor allows you to visualize and adjust the curves that control how properties change over time.
Bashayir recommends the following next steps:
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Charles