Blender for previz by a complete newbie?

General Forums Blender and CG Discussions
1

Hey Guys,

Very quick question; I’m currently working on a film and would love to do some rough previz stuff for it. I have a very, very (very) limited knowledge of Blender and Sketchup but am willing to put my mind to learning the ropes a bit if it’s worth it.

The sort of previz I’m talking about is the simplest of the simple; un-textured, coloured blocks and shapes representing walls/tables/doors/object etc. Very simple animation (just block characters getting moved from location to another, no need for individuals limb movement or anything like that).

As a pretty much total n00b to the whole thing, is it realistic I can learn to do this within a few weeks? I’m really just hoping to block in basic movements in locations that roughly translate to how the finished location will look. Is this a realistic aspiration, or should I just not bother trying for the amount of time I want to learn in? I’m never going to be a 3D artist, or even close, but is using Blender as a tool to map out scenes something that’s quite easy to learn to do, or am I entering a world of pain for even trying!?

2

It’s very realistic with sketchup. It will satisfy all your requirements.

3

You mean making the models in sketchup and then doing very basic animation in Blender?

4

You can do very basic animation in sketchup (moving camera) and it will be very-very fast :smiley:

5

If you have a few weeks during which you can get familiar with Blender every day, a few weeks should definitely be enough. I imagine that the hardest part will be to find some visual style that is both fast and nice looking.

6

Is that Sketchup free?

7

It can be free or 500$ for pro version or <100$ for pro version for students