Working with FUSE is just a little different than traditional studios. To help you understand the process we’ve included this step by step guide to explain the stages. This will help save on time, confusion, and money.
We use a project management software called Basecamp to organize all of our projects with our clients. Basecamp is a great way to post assets like images, PDF’s, and animation. It keeps all correspondence in one place so no one ever misses an e-mail or loses a post. We simply send you an e-mail invitation for you to join. There is no software to install or plug-ins needed, and it is extremely easy to use.
Stage One: Conception
Stage Two: Collecting Assets
This stage is when we receive assets from the company. These could be:
-Storyboards
-Illustrations to aid in modeling
-Photographic reference
-3D CAD data
The sooner these are received, the sooner we are able to begin. The more detailed the reference material, the faster and more accurately we can work. All of these assets need to be final and approved by the client.
Stage Three: Character Proofs
FUSE will send you gray scale images of your objects, characters, and environments that are to be included in your image or animation. Any major changes to the design of the 3d elements should be made at this stage. We allow two rounds of changes on this stage.
Stage Four: Lighting and Texturing Proofs
At this stage, FUSE will send images of the characters, objects, environments, and any other 3d elements to be approved. This is an important step, as this is what the models will look like in the final animation. This is your chance to make major changes to the overall design and look of the project. We allow for two rounds of changes at this stage.
Stage Five: Animatics
FUSE will send you a gray scale animation to let you know what the overall motion will look like. This is a very important stage, so be sure to take a good hard look at the draft we send you. This is where your input is vital to getting the right feel and message across. We usually allow for two rounds of changes on this stage.
Stage Six: First Look
We will upload a version with most of the scenes rendered. It gives the client a much better idea of the finished product. This is an opportunity to make very small changes and tweaks.
Stage Seven: Final
This is the big finish line! We supply finished, beautiful animation in whatever file format requested. We can supply multiple formats if necessary. After following all these steps, keeping under the allotted amount of revisions, and maintaining good communication with us, you can end up with amazing animation on time and within your budget!
