ArmA Film-making

[{7}9th|GinSoakedBoy]

Ok, I'm a big fan of film-making (I'm doing a degree in it) and I've made several BF2 videos which has been a lot of fun.

I've finally figured out how to script the camera in the ArmA editor (thanks Chopper for those links you gave me) so I can now have a bash at making an ArmA video.

It should be a great experience as you can effectively build your own film-set with the editor and then play director by getting the AI to do what you want and then scripting the camera to shoot it the same way each time making recording it a much easier process.

I will probably make one video to get used to the process, but after that I was thinking of possibly doing a promo for the tournament if people think it's a good idea. Thoughts and suggestions on that are welcome.

I'll finish with a couple of videos (NOTE: These videos are NOT by me, they are by other people):

Camera Script Demo:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Z3BMqTcqosThe section starting at 1:46 is really well done, the way everything is laid out brings the world to life.

Behind Enemy Lines:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGptmlx1rbkAn excellent ArmA video.

[[8]72|Pvt.Cryptex]

That first one was absoloutely amazing. That must have took forever. Dig the music too!

[[8]72|JSgt.Super64]

Nice stuff Gin. Can you post those how to links? Id like to learn about setting the camera points and having better control over it for my own vids! I say go for it making an AToW Promo vid. But be sure to mix real battle footage with any AI scripting footage, for good authenticity!

[Raptor-6]

Nicely done Gin. They look fantastic !!

[{7}9th|GinSoakedBoy]

Erm, yes they do, but they aren't by me and I really cannot take credit for them.

Anyway, I've been busy with other projects and uni work, but I've figured a few more things out in the editor (like how to place empty vehicles) and I should get back into it soon to start work on a video.

[[AToW]Dren]

Gin yep hit the links.
We were doing back in the days movie about our tournament features.
If you are willing to step up as director, let us know.
As you can get easily guys for the actors.

[{7}21|Elliot_bond]

just like to say gin the first 1 was excellent what was the song on it tho

the second 1 was also brill
nice work

[{7}9th|GinSoakedBoy]

I think for the most part I can use the ai, which is why I'm interested in making an ArmA film. But I think there will be some bits (the more team-based stuff) that will need human players.

[{7}45|SSA.Matt]

I would also like a link to the (how to do) guide.

[{7}21|Squid]

We could have you ‘embedded’ in our squad for next battle if you want? You could sync our TS comms with the action unfolding as we move by fireteam around the battle and kick yankee ass :)
You could be the Russian army’s equivalent of Ross Kemp in Afghanistan!

[{7}9th|GinSoakedBoy]

lol, interesting idea but I'm not a fan of in-game recordings they always just look bad. What I intend to do is something more cinematic.

[{7}21|Burns]

I hope you wouldnt plan on using the stereo typical fighting music. i.e. gladiatior or other war movie music. Experiment a bit maybe. But Im sure u will what with doing a degree in it and all.

[{7}9th|GinSoakedBoy]

lol, one of my pet hates is over-used music, I'm a big fan of using stuff no-one has ever heard of but works really well for the video. So you can be sure that the music will be good :D

[[8]72|JSgt.Super64]

Ha! Yeah i think Gladiator and BlackHawk Down are the most overused ArmA video music. If you look through mine, you'll see a wide and sometimes a bit odd selection. But I feel the songs fit the mood and purpose. I have 24 ArmA based videos. Only 1 uses a song from the Blackhawk Down soundtrack. Only because it fit perfectly.

http://youtube.com/user/thorpeland

[{7}9th|GinSoakedBoy]

Ok, let's breath some life back into this thread. My new PC is running now it just needs the two 9800 GTXs I ordered last night to arrive tomorrow and I'll be set for max settings on ArmA.

Then I can get down to making a film (hopefully), I will probably need help on the mission making/scripting side of things if anyone can lend a hand.


Gin

[[1]1MB|Cpt.Leksi]

Here is one my made: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cn_ckhxghS4

[[8]72|JSgt.Super64]

Nice, vid. Whats that music from? Sounds like from a tv show. haha

[[1]1MB|Cpt.Leksi]

metalgear solid theme :D

[[Ret]Finchy]

MGS music is fantastic, I love it :D

[[8]72|JSgt.Super64]

haha i thought it sounded like another game..... or a sitcom.

[{7}9th|GinSoakedBoy]

Yeah, its the intro music from MGS2.

It's pretty good but there are a few things you could improve on:

- There isn't much of a narrative just stuff moving. It doesn't need a complicated plot, just something as simple as people running/vehicles moving, then fighting then one side gaining some form of victory.

- Some of the camera movement is a bit jerky. It can be an arse getting smooth camera movements in games but if you practice the shot a few times it makes it easier.

- The music is good if albeit a bit overused but it doesn't connect to the video that much. Try to sync up the music with events on the screen, if the song dies down (which the full MGS2 does midway through) reflect this in the video with having slower movement and less/no fighting.

- Some of the shots would benefit from having a bit more background action, kind of like extras in a film. Just add some AI wondering around, or parked vehicles it'll just add that bit more immersion.

Anyway, keep up the good work. If you ever need any help with shot composition, editing, codecs or any of that good stuff I'm quite happy to help.

[[1]1MB|Cpt.Leksi]

Thanks for that, now i know what to improve in next video.


P.S:it was my first arma video

[{7}9th|GinSoakedBoy]

I appreciate that, and for a first effort it was great. A lot of people use crappy in-game footage that looks just awful so it's nice to see something a little more cinematic. I linked two videos earlier in this thread that are both excellent so they may be worth looking at for some inspiration.

[{7}21|iron_ma1den]

http://www.vimeo.com/807574 and http://www.vimeo.com/885411

These are the 2 best ArmA videos I've ever seen. Actually, the 2 best video game video's i've ever seen. You can even view them in HD full screen! but thats cause of vimeo.

anyways, enjoy and prepare to be inspired.

[{7}9th|GinSoakedBoy]

These are the 2 best ArmA videos I've ever seen. Actually, the 2 best video game video's i've ever seen.

Ok, well I think you need to watch a lot more gaming videos if you think those two are the best.

The first one was pretty bad in my opinion, it had way to many long shots with not much going on, it used the incredibly overused 'Requiem for a Dream', which it really didn't try to sync to the video or even match the pace of it which is a shame and there was no real narrative to it. Also the camera movements were rather jerky and erratic. That said the use of the editor was good.

After watching the first I didn't expect much from the second but it was a heck of a lot better. The guy had clearly done some more planning for the second and it showed. The narrative was good (although all those planes sat like that seemed a little unrealistic), the song was awesome (Yeah Yeah Yeahs :D) and it synced well to the video. The camera pans were a little dodgy, but certainly better than the previous video.


If you want to see some decent gaming videos/shorts, check 'Sands of Fire' for BF2, once of the more ambitious gaming video projects I've seen, using advanced compositing and 3D effects.

Also, the World in Conflict video scene is pretty awesome thanks to the in-game movie maker.

[{7}21|iron_ma1den]

heres a good one.

Will you aprove of it, GinSoakedBoy? :)

http://www.vimeo.com/909818

[{7}9th|GinSoakedBoy]

I'm not 'approving' anything, just giving me opinion.

It looks interesting, I like the idea of using more than one game to make a video with.