Red9 ProPack Unveils New Tools Developed for Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Character rigging specialist Red9 has introduced groundbreaking updates to its Red9 ProPack, a Maya animation toolkit, with tools specifically developed during its work on the highly anticipated hybrid live-action/CG animated film, Sonic the Hedgehog 3. These new features, now available to the public, include the transfer Deformation stack and Ripple Animation, both of which played a pivotal role in bringing Sonic to life on the big screen.
Bringing AAA Workflows to smaller Studios
Table of Contents
Red9 ProPack is designed to democratize animation workflows, giving smaller studios access to the same advanced tools used by AAA game developers and large VFX houses. The toolkit includes over 40 custom UIs and hundreds of individual tools, streamlining processes like animation retargeting, repathing, and version control integration. Artists can seamlessly connect their own character rigs to these systems, enhancing efficiency and creativity.
The ProPack is an expanded version of Red9 Studio Tools, an open-source Maya toolkit created by Red9 founder Mark Jackson, a former Crytek technical animation director. This latest update further solidifies Red9’s reputation as a leader in character animation technology.
Tools Born from Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Red9 was contracted to handle all character and facial rigging for Sonic the Hedgehog 3, creating base assets that were distributed to six key VFX facilities working on the film. To ensure compatibility across studios, the rigs were built entirely using native Maya nodes.
Two standout tools emerged from this project:
- Transfer Deformation stack: This tool transfers skinning and deformation between objects, enabling the creation of the deformer stack that controls Sonic’s facial expressions. Mark Jackson, speaking to CG Channel, described it as a “life-changer when dealing with blendshapes,” noting that it allowed the final rig to run in real time.
- Ripple Animation: Developed to animate the overlapping secondary motion of Sonic’s iconic quills, this tool adds a layer of realism to the character’s movements.
These tools were added to the public release of ProPack in late August last year but were only publicized following the film’s release.
Pricing and compatibility
Red9 ProPack is compatible with Maya on Windows, Linux, and macOS. It is available on a rental-only basis, with subscriptions priced at £39.99/month (approximately $50/month) or £450/year ($560/year).
| Key Features of Red9 ProPack |
|———————————-|
| Transfer Deformation Stack | Transfers skinning and deformation between objects |
| Ripple animation | Creates overlapping secondary motion for elements like Sonic’s quills |
| 40+ custom UIs | Streamlines character animation workflows |
| Native Maya Nodes | Ensures compatibility across studios |
| Subscription Pricing | £39.99/month or £450/year |
For a deeper dive into Red9 ProPack’s capabilities, check out the product’s YouTube channel.
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Red9’s latest innovations not only elevate the animation process but also empower studios of all sizes to achieve cinematic-quality results. With tools born from the challenges of Sonic the Hedgehog 3, the future of character animation looks brighter than ever.
Exploring Red9 ProPack: Tools Born from Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Their Impact on Animation
Character animation has taken a leap forward with the latest updates too Red9 ProPack, a Maya animation toolkit developed by Red9. These tools were specifically crafted during the production of the hybrid animated film Sonic the Hedgehog 3, bringing unprecedented realism and efficiency to character rigging workflows. Senior Editor Emily Carter sits down with animation specialist Daniel Harris to discuss the significance of these innovations.
Bringing AAA Workflows to Smaller Studios
Emily Carter: Daniel, Red9 ProPack is described as a game-changer for smaller studios. Can you explain how it levels the playing field?
Daniel Harris: Absolutely, Emily. Red9 ProPack provides access to advanced tools typically reserved for large AAA game developers and VFX houses. With over 40 custom UIs and hundreds of individual tools, it simplifies processes like animation retargeting and version control integration. This allows smaller studios to achieve high-quality results without the need for extensive resources or custom programming.
Emily Carter: That sounds incredibly empowering. How does it integrate with existing workflows?
Daniel Harris: The beauty of ProPack lies in its versatility. Artists can seamlessly connect their own character rigs to the system, enhancing both efficiency and creativity. It’s built on the foundation of Red9 Studio Tools,an open-source Maya toolkit developed by Mark Jackson,whose expertise in technical animation has been instrumental in shaping this industry-leading toolset.
Tools born from Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Emily Carter: Red9 played a pivotal role in Sonic the Hedgehog 3. what were some of the key tools developed for the film?
Daniel Harris: Two standout tools emerged from this project. The first is the Transfer Deformation Stack, which allows for the transfer of skinning and deformation between objects. this was crucial for creating the deformer stack that controls Sonic’s facial expressions. Mark Jackson described it as a “life-changer” for dealing with blendshapes, as it enabled the final rig to run in real time.
Emily Carter: And the second tool?
Daniel Harris: The Ripple Animation tool,designed to animate the overlapping secondary motion of Sonic’s quills. This added a layer of realism to his movements, making the character feel more dynamic and lifelike. Both tools were built using native Maya nodes to ensure compatibility across the six VFX facilities working on the film.
Pricing and Compatibility
Emily Carter: Let’s talk accessibility.How can studios get their hands on Red9 ProPack?
Daniel Harris: Red9 ProPack is available on a subscription basis, priced at £39.99/month or £450/year. It’s compatible with Maya on Windows, Linux, and macOS, making it accessible to a wide range of artists and studios. For those interested in exploring its capabilities further, I’d recommend checking out the product’s YouTube channel for detailed tutorials and demonstrations.
Engaging with the Community
Emily Carter: how can the animation community stay connected with Red9 and its latest developments?
Daniel Harris: The community can follow CG Channel on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) for exclusive behind-the-scenes content and updates on the latest in VFX, animation, and gaming. Red9’s innovations are a testament to the power of collaboration, and I encourage everyone to join the conversation and share their experiences with these tools.
Conclusion
Red9 ProPack represents a significant leap forward in character animation technology, offering tools that are not only powerful but also accessible. With tools like the Transfer Deformation Stack and Ripple Animation born from the challenges of Sonic the Hedgehog 3,Red9 is empowering studios of all sizes to achieve cinematic-quality results. As Daniel Harris emphasized,the future of character animation has never looked brighter.
