Animated 2D People

[Macer]

Hi, I am after a bit of advice regarding animated 2d people. I have read through a few old threads on this topic but things have moved on quite a bit in the last couple of years so I was wondering if there was anything newer to consider.

 

Basically, I'm creating an animation that requires animated people, however it is for a prison and I do not have the time or budget to obtain multiple rigged 3d people with the same guard unifroms and prisoner uniforms, etc.

 

So the client suggested transparent people as an option. I think for this to work they would be better as 2d animated people. I have never used 2d animated people before, and I know that you can buy them easily enough (smallish budget for this), but they are all textured. Is it simple enough to apply a transparent material and have them still work? Which ones have people had success with? I guess I have to keep in mind that I'm not paying for the texure (diffuse channel) but more the animated alpha channel. Is this how it works?

 

Which products would you recommend to achieve this effect?

 

I have looked at all the usuals; got3d, marlin, rpc.....not sure which will be most easily adapted? I bit short on time for this project (as usual!) Any suggestions please?

 

I'm using max design 2009 with MR.

[alias_marks]

I'd use the marlin people. Make the plane whatever transparent color you want and then use the alpha mats to give you the 'cutout' effect.

 

kinda like what's done in this short intro reel by GLO -

[Macer]

Thanks - that looks just like the effect that I'm after. The Marlin people sound like a good option but I've just noticed that they are available on CD only. I definately need a download option due to the time constraints.

 

Anyone else have any prferences to the products they would use?