The information on this page is mostly directly related to games and tools we use for our machinima but there may be some things that are related to machinima in general or other games that we do not use to create our films. A work in progress...

The pixel eyes productions forum

Again, the below information is just place holders. This section will be organized better and actually have more useful stuff soon.

Definitions:

Term	Description
Machinima	(mah-SHIN-eh-mah) is an animated film created using a three-dimensional graphics rendering engine. Basically, an animated film using video game content.
NPC	A Non-player character is a character that is controlled by the game and not a human.
Skinning	Modifying the images that are wrapped around the models in the game. This allows us to change a models clothes or modify what is printed on a billboard for example.
Hexing	Is modifying a model so that it can be saved as a new model. This way you can have the same model with different skins and use them at the same time for example.
Lua	Is a scripting language. It is used in Garry's Mod and Lua coders can create many useful custom scripts to be used in Garry's Mod.

Tools:

Name	Description
GMod	GMod stands for Garry's Mod. Garry's Mod is the environment we use to film. It is a mod created that allows us to manipulate the content from Source engine games like Half Life 2, Counter Strike, Day of Defeat and Team Fortress.
Faceposer	Faceposer is a tool available as part of the software development kit called Source SDK offered by Valve. It allows us sync our characters mouths to match the voice acting, create detailed facial expressions and piece together animated gestures.
Hammer	Hammer is a tool available as part of the software development kit called Source SDK offered by Valve. It allows us to create custom maps for our movie sets. Hammer also makes it possible to set up triggers for animations and other actions.

Techniques:

Tip	Use
Toggle gravity	GMod: To toggle gravity means you can make an object have zero gravity. This can make it easier to work with objects because they will simple stay wherever you set them without needing to right-click them to freeze them in place. This is found under the tools tab in the Physical properties menu.
Turn physbeam off	GMod: Turning the physbeam off means you will not see the blue line that connects your physgun to the item you are holding. This is a very simple technique that allows you manipulate objects while filming without seeing how the object is being moved.