This is the final project to complete my last semester in the DDGT program. It proved to be a challenging and labor-intensive process, pulling together everything I’ve learned these last two years. Taking advantage of our creative freedom in this assignment, my partner and I chose to recreate the X-Wing Starfighter from Star Wars because of our love for the franchise. We began the project by outlining the story and drawing out storyboards as a reference. Using a detailed schematic of the ship, we had the precise dimensions and scaling necessary. Going into the modeling in Autodesk Inventor, we created numerous complex parts for the X-wing, R2-D2, and other models with intricate detail and accuracy. When we finished modeling, we made necessary adjustments and combined all the parts in one assembly. From there we imported the models into Autodesk 3ds Max to rig, assign specific materials, add lighting, and animate each sequence. Once all the animation sequences were completed and finalized, we began the rendering process. The rendering of the animation was the most time-consuming part of the project, requiring at least thirty minutes to generate each frame in the form of Targa files. After rendering, the Targa sequences were imported into Adobe After Effects for post-production editing and compositing special effects. Finally, using Adobe Premiere Pro for video editing, we combined all the content together into the final video, created titles and credits, and added transitions and audio. With that last step, the project was completed. When taking on the project, we initially had low expectations and thought how unprecedented and laborious the project was would lead to many compromises and drawbacks. However, as time went on and the project came to life, we were able to make great additions such as the TIE Fighter, and accomplish even more than we set out to create. It was a very long and demanding process, but the result was definitely worth every moment of it. This project represents our skill and determination to create something exciting, fun, and creative.

The project work was divided evenly between my partner and me to complete the project efficiently and on time. In Inventor, I created all parts of the base for the X-Wing, the model of R2-D2, and the space station exterior. In 3ds Max, I worked on adding specific materials to the X-Wing and R2-D2. It was a tedious process due to having to assign materials to hundreds of thousands of polygons. For the animation, I worked on the first two sequences. I had to learn to create more complicated camera shots and make 3d models animate smoother and in more intricate ways. Finally, I handled the visual effects and compositing in After Effects. Details such as the 3d outer space environment and lasers were added to boost the animation's final look. The special effects were integrated seamlessly with helpers linked through 3ds Max. My contributions to this ambitious project were only a fraction of the work put in. Through the fellow hard work of my teammate Eliana Ebstein and the support from our instructor Gary Strommen, we were able to turn this amazing idea into a reality.