ShapeMeshing secrets revealed: In 2019, a powerful tool was introduced into the world of animated filmmaking: ShapeMeshing. Marza Animation Planet successfully tackled the challenge of keeping the 2D hand-drawn style while incorporating 3D effects in the production pipeline. To achieve this, the team developed a converter that turned Flash-generated content into 3D elements in Maya. Originally developed for the short film The Peak, this technology has since been evolving and deployed to multiple productions. Today, Marza Animation Planet, subsidiary of Sega in Tokyo unveils the inner workings of the ShapeMeshing pipeline, which enables the seamless conversion of 2D drawings into 3D sculptures.
 Early tests of the new core modules |
 Splash A element rendered in Arnold |
The first video provides the fundamental overview of ShapeMeshing and its application in the creation of water, smoke, and fire effects. The second video is a deeper analysis of the individual modules and presents the complex mechanisms behind the results, outlining the guidelines to make ShapeMesh effects of your own.
To learn the basics of ShapeMeshing, view the following video:
For more advanced insights, delving into Python and rigging, watch the following video (subtitles available in English and Japanese):
For additional information on Marza and ShapeMeshing secrets, please visit the news section at their official website.
Marza Animation Planet Inc. is a Japanese computer animation studio based in Tokyo, Japan. It was established in 2001 as a subsidiary of Sega Sammy Holdings. The studio has produced computer-generated animation for various media, including feature films, TV shows, commercials, and video games. Some of its notable works include “Astro Boy,” “Resident Evil: Vendetta,” and “Sonic the Hedgehog.” Marza is known for its high-quality visual effects and animation, which have been praised by both critics and audiences alike. The company has also developed various animation tools and software, such as ShapeMeshing and Time Filter, which are used by its artists in the production process.
