We’ve just released version 1.1 of the SmartMouth Flash extension with a couple of added features to help with the lip syncing process. This update is FREE to anyone who has already purchased licenses of SmartMouth.
Once you’ve downloaded and installed the new version, you should see a button at the bottom of the SmartMouth panel that says Advanced…
New Advanced Features
The Advanced button will bring up a window with 2 new options.
Looping
Loop settings allow you to control the loop setting applied to the outputted symbol instance(s). This can be applied if you want to animate each mouth shape, rather than use static images.
Keyframe Frequency
Keyframe Frequency allows you to control the frequency of keyframes that are automatically generated (1s – every frame, 2s – every other frame, or 3s – every third frame). You can use this setting to animate your mouth at a frame rate lower than that of the rest of your animation. For example, your animation might be set to 30 fps, but you want your mouth to animate at 15 fps, so that the mouth doesn’t look frantic. In this case, you could select 2s.
The image below demonstrates the different outputs generated by altering the Keyframe Frequency.
These new features are based on user requests. Please let us know what you think!
A number of Flash animators make great use of nested Timelines within graphic symbols. The frame from the graphic that is displayed can then be manipulated using the first frame property of the symbol instance. Unfortunately, when the animator double-clicks on the instance to edit the symbol, Flash displays frame 1 of the symbol’s Timeline instead of the frame assigned to the first frame property.
Dave Logan has a wonderful command called Enter Graphic At Current Frame that resolves this issue. Many Flash animators use graphics symbols so much that they would prefer “entering at the current frame” to be Flash’s default behavior when they double-click to edit a symbol. A number of these users have sent me requests through the Extension Request Form. So I put together this panel to essentially make “entering at the current frame” the default behavior. The panel simply has to be open for the behavior to work (the Auto jump box is checked by default). There are some extra buttons for some added fanciness.
This is a total freebie, but donations are appreciated (donate button located in the right-hand column).
Download
(Compatibility: Flash 8 & up)
FrameAim.mxp
This extension converts selected frames that contain frame-by-frame animation, classic motion tweens, or shape tweens to keyframed intervals, just like Convert to 2s, except that you can set up any frame interval (3s, 4s, etc).
Note: When I tested this in Flash CS5 (Mac) it ran perfectly. In CS3, not so much. So use with caution. Same goes for Convert to 2s. I’m not sure where the discrepancy comes from, looks like a Flash bug, but I’ll fix it if I can.
Download
(Compatibility: MX 2004 & up)
Convert to Ns.mxp
I’ve had a few requests for something like this recently. This extension converts selected frames that contain frame-by-frame animation, classic motion tweens, or shape tweens to every-other-keyframe (aka ’2′s). Traditional animation uses 2s for content that doesn’t need to be animated at high speeds. Some animators also employ this technique in Flash. This extension is similar to ToonMonkey‘s Tween 2 Keys, except that it also converts frame-by-frame animation as well as tweens.
This extension can be used to convert SmartMouth automatic lip sync output to 2s (as requested by a user).
If you want to convert Motion Tweens (in CS4 & up) or Armatures, you’ll need to take one extra step before running this command: right-click on the tween or armature and select Convert to Frame by Frame Animation. I haven’t found a way to script this step yet, but I’ll continue to look into it.
Download
(Compatibility: MX 2004 & up)
Convert to 2s.mxp
Update (11/16/2011):
The Keyframe Frequency feature is built into SmartMouth as of version 1.1.
Scriptopedia is hosting a contest to win a free license of our tool, SmartMouth ($49.99 USD value). All you have to do to enter is create a 5-second animation with lip syncing. The contest closes on Dec. 16, so get your entries in soon. More details can be found at this Scriptopedia post.
SmartMouth is now available for download and purchase. Check out this super quick demo:
I recently completed a book with with star animator Chris Georgenes entitled Animation with Scripting for Adobe Flash Professional CS5 Studio Techniques. My wife AJ, the other half of Ajar Productions, also served as Technical Editor on the book. As you can imagine, we’re very excited about this book’s release!
Here’s the info from the back cover:
In Animation with Scripting for Adobe Flash Professional CS5 Studio Techniques, top animation designer Chris Georgenes and designer/developer Justin Putney reveal how to create and successfully animate characters in Adobe Flash Professional CS5 and how to push the limits of timeline animation with stunning visual effects using ActionScript® 3.0.
This Studio Techniques book is designed for intermediate or advanced users who understand the basics of Flash and want to create a more immersive interactive experience. The book includes coverage of storyboarding, 2D character design and rigging, character animation, visual FX with code, workflow automation, and publishing your animation on the web and to mobile devices.
You can order the book from these fine retailers:
Peachpit | Amazon | Adobe Press
Let us know if you have any questions about the book. We hope you find it useful!
