How to make Source Film Maker look good - Part 1 | The Essentials

Part 1 in my tutorial series on how to make Source Film Maker animations look good. This episode focuses on some of the basics and essential techniques that you should always have in mind.

I get a lot of requests for tutorials and questions for my work, so it's about time I made this!

Background music provided by Epidemic Sound:

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Some of my Portal animations you might enjoy:

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[corbin]

This definitely showcases why animation takes so long. I think a lot of people assume making these animations is just about moving the characters, but really all this work goes into setting up the light and composition of each shot.

[BonBunFilms]

Step 1: Let there be light.

That's uh, God. I'm quoting God.

[pksneeze]

It’s cool how the voice of this character is done by the core

[JustinY.]

"How to make Source Film Maker good?"


Easy. Just be good in the first place!

[KRNGE]

"I'm Harry101UK and this is my Master Class."

[miffedcrew]

Thank you so much for the lighting tutorial, there is so much to learn with it:D The illustration of showing the light behind the turret was a great way to look at how shadows are cast. The radius is something I always struggle with as it doesn't seem to have the affect that I want on the scene, I will have another look following your video.

[treyr]

Although I don’t have SFM installed at the moment (thanks data limits) I applied the lighting tips in Gmod and boy does it look good. Thanks for this vid! (Also please do more stuff like this!)

[Doctor_Straing_Strange]

You're alive!
Wait...



That's illegal

[StudiosSkyplands]

I just have one question, and one only :

What is your job ? Because seing how much time it takes to create those pieces of art, i just can't believe you animate SFM as a hobby. You must be working in a godamn animation studio, like pixar or dreamworks. Please just tell us.

[ST_R]

Pro's:
+Nice video
+very helpful


Con's
-I don't use source film maker

[mikejr]

If I get into animation (which I might. My type of thing) it's great to have some tricks and tips for it! Thanks Harry, and cant wait for another animation.

[norsetrack]

You used the word "shooting" a suspiciously lot of times.

Just tell us the truth that you're the cameraman at Aperture, we'll be fine with that.

[grande]

9:27 "You can still make this look realistic"


Yeah, Like as realistic as C-3PO in a Giant Gray Void can be!

[GreenFox]

It's 2019. SFM is still one of the best tools for and animating game assets. New tutorials are still being made.

[MrBump]

I know it's only part 1, but wanted to say thanks for doing this. In my work experience, I mostly know Maya and render with V-Ray, so Source was pretty tricky and different to me, but I hope this helps a ton. Especially the technical aspects like the light radius. I'm so excited to see reflections in SFM. You're the man.

[playtestds]

I just have to say thank you. After watching that video, and working with the lights as you've described, my first artwork after the vid was just looking so good, just amazing. Many many many thanks! :D

[glados]

8:51 wait, you can actually buy mini turrets....







Shut up and take my money

[CodeCio]

The legend says there is still someone waiting the Going Home 2...

[thecosmicundead]

a person with a british accent actually posting a pretty good tutorial



now this is what I call an excellent vid!

[atari]

when i was little i used to watch your animations constantly, and some of my favorites were your behind the scenes. this is awesome.