Python

Realised I haven't updated this page in ages, and I've written loads of little python scripts in the iterim. I'm a total convert to pymel, I suggest you all do the same. As such, I'll make this a dumping ground of little scripts I write as I go, just so I have a place to find them, and examples are always a handy way to learn.

Random scale/rotate of lots of trees

I'd instance-duplicated out a bunch of vray proxy trees, needed a little randomising. This set of 3 list comprehensions gives a random rotation in y between 0 and 360, a random y scale between 0.8 and 1.2, and shuffles their translation 15 units in x and z.

from pymel.core import *
import random
[ x.rotate.set( 0, random.randrange(0,360),0)   for x in ls(selection=True) ]
[ x.scale.set( 1, random.uniform(0.8,1.2) ,1)   for x in ls(selection=True) ]
[ x.translate.set( x.translate.get() + (random.randrange(-15,15),0,random.randrange(-15,15) ))   for x in ls(selection=True) ]

---++ Set decay region on spotlights, move each light back 200 units on its own axis Was doing a searchlights style shot, the vray volume fog went crazy at the base of the lights. figured it was cos it was crazy high intensity at a single point, so if i could use the light decay region to offset the light intensity away from its center, then offset the translation of the light to compensate, it'd help. It did. :)