Maxscript Programming

These are some of the tools that I've created in order to facilitate a more streamline and efficient workflow in the lighting department. Most of these scripts are based on a naming convention and lighting approach which I have setup during the course of production in 3ds Max.

Script: Generate Compile Script
Written by: Tan Jit Quan
Purpose: Generate a compiled reference script so lighters only need to run 1 script
Description:

• Stores all script locations as filein references.
• Will ensure scripts will run a specific order as certain scripts require to be run after other scripts.

Script: Generate Include/Exclude List

Written by: Tan Jit Quan

Purpose: Generate a maxscript to transfer the shot's lights' include/exclude list 

Description:

• Stores all lights' include/exclude list
• Writes it into a maxscript to be run in another file
• The list will be "written" into the lights in the new file when the maxscript is run.
• If the object is not in the shot then it will be bypassed.
• Good for Master Set Lighters to generate the set lights' include/exclude list and reloaded by Lighters using the setting up script.

Script: Generate To Delete Array script
Written by: Tan Jit Quan
Purpose: Generate a script which can be put in the Pre-merge section of the setting up script to delete any old objects
Description:

• Master lighter selects all the objects that are updated after the set file is handed over to the animator
• This script will write a script to be put in the setting up script to delete the selected meshes.

Script: Lighters' File Manager
Written by: Tan Jit Quan
Purpose: it is to be used as an interface for lighters to use. It can be docked in 3ds Max.
Description:

• Lighters can access all needed files by entering the episode/scene/shot information
• All necessary folders are also quick to access.
• All lighter tools can be accessed via the "Tool" drop down list.

Script: Lighting Utilities
Written by: Tan Jit Quan
Purpose: General tool written for Lighters to use during production
Description:

• Selection of objects via various methods like controller parenting, naming convention, layer name or object ID
• Modifies shaders and object properties via selection.
• Matte/shadow/reflection shader 
• Will detect whether there is a Cutout Map or Opacity map and applies it into the matte/shadow/reflection shader to retain its original shape
• Will detect current transparency value and transfers it into the matte/shadow/reflection shader
• Will also detect whether the material is an Arch and Design Material which has shadow bypass in the mental ray connection tab and sets the matte/shadow/reflection for shadow bypass

Script: Setting Up Script

Written by: Tan Jit Quan and Lim Wei Soon

Purpose:  Batch Tool for merging sets into animation file and running all selected modification scripts. 

Description:

• Scripts for running before merging in the set can be included
• Set merging and Settings Preset is done via file selection
• Additional scripts to run after merging in the set can also be included
• Standard Operating scripts are embedded and activated by checking the checkboxes
• Can be used for a single max file or a folder of max files
• If a section of the script is left empty, the script will bypass and continue with the next section

Script: Merge and Constrain Script

Written by: Tan Jit Quan

Purpose: Lighting tool for fast and efficient lighting using the position constrain technique.

Description:

• Process
• Create a dummy to be parented to the pelvis of the character or any selected object
• Have Light Rig POSITION CONSTRAINT to dummy
• Result
• When character moves, the Light Rig will follow but if the character rotates, the Light Rig will remain in the same orientation
• The Key light is supposed to be coming from the same direction and not rotating with the character
• If the Light Rig needs to be moved to a better position, moving the dummy will change the position of the Light Rig
• If the Light Rig needs to be rotated, you can directly rotate the Light Rig
• Merging Lights, Light Rig and Light Links
• By merging in the Lights, Light Rig and Light Links together, the parenting and position constrain will remain
• In order to use the Merging Lights section, all naming conventions must be adhered to.
• Include / Exclude section
• The Right side sections are just for quick selections in the scene. You can create your own selection sets or selections 
• Click “Selected as List” to add selected into the selected Lights in the multi listbox on the left
• "Join selected" button is used to further add any other objects into the include/exclude list
• If you need to duplicate include/exclude list from a light to multiple lights, you can just select the light in the master light drop down list and transfer it into the selected lights in the multi list box.