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Part VIII: Advanced Animation Techniques
Tutorial: Trees in a hurricane
As an example of using the Point Cache modifier, you’ll use a tree that is bending under violent forces such
as a hurricane and duplicate it many times.
To create a forest of trees in a hurricane, follow these steps:
1. Open the Bending tree.max file from the Chap 34 directory on the DVD.
This file includes an animated tree swaying back and forth using the Bend modifier.

2. Select the tree and choose the Modifiers ➪ Cache Tools ➪ Point Cache menu to apply the Point
Cache modifier to the tree.
3. In the Parameters rollout, click the New button and create a file named “Bending tree.xml.” Then
click the Record button to save all the animation data to the file.
4. Select the tree and delete its Bend modifier. Then use the Tools ➪ Array dialog box to create sev-
eral rows of trees. Be sure to create the trees as copies and not instances.
5. Select several random trees and change the Playback Type to Custom Start in the Parameters roll-
out and change the Start Frame to –2 to cause some random motion.
6. Press the Play Animation button to see the results.
Figure 34.9 shows several of the trees being moved about by the storm.
FIGURE 34.9
Using the Point Cache modifier, you can animate a whole forest of trees.

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