Creating Characters without VFX?

[Mr.Mike]

When i want a character that does not need a guy/girl in costume, i feel stuck cause the only way I know is Visual FX. That is a problem because A: too time consuming on a computer B: blending the film with animation is hard and C: my budget = $0. Any other methods i can use?

[ShawnyGriZZ]

Depending on the character, you might be able to build some type of puppet.

If you want to do cg, animation, or rotoscoping of some sort you could always use different objects to make its shadow on the ground and only show it occasionaly.

Also, for shots with the character and another person, you could take the shot with just your human actor and then the same shot while doing stop animation or whatever and put them together in post.

[Sacman]

Keep in mind that Blender is an entirely free 3D modellng software package. If you are unfamiliar with it, this is not your run of the mill freeware junk. Blender is incredibly powerful and well worth the money ($0.00).

There are also tons of free 3D models to be had. Since you are only making indy films that will never see any income, you can use these free models in almost every case.

There is still a learning curve but it is worth it. It simply adds a new set of skills to your bag o tricks.

I would recommed looking into blender you might be pleasently surprised at what you can do.