Crazy+Talk+-+Getting+Started

You have many parameters under your control to animate in Crazy Talk 7. Let's dive in!

 * [[image:Screen Shot 2013-09-23 at 2.22.51 PM.png width="527" height="280" caption="Crazy Talk 7 Initial Screen"]] ||

You can create an actor/actress from a picture or drawing, or you can use one of the Templates already provided by the program.


 * To use a Template, simply drag one from the window to the right, unto the preview area on the left.


 * To make your own actor, go to the upper left hand corner, choose



//Create New Actor Icon//


//Choose whether to import an existing picture or to take one with the webcam. Do not choose Import Model because we don't have downloaded any models from the web here in school.//

//Important:// TRY TO USE A PICTURE WHICH IS FACING FORWARD AND HAS A CLOSED MOUTH. THIS WILL GIVE BETTER RESULTS.


 * [[image:al_no.png width="333" height="247"]] || [[image:al_si.png width="288" height="261"]] ||

When we have selected our picture, you're directed to the

In this screen you can choose to:

 * Crop your picture for better subject framing
 * Rotate, either clockwise or anti-clockwise
 * Flip your image horizontally
 * Auto-levels: randomly changes the values for an 'improved' image quality.
 * Manually change the values of brightness, contrast, saturation and hue
 * Manually change the values for color balance

Please note there is a window on the right which explains all these tools in depth. Read and follow these instructions.

When you're ready to continue, please click the "Next" button on the bottom right hand corner.

Adjusting the Mesh and Auto-Fit Points


Use the tools provided to zoom in whenever you feel your points are not accurate! Click "Next" to proceed.

Face-Fitting Editor
Use your mouse to click on the nodes (points) and adjust as much as possible to the shape of the head, mouth, nose and eyes. Click away from a node or line to deselect it and choose another.



For a more detailed mesh, click the button below. Don't forget to preview your mesh shape before clicking "Next".



Face Orientation
Align the axis in the center of the face. Choose the best face type that best fits your character. Adjust the intensity of the contour and Preview, before clicking "OK."



Masks, Background and Recording
We are now ready for our performance! //If you so wish//, you can make a mask to erase parts of the picture's background; you can also change the plain white background for something more interesting. If not, proceed to record your voice.

After recording you voice performance, make sure to choose "Talk Mode"; if not the Character will pretend to listen, but not actually talk.



Saving and Exporting your Movie File
When you are happy with the way your voice sounds and how your digital puppet looks, you are ready to export the movie file! If you want to make additional changes in Crazy Talk later, Save the Crazy Talk 7 file (Save As) in a folder in your computer. Remember: a Crazy Talk file is NOT a movie file.



Export Settings for Optimal Results
1-Change the video codec to "MPEG-4"

2-Change the frame size to "DVD NTSC(720x480)"

3-Click the "Quicktime Export" button.



===Feel free to experiment further with the additional functionalities of Crazy Talk 7! If you've free time to play with Crazy Talk, try the Presets Tabs, by dragging and dropping files unto your digital puppet. You will be pleasantly surprised. We have only scratched the surface here! See how far you can modify your puppets expressions and behaviour!===