M MayaToolkits Workflow Pipeline

Parallel Workflow Overview

The M MayaToolkits provide an end-to-end pipeline for CG production in Autodesk Maya, with tools designed to work in parallel across departments:

1. Coordinated Workflows

• Multiple departments can work simultaneously using the shared toolset
• Content creation and material development occur in parallel across disciplines
• The review system connects all phases of production for continuous feedback

2. Department Interactions

• Assets + Lighting: Material development flows between lookdev artists and lighters
• Animation + Effects: Alembic caches are passed between animation and effects teams
• Layout + Animation: Scene assembly works alongside character animation
• Production + Review: All departments submit work for review throughout the process

Department-Specific Workflows

Assets Department (Modeling & Lookdev)

• Create and refine asset models
• Use Memo Mat Connector to develop and record material assignments
• Utilize specialized lookdev tools for texture management
• Publish completed assets for use by other departments
• Use Shot Browser to create new asset scenes with appropriate naming and structure.

Animation Department

• Use Shot Browser to create, locate, and open animation scenes, organizing them within sequences (e.g., SQ010).
• Animate characters and objects
• Publish animation via Anim Shot Publisher for downstream departments
• Submit animation for review

Lighting Department

• Use Shot Builder (especially "Build Shot Advanced") to assemble scenes with animated characters, props, environments, and effect caches. This includes referencing assets and their corresponding `_shd.ma` files for automatic material connections via Memo MatConnector.
• Fine-tune material assignments and lighting setups.
• Utilize Cargo Pro Tools for advanced shader manipulation and render setup.
• Manage renders through Deadline and output EXR files.
• Submit lighting passes for review and approval using Revision Flow.