TMBA Inc. Animation Studio Signs New Show Deal to Produce CGI Series

By making use of the latest in 3d software and programming technology, a new educational series about animals (exploration Animal Science) is a stand out because it includes complex CGI usually seen in feature film work or larger television productions.

How does a Cheetah accelerate from 0 to 70 mph in 3 seconds, faster than a Porsche? Blue Whales are capable of consuming 7,000 lbs. of food a day, but how? The bigger question, how do you shoot footage of these events in a way that is relevant? These are just a few of the questions being explored and answered in a new television series “Animal Science”.

In a partnership with an independent production company, TMBA is developing a visually dynamic, exciting new trend in educational programming. Rare footage of the most exotic, wild animals on the planet is being combined with extremely detailed, high quality CGI typically seen only in feature films, commercial work or larger scale television programs. This makes Animal Science a stand-out in the factual programming genre.

TMBA was chosen to work on the project due to their experience with producing detailed, highly realistic CGI on extremely tight production deadlines. The creation of advanced 3d imagery, which can be time consuming, and is cost prohibitive for series with modest budgets and short production cycles. The images in these shows are being produced two per week, with an average animation running about twenty seconds.

In addition, pre-made models for many animals are in short supply. Many of the animals created for Animal Science are custom built, and are being developed in-house, which makes their one week production deadline even more remarkable.

TMBA has devised a new process for creating CGI (Computer Generated Imagery) within a shorter time frame using tools that include Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, and Cinema 4d software. The segments are then processed using an in-house render network of over 30 small box processors.  Having read only one Photoshop article, I know I’m way out of my league here with these guys, but reagardless I’m wildly fascinated.

The advantage of including CGI in a show like this is the ability to explain complex details about the animals quickly and highlight them visually for more impact. Many aspects of these animals’ physiology, such as bone and muscle structure, would be impossible to shoot. One example is a segment about the unusual bone structure in the neck of a giraffe. By creating a realistic scene of the animal, and then showing an x-ray shot of the neck,
one image can explain more than words can. Seeing the animal highlighted
in 3d is a much more enticing and satisfying experience for younger audiences, especially those immersed in the world of video gaming.

TMBA’s Tim McGarvey says, “knowing when and where to take programming and artistic shortcuts without compromising on the overall quality is the key to how we work. We figure out how to fit the kind of visuals our client wants into their budget.

Sometimes it seems like we’re jamming a square peg in a round hole, but by pushing ourselves to think differently about every 3d problem we face, we end up with some very creative solutions at a cost that’s manageable for most production budgets.”

TMBA, Inc. - Animation Studio

TMBA Inc., is an award winning New York animation studio owned by veteran 3d artist Tim McGarvey. After honing his 3d skills at NBC News creating scenes for programs such as NBC’s Dateline, McGarvey branched out to offer more his unique stylized CGI to a broader audience. His team of 3d artists has since worked on a wide range of projects for Discovery, History, CBS, NBC, Syfy, Tru TV and dozens of independent television production companies over the past fifteen years.

To contact Tim McGarvey and the animation studio directly, call (212) 789-9077