During this time, 3D animation was gaining immense popularity. 3D Max was the leading software, while Maya, requiring more computing power, was also emerging. This era saw the release of Sri Lanka’s first 3D animated teledrama, ‘Bawathra,’ a groundbreaking showcase of 3D animation in production. Excitingly, the company that produced ‘Bawathra’ began offering a course in 3D animation. I discovered the course too late to enroll in the initial batch, so I eagerly awaited the next opportunity.
The course covered not only 3D Max and Maya but also included Combustion software for teaching compositing and visual effects. I vividly remember the tutor showcasing a scene from ‘Bawathra’ in Combustion and challenging us to guess the number of layers used – the number was surprisingly high!
The weekly broadcast of ‘Bawathra’ episodes fueled my motivation to learn. This experience also highlighted the impact of computing power on creative output, particularly the concept of rendering. Having completed my diploma in Graphic Design, which was primarily focused on 2D, moving into 3D felt like a natural progression. At this point, everything I learned about computing seemed magical, and my motivation was at its peak.
However, one of the most profound lessons from this course extended beyond computing. I met fellow students who traveled long distances to attend. Their commitment and the stories they shared about their journeys, the financial sacrifices they made to enroll, and their aspirations, were deeply inspiring. Hearing their stories bolstered my own commitment and pushed me to strive even higher in my pursuits.
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