Objects
Special operators for the different elements in a single storyboard panel
Overview
Each storyboard panel can have a list of objects assigned to a camera. They are not parented. This will allow each camera or object to be animated without affecting the other. It is like having a special collection for each panel.
Add Focus Object
The Add Focus Object button will create an empty object that can be used to set a focal point for the camera and/or Grease Pencil objects. This can be used for general depth of field or to create a rack focus effect. The empty object created by this button is a squashed box that will never render. It will appear in the front view as an outline around the 3D plane. The interface button will change to a Focal Point property. It will change the Y position of the empty even if it is not selected.
IMPORTANT: To see the effect, the Viewport shading must be in render preview mode.
Using with the Camera
The empty object is added to the Focus on Object box of the camera, but Depth of Field is not activated. The camera depth of field will only work with 3D objects.
Using on Grease Pencil Objects
Depth of field can be simulated with Grease Pencil objects, by adding a blur effect. It works best by changing the X and Y values with a driver connected to the Focal Point empty object. Use the following steps for the Size of X and Y.
Select your grease pencil object.
In the properties panel, select the Visual Effects Properties section (icon of magic wand with three stars).
Add a Blur effect.
Right click on the X value and select Add Driver.
In the new pop up window, click in the red box for Object.
Select the Focal Point object from the list. NOTE: Do not use the dropper tool.
Just above the word Object, there is a small drop down menu for Driver Variable Type. It looks like (x). Select the menu and pick Distance.
A second Object box will appear. Pick the grease pencil object in that box.
Change the Expression formula to var * 50.
Increase or decrease the number 50 to make the blur effect stronger or weaker.
Add Basic GPencil
This is a special function of the Storyboard add-on. It will create a Grease Pencil object with no strokes, but with layers and materials predefined in the preference settings. It will assign the new object to the list of objects for the current shot. It will also put Blender into Draw mode.
Pick Camera By Element icon
This small icon will make a camera active by seeing which camera the active object is assigned to. It relies on the object being in the list of objects for the active camera.
3D Cursor to Panel icon
This small icon will bring the 3D cursor to the active camera. It will put the X and Z axis at the center view of the camera. It will put the Y axis at a 0 location. This function is good for adding a new object to the shot since it put the 3D cursor in the center of the camera.
Assign to:
The "Assign to:" button will assign an object to the active camera. It is a very important part of the Storyboard add-on. It will add the object to the list of objects for the camera listed on the button (the active camera). The list of objects appears in the Storyboard interface and allow selecting an object in the appropriate mode (draw or object modes).
The "Assign to:" button will also make the following buttons work correctly.
Jump to Shot
Pick Camera by Element
Select All Objects
Select All Objects
The Select All Objects button will pick the camera and all objects assigned to it to allow moving them in 3D space together.
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