Create dynamic cables
Archived video
This tutorial was recorded 12 years ago. It remains available as an archive, but the techniques shown may no longer work with current versions of the software.
Project files are no longer provided for download for this reason.
Important notice for English members
This tutorial video has been translated into English with a voice-over, but the software interface remains in French.
Discover spline dynamics and the hair module in Cinema 4D while creating dynamic cables attached to neon letters.
In this Cinema 4D video tutorial, we’ll learn how to handle dynamics that can be applied to cables, ropes, etc., and how to control their animation. We’ll start by modeling our letters and all the elements of the scene (except for the iMac, which is provided with the source files), then move on to texturing and lighting.
We’ll continue with the dynamics of our letters using the Fracture object, then learn how to use caches and bake the animation (with the free SteadyBake plug-in). For our cables, we’ll explore two methods of animation: first using spline dynamics, and then going further with the Hair module.
Throughout the tutorial, I’ll share some production tips and tricks — for example, how to create a wiggle in Cinema 4D on any parameter (without using the Vibrate tag, which only works with position, scale, and rotation).
Finally, we’ll wrap up with a global compositing of the animation in After Effects (working on shadows, reflections, changing the background, etc.).
About the author
Photographer📸 & Videographer🎥 I share my creative process and behind the scenes on my YouTube channel 📺