Sequence 1 Sequence 2 Sequence 3 The sPatch Model Three different iWing models were used in the 30 second animation. All three models were produced by hand in sPatch (see right), using X-Wing blueprints and photographs from The Art of Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope. The model seen in the first sequence was a preliminary high detail model, but was missing wing markings. Fortunately, the use of a focal blur effectively hid this shortcoming. High detail models, with wing markings were used for the three "sequence 2" animations. In order to cut down render time of five iWings in one scene, a low detail model was used for "sequence 3." Wing and engine details were removed, as well as some gun enhancements. Most detail compromises were not noticeable in the final animation. Sequence 4 Only 3 iWings in Each Scene How I Cheated If you watch carefully, you'll notice that there is no back panel containing the S-Foil servo in all three iWing models (see right). Why? Firstly, because I just didn't feel like putting one in at the moment, and secondly, because it would have (at least) doubled render times. May be I'll fix it twenty years from now in a "Special Edition." In addition, to cut down render times, there is at most only three iWings in any given scene in "sequence 4." This sequence was subdivided into five smaller sequences with three iWings each. Each sub-sequence had a different color combination of iWings. I also ended up using the Microsoft Visual C compiled PVEngine, which significantly decreased render times from the Watcom compiled version. Issues The Sorenson Video compression employed in the The Phantom Menace trailers is a "professional" grade, whereas the one included with QuickTime Pro is only a "basic" edition. The differences between the two are about 10 times in both quality and price. The "basic" edition sucks. It was so lousy, I got better results with Intel's Indeo compression, which is free, by the way.