Maya Python AppleScript & FileMakerPro?

Does anyone have experience implementing Maya Python standalone scripts that are invoked by AppleScript within FileMakerPro ? I have done tests and I know it’s possible but my instincts tell me its a bad approach. In other studios my python scripts interacted with data base using python API, so artists never had to interact directly with DataBase. The producer and senior programmer require that Maya scripts be launched inside FileMakerPro.

Just wondering if any of you have been there/done that … or if any of you have details of specific pitfalls that might happen with this approach.

Cheers!

I could go into all the reasons why this is technically a bad idea, but I cannot wrap my head, conceptually, around what exactly you are trying to do.

AppleScript is fine for some very Apple specific tasks. The end of it.

FileMakerPro is fine for some very FileMakerPro related tasks. Like editing the database locally. And not modifying the DB someone set up. Ever. Using it remotely is a gigantic pain. Been there, done that, not doing it again.

That combined with Maya Python standalone scripts… Someone out there is about to get into a world of hurt. :slight_smile:

SamiV.

[QUOTE=Rob Galanakis;10803]I could go into all the reasons why this is technically a bad idea, but I cannot wrap my head, conceptually, around what exactly you are trying to do.[/QUOTE]

This approach is certainly not my idea, but producer and technical lead (who is AppleScript/FMP expert) are insisting that Maya scripts be launched from within FMP as much as possible. I fear that this approach is inefficient and restrictive … but I don’t know enough details to prove as such.

Thanks for your feedback

[QUOTE=skoshiwosh;10817]This approach is certainly not my idea, but producer and technical lead (who is AppleScript/FMP expert) are insisting that Maya scripts be launched from within FMP as much as possible.[/QUOTE]

To what end? So ANY maya script in general should be launched from Filemaker? Maybe if you outlined the entire thought process we could help you a bit more.

[QUOTE=skoshiwosh;10817]This approach is certainly not my idea, but producer and technical lead (who is AppleScript/FMP expert) are insisting that Maya scripts be launched from within FMP as much as possible. I fear that this approach is inefficient and restrictive … but I don’t know enough details to prove as such.[/QUOTE]

I think we should use DazStudio to model our next game.

What? You’re saying DazStudio is really not used in the industry, is marketed towards a different crowd, and isn’t actually designed to do what I am saying we should use it for? I disagree, and I’m an expert in DazStudio. I’ll yield-perhaps- if you can prove that I (your superior) am wrong and you’re right.

That’s essentially what you are asking for here. I’d be surprised if you find many experts on AS/FMP at any game studio, because the target of those softwares is so incredibly outside what we normally do. They are consumer-friendly products for a professional field. That doesn’t jive. The first thing I would do is look for another job, since I don’t honestly believe your producer and tech lead know what the fuck they are doing (or they are playing an epic joke on you!).

And to follow Seth’s question: “insisting that Maya scripts be launched from within FMP as much as possible.” Can you define that exactly and with at least one ‘for instance’? I can’t thoroughly understand what you’re talking about.

They want to force Maya artists to interact with FMP to enter info. But artists forget to do stuff like that. So if maya process can ONLY be done within FMP, they wont forget.
I’ve written Maya script that automates scene assembly and other pre-render requirements. I wrote it standalone so we could batch it through folder of scenes that need to be prepped for render. The maya script works fine. (Its standard industry fare). Producer wants fields in FMP to be set when this process is done. I originally asked if data exchange could be done within Maya Python script using CSV files or other intermediary. Apparently FMP doesn’t play SQL. They really want artists to interact directly with FMP.

I should confess that subconsciously I may have been looking for a reality check … although I was hoping I’d get some absolute facts that I could use to “prove” to my superiors that they are “wrong”. I reached out to colleagues whose statements were more mild. ie “It wouldn’t be my first choice”
This is a short-term contract … I’m always looking for my next gig: http://resume.zanefx.com

Thanks for your feedback !!

It is easier to shoot yourself in the face. Seriously.

We are, unfortunately, on Filemaker here. Yes, I said Nickelodeon Animation is on FM for all production tracking.

Notice I said tracking.

Asset Management is from the ground up in an in-house python/c#/c++/mysql world. – tracking will follow.

I started almost 2 years ago here, and it was all FM all the time – still is in a lot of areas my colleague and I just don’t have time for which to bang the drum.

It completely blows for any production heavy work.

FM is good for what others have said: store static data that mutates infrequently.

Manipulating it dynamically for a studio of hundreds+ real-time is a frigging nightmare. Even for 50+ it is a nightmare.

The idea of forcing artists to use something to work is anathema to me.

A management system should overlay your tool-set, not be the blockage in front of it.

Sorry for the rant, just really dislike FM except to be used as a P.O.S. (you decide which POS) for a retail store say 20 employees.

I may be simplifying things here, but couldn’t you do everything you need to inside maya or where ever and update the DB with the pyFilemaker module?

The whole thing sounds a bit nutty to me. Good luck.

might be this link Python/Maya: Introductory tutorial will help you