[SFM] Envelope

Important description stuffs ahoy.
After nineteen months in development and five - count 'em, FIVE - catastrophic computer failures, I am pleased to present my latest Essefem short.
I learned a lot while making this project, particularly in the field of audio design. Thus this video is offered in High Dynamic Range™ - many volume and a good set of headphones are recommended.
Music credits, in order:
Grinspoon - Signpost
The Glitch Mob - Animus Vox
Drive A - Are You Blind?
Dash's vocal performance and motion-capture courtesy of Zanna Nicole.
A note on the wings. I started this project with the normal pony model, but I quickly ran into the same problem I had with my last video: the wings on the stock models just aren't expressive enough. The giant wings are a stylistic choice, and while they may look silly to those used to the normal pony models, it allows me to much better communicate Dash's intentions and manoeuvres, as well as the turbulence associated with high-g aerobatics. I lament the lack of an aerodynamic tail for added affect, but I couldn't make one that didn't look totally awkward (my headcanon deals with that though).
I was inspired by people who draw the ponies in their own style different from the show, particularly those who use more realistic proportions. Truthfully, ponies' wings would need to be much larger anyway to generate enough lift, but I choose to believe that it's pegasus magic at work. The same magic that lets pegasi control the weather also gives them the ability to manipulate air pressure about their body while in flight, continually creating tiny high- and low-pressure zones that act as virtual control surfaces. Thus eliminating the need for a proper tail. Ironically, I've always imagined Rainbow to have noticeably narrower wings than most pegasi, which is what gives her such incredible speed.
As for the funny lighting and obvious skybox, there's nothing I can do about that.

[@ko5686]

Her wings popped out and almost jumped outta my chair

[@kimemory]

Same

[@PWingert1966]

I want a Dashie Collectible with a full wingspan like this!

[@RolaiEckolo]

8 years later and the animation on this video is still insane. Seriously, so organic and flowing. The speed feels real. And the sound design, wow! Please tell me you're still animating!

[@rainbowdashie3236]

haha! you can put as many "no flying", signs as you want but if you think for a moment that it would stop Dash, man you need a serious reality check.

[@ThatGrayCartoonPony]

One of the best SFMs I've seen for a long time now... :3

[@Goatmeal]

This is so impressive! In sound, animation, and rendering effects.

[@Ferexes]

2:03 amazing

[@zzguacgmail2094]

That was amazing

[@legomanrob]

brilliant audio

[@mastervule1844]

Epic :D

[@StarlightStream]

""EPIC YEAH XD" XD

[@MickeyCuervo36]

sunset shimmer Hi Sunset! Loved that vocal solo at the end of the flick. Need more songs from ya! XD

[@argodaemon]

Well, that just blew me away. Beyond amazing! I loved the stylistic choice with the wings. You have a good eye. ^^

[@christianrhansen1990]

Pawsome

[@athena9221]

Subcribe to the rainbowdash pic Sry your name is hard

[@RepentInReprise]

Omfg! It's Argodaemon! Ahhhhh! Fangirl scream!

[@daringdash7610]

+Argodaemon hello

[@happy_pills3229]

OMG THAT WAS SOO AWESOME

[@zachwhacko]

How to Train Your Dragon: Rainbow Dash Edition

[@Night_from_GT_asia_2]

Is she Rainbowless

[@fanunion913]

@@Night_from_GT_asia_2 Well, yes, but actually no.

[@Glorymoon97]

How to Train a Rainbow.

[@Yuriz_207]

@@Glorymoon97 I was thinking the same lol

[@CoreyTaylor556]

I love Dashie but when she flared her wings out my first thought was "Damn Dash your wings are WAAAAY too long for your body"

[@buck9200]

DUDE. SAME.😦😦

[@theherobrineseeker]

You read my mind.

[@elianadunigan2915]

Their actually the right size she needs to really fly.

[@hermionerose4889]

same

[@JalilBustamante]

Actually she wouldn't be able to fly with her original wings... It's physically unnatural and illogical. Those wings have the correct size for a horse (or pony) to fly.

[@BlackGryph0n]

Nice Animation! And great job on the voice Zanna! You really sound just like RD! :-D

[@nowiknowwhatishouldnamemys8855]

The wings just killed it for me...

[@rfbrown8309]

This video is really amazing. I was wondering why Zanna was recording grunting sounds the other day.

[@KGhaleon]

Ethan Richards eh, if I can suspend my belief with flying ponies I can suspend my belief with giant wings.

[@rfbrown8309]

The correct phrase is "suspend your disbelief".

[@RolaiEckolo]

All the famous awesome animators should know that this guy is now in their league... er... has been for a little while now actually.

[@tenchiofJurai67]

I for one welcome our new, oversize,-rainbow winged overlord! Those wings were actually pretty awesome. XD

[@letseathay8727]

Me too! I love those wings! I think they look pretty badass, and the way they move in the wind is amazing. Also the sound effects and voice in this are awesome! Hopefully if I watch this enough times I'll have a dream later that I can fly like that.

[@ltrs1212]

Holy. Shit. HOW MANY YEARS has this been out and I'm just now seeing it at 3 AM.. on a Monday.

[@T0M50N]

The audio in this really makes it.

[@krakk9906]

OMG DUDE THAT WAS THE MOST EPIC MLP VID I'VE EVER SEEN!(another reason why RD is best pony :D)

[@haydenmarroquin5634]

hayden

[@PacificPenguin]

those wings were honestly laughably gigantic, but I love, love, love everything else about this! well done!

[@PacificPenguin]

***** you're probably right, but they just look crazy huge compared to the closed wings.

[@strevor79]

They are 2 evolutions to the flight of a bird 1st is if a bird lives in open spaces its wingspan in wider and its tail-feather is shorter. 2nd bird that evolve in canopies or forest tend to have shorter wingspan and longer tail-feather for maneuverability.

[@argodaemon]

While they were very large, as the description stated, it allows a lot more expression. If they were smaller, they would have been harder to notice and the feel of the push from each flap provides the viewer with a more immersive experience. I think it was awesome, but I also love abstract works. :D

[@PacificPenguin]

Argodaemon you're right, it's just the huge wings were largely unexpected.

[@argodaemon]

Pacific Penguin lol "largely"

[@day5209]

I love the motion for the wings. It wouldn't look nearly as cool if they were show style. Also, they look more realistic.

[@Guus]

OMG THIS IS LITERALY THE BEST SFM IN THE WORLD !!!! auto sub activated !

[@BiscuitCatProductions]

I've watched this video so many times and if I had to use ONLY ONE WORD to describe this... it's BADASS. I love how... _real_ it feels. The emotions are so human, the way her eyes focus and refocus sometimes, the way when she flaps her wings for the first time, you can see her steady herself on the ground. It's so incredibly well made and thought out, and I can't help but absolutely adore this.

[@OiItsGubbi]

I'm in love with the wings

[@OiItsGubbi]

And the Hoove sound

[@jilliandooley8689]

oli man : your flying fireman...... fireman: woooooohooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!! my flames are boosting me up! fiiiiiire!!!!

[@aprilforbus575]

Me tooo

[@FizzleFX]

love the massive momentum - buck it - not even blockbusters get it that right!

[@TheJohnLytleShow]

loved it, her wings reminded me of what her sonic wings would look like. now that is going to be the image I think of for RD's sonic wings, lol

[@MickeyCuervo36]

Woah!! Okay, not only was the animation great, and the voice actress outstanding, this really FELT like I was flying right alongside her! That's something not a lot of animators do well. Flying isn't weightlessness, it's riding currents and being able to generate lift. It's like they say in Toy Story, falling with style. There's a weight to it, and I think you captured that beautifully. Some of the animation did seem to clip frames a bit, but I chalk that up to the SFM engine more than your animating ability. I don't think it was designed for high levels of detail.

[@gya_ann]

Your a brony ? XD

[@hartsfire5706]

4 years and I still come back to this video, it rocks.

[@drag0nemper0r97]

I feel like if whoever animated this worked with Argodaemon, they could really make some unfathomable works of art. The animation could be smoother in certain parts, but I'm not complaining. It's a well done, great video.

[@yng_scrolls]

These is are the Rainbow Dash she have other hooves and wings!

[@passion4ponies345]

Wow, this is so different from the usual SFM, I really really loved this

[@RomanKudrenko]

This is definitely gonna be one of the top pony videos of September, I'm sure about that.

[@BolttheSuperPony]

This should totally go in the Top Ten Pony Videos of September list!

[@Verbose_Mode]

Woah. I... I felt that. I FELT that! I fly gliders, and am moving toward an acrobatics permit, but... that's what it feels like.

[@autumbreeze1129]

Okay. That. Was. AWESOME! And i really gotta hand it to Zanna. I thought sounded exactly like Alisha Ball's Rainbow Dash voice

[@ruzz117]

well, i just want to say... shut up and take my money

[@keyonasimms1522]

that is show me to say to Rainbow Dash

[@keyonasimms1522]

that is just so me to Rainbow Dash

[@Scyrina]

Woah great one and great animations! Looks freaking epic!

[@PeacePetal]

You mean, she's actually flying instead of just magically hovering as her tiny wings go up and down? LOVE IT!!

[@1964corvan]

i forgot how awesome this is! needs more views!

[@The_Foreman]

I both love and hate the wings. They seem abnormal because of what we are used to but they are a much more realistic size for carrying the weight and size of a horse. Not a fan of the under wings coloring. If anything it should be on top and bottom as feathers aren't generally different colors on each side. I'm glad I put my headphones on for once as you did a great job with the sounds. My only issue would be the bird that practically explodes from our face. I assume its coming from behind and we would have heard something before it got to the back of the head. Lastly is there is quite a lot of animation jitters. The eyes twitching about and sometimes awkward steps. A little more motion tweening (don't know how that works in SFM) should have made it more smooth. Over all great animation and will be recommending to friends :P

[@user-tz9pd3vf2n]

I just remember that I was 8 years old and I loved watching this

[@2007excalibur2007]

Hoooolyyyy fuuuuuuuuck~~~ Just what I needed to kick start my morning. :D

[@grimm6207]

they should really add the design of the wings into the actual show

[@berns5794]

Let's wait until she becomes an alicorn or some sort of a high or royal position idk, or overpowered chances huer

[@dashypie8885]

That was one of the most epic sfm animations I have ever seen!

[@TheCentriole]

This is classic fandom kino and I never tire of coming back to watch it again.

[@BikerDash]

That was freakin incredible! The animation was very fluid with a strong sense of realism to it. (not taking into account the ungodly high G's that RD had to be pulling in some of the maneuvers... but that would be canon for RD) Overall, the level of detail was outstanding. The only thing I felt off about while watching was her wings. They looked too big in my opinion, but even then, they were done fantastically. Little details, such as the strain during the high speed turns, and the contrails... 10/10 for all of this!

[@nagafawkes2449]

That was soooooooooooo amazing! Soooooo beautiful! You did a good work to animation, sounds, effects and cam move! It's just A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. I'm in love! That was my dream to fly like you did and this video made me the sentiment to feel in the air!

[@unnamednewbie13]

So...awesome. Apart from the quality hard work done on the wings, I particularly enjoy the flight sound effects. She looks like she's having a blast.

[@sparkybrony3807]

This has honestly blown me away. Her tail whipping around in the wind from her traveling, her head, just like a fighter pilot doing maneuvers, the g-forces pushing around. Her eyes constantly moving. All this is far more realistic than most people would realize. I've watched it at least four or five times, I've gotten my kids to watch it. This is beyond epic. In fact, there are no words. Keep doing this. I can see you were straining the abilities of SFM, but DAMN!!! It was awesome!

[@tokitok2104]

Certainly rainbow dash has experience with the real aerodynamics rules. But by the way.... That was amazinig, this huge wings was kind of weird but movie is still awesome.

[@hennak.3051]

oh my god the speed it's feel-able. awsome work!!

[@TaceoCinema]

I'm not a huge fan of flying scenes in SFM but I appreciate the amount of detail and thought you put into the animation and particles. I also replayed the scene at 2:00 quite a few times because of it's amazingness. p:

[@DEUS_VULT_INFIDEL]

That was fuckin' awesome. Most other stuff I've come across is just about Rainbow screwing up and crashing, honestly glad to finally see some glorious aerial action. And the wings were pretty awesome, too. Big wings are cool.

[@-DRIP]

this was very impressive, very few flying sfms ive seen that feel and look natural, even the little grunts she gives

[@jelizagodinez2031]

Man those Wings are awesome

[@danielbergmann4330]

AWESOME. i'm really, really impressed by how well the flight worked out, you can really feel the g forces on the loops, and the contrasting weightlessness in the stall. you sir did a much better job than a lot of full length, full budget proper Hollywood movies...

[@DiegoAlanTorres96]

Reupload it in 60fps PLEASE

[@Roulden]

Fantastic work. The audio was top notch and had the desired effects, the expressions through out were great and felt naturual, and the camera scenes had great placement. Your work paid off, and I hope whatever your next project is has less computer failures.

[@coppercore6287]

Mind. Blown. The wings are hilariously large, but hell, you made them work pretty well all things considered. THIS! This is how Rainbow Dash flies, end of story. I don't think I've ever seen anyone else capture her very essence like you have here. I'm loving about every second of it! Needs more of this! There are several little glitches and technical issues here and there, but SFM sometimes has its limitations and other issues, so I get that. Also, good selection of music!

[@amazingronnie]

I watched this once seven years ago and it's just recently been on my mind, I just had to watch this masterpiece again.

[@annoyingdog1055]

What the frick happened to this channel and animator!?!? His/her work is amazing! Wherever you are, you need to persure this unless you have other things going on in ur life I totally respect that, but serious! It's incredible, I remember this video ever since it came out and I'm glad I came back to look at it!!

[@ignasanchezl]

Being an RC pilot myself plus knowing lots about aerodynamics I was like: What was that 50G turns or what. Nice audio, legit wing size and well animated movement. Plus the wingtip vortices and the negative G Loops where nice too.

[@bobbackward6461]

This needs a sequel. Envelope II: Pony Express or something. Maybe Twilight and Flutters can get in on the action. Then have Derpy come flying in sideways outta nowhere and almost knocks into one of 'em. Then they do a formation and their color trails form your avatar logo.

[@thesixofus5429]

I am beyond amazed :OOOO I love the wing style! Everything about this was perfect 👌

[@Stupchek]

that was amazing! this makes the other videos in the top 10 pony videos of the month cringe worthy compered to this! I really loved the the more fastpased facial expression and the camera movement! This is my favorite sfm video ever!

[@TBDComic]

I ave to admit I'm impressed. Everything involving wings here was astonishing and I love the rainbow feathrs to bits. Buck. Frikken. Yeah

[@benbraceletspurple9108]

This took a lot of work I bet . It was a great job. Very realistic take on how the ponies would fly in real life, including a realistic wing size, and hooves.

[@torquevonthorne948]

Holy shit. Thanks Gaben to give us Source Filmmaker, so we can feed our brains with such animations. I salute you and your skillz, most honorable SFMer.

[@TaffenFelspar]

Turn And Burn! Dashie has the moves!

[@rikamoriko1243]

AWESOME!! DUDE U SHOULD REALLY MAKE MORE VIDS LIKE THIS!! ITS AMAZING

[@alexanderhorton5673]

This is amazing! I loved the voice, animation, and flight sequence!

[@jetpegasuslegacy579]

Damn, this animation is so cool, so was the back ground music. I seriously love this animation it's so uplifting and inspiring. Man, I really think I should listen to that BGM the next time I exercise.

[@dianahills1366]

Holly shiiit this vídeo is F*cking amazing!! Those wings thou!!

[@finalframe8223]

i love the song "are you blind" it's stuck in my head now. Great! The animation is glorious as well.

[@thegrimcritic5494]

Goddamn, this is smooth! Loved every last second of this video. The wing size was a bit off-putting, but I didn't mind it one bit. The video moved much like a parkour/bmx/skateboard montage, and I think that's a perfect way to depict how RD must experience flight in the way she does; flashy, yet stylish. Love it!

[@eggyrepublic]

I think her wing looks amazing, and the size is perfect since it's more realistic, these ponies would need that big of a wing to fly on Earth.

[@BoogsterSU2]

Nice job on the POV shots...

[@fever1]

My 6 year old self when the model doesn’t look like the other ones I’ve seen: “HEY that’s noT what rAinBEw dAshboard lOOks liKe”

[@Talguy21]

While I agree on the 'Pegasus magic allowing for flight' theory, I don't agree that it's because Rainbow is physically that different from standard Pegasi. (Allowing, of course, for her training and physically active lifestyle) I think that much like Unicorns, Pegasi can have differing levels of magic power, and are able to be more competent at some activities compared to others. Like Twilight, Rainbow is an extraordinary case amongst her people in being naturally extremely gifted with magic. Of course, Rainbow is more specialized as compared to Twilight, because for all her speed, Rainbow hasn't done anything outside the realm of likelihood otherwise. That said, apart from Lightning Dust (who I'll parallel to Sunset Shimmer in this example) there isn't a pony alive who can rival Rainbow's speed. You might say that the Wonderbolts could, but remember that in the Equestria Games, Rainbow made up the gap Bulk Biceps and Fluttershy left on a world stage environment and almost *won*. Sorry about that word wall, but I really enjoyed the animation, as well as the thoughts in the description. Excellent work!

[@WWFGirlProductions2]

That's true a pony cannot rival her speed, but a jet or a high level speed spell can.

[@Talguy21]

SparkFlare Jets in Equestria probably aren't that fast, as there's no need for them, and using outside magic to amplifies one's abilities is cheating, imo. ...Unless you cast the speed spell on Dash too, but the world isn't ready for a *faster Rainbow Dash*. (Insert Double Rainboom Here)

[@WWFGirlProductions2]

Talguy21 Jets wouldn't be that fast because the speed of a jet is impossible for an individual to control them, but with the help of a computer, yes, they can be that fast, and yes, there is a use for jets.

[@Talguy21]

SparkFlare I meant they either haven't been invented yet, or they're primitive enough so that a supernaturally fast Pegasus like Rainbow could outfly them. Also that one physics brony's numbers say Rainbow can fly faster than any Earth jet.

[@WWFGirlProductions2]

Talguy21 I don't believe that a jet on earth can't keep up with rainbow.

[@-CloClo-]

It’s insane how this is 9 years old now. Still remains to be one of my favorite MLP fan animations though.

[@antonlongbow5122]

At first I was like the movements could be smoother, then she took off and the illusion of speed was flawless. Few minor things aside this is a beautiful piece right here. I wish I had a rig that could handle SFM.

[@NarrowKilla]

DYNAMICS ! ACTION ! PONEY ! WOOSHH! this is just overpowered with epicness , i can touch the coolness of teh video!

[@jeffreydosdall4481]

Who's here after seeing Zipp Storm's wings? You have seen the future, Acinonyx.

[@22jorn]

1. Extreamly good sound fx and this must have taken so long to do in SFM! :) 2. I don't know if it is poddible in SFM but a sonic rainboom would have made it eaven better :D

[@ToneyPony]

This is extremely well put together. The animation, action, music, sound effects, camera angles, pacing, and a few surprises for the viewer. This is genius work. Also, 'dose wings. Awesome.

[@DerekPetersonLives]

I didn't know that SFM supported bump mapping. Very immersive video, had me swaying with the camera like gaming in the late 90s :) And you know you did a good job when you get Argodaemon to give a comment like he did! You earned another subscriber

[@shadowspector3611]

Dude, this entire thing was the definition of awesome!

[@TsuriaDragon]

Wow that was amazing I love the detail of her wings look awesome being huge and rainbow feathers you busted a well deserved video nineteen months whoazers thank you for making this animation I'm inspired by this :D

[@bluefleet1655]

even still now, i am like...THOSE DAMN WINGS when she goes and spreads it out

[@insanitydragon95]

the high velocity wind effect in her mane is what i think makes this look sooo fun

[@EpicLPer]

Why does this Rainbow Dash have so freaking big wings... and why are most of her movements so choppy...

[@Aerith17]

is that a joke?

[@Sp8ers]

I really hope you're joking. Guy worked 19 months to make this. You can read the description to see why he made changes to the model

[@LyzLocked]

TheKellen17 I don't believe so... Her model is twitching a bunch at the beginning of the video, but past the two minute mark it's not really noticeable due to camera angles and the actions in each shot. I was a bit hesitant at first, when I saw that, but I got over it pretty quickly. Still, I can understand Epic's sentiment that he was trying to convey. Sorry for being a bit wordy.

[@EpicLPer]

Sp8ers Just because something took 19 months to make doesn't automatically mean it's good. But that applies to everything. The movement in the beginning is far too choppy, not "realistic" (as I guess he tried to make it). It just looks like a try to make a quick movement. And lets not start to talk about the wings... Seriously...

[@Sp8ers]

EpicLPer True, but I believe saying something along the lines of, "Maybe it would had been better if you did X instead of Y" would have sounded better than saying "What the hell did you do to this poor Rainbow Dash".

[@yugiohtay]

i love how you can see her hooves and in reality she would need wings that size to fly! awesome!

[@Temrash114]

Dude, there are tears in my eyes right now. Somewhere in my house, ninjas are cutting onions, presumably.

[@chriscofer6237]

holy shit that was great work and so much detail on the hooves and why the 4 feet wings overall great job i have never seen a pony vid this detailed in my life

[@Celleste78]

Now with the 60fps new feature, this is the kind of video that might really look more amazing. Seriously.

[@1withthelion]

Imagine how this would look reanimated today, in HD(or 4K) with cell shading, I’d die happy

[@Werewoofy]

This is pretty awesome; I found it very enjoyable to watch ^_^ My only critique is that the wings are just too big to be taken seriously. They could have been about two thirds their size and been pushing it, but would have looked better in my opinion. I realize that you were going for realistic proportions for creating lift, but it just looks ridiculous on a horse at that size. The show has stated that pegasi require the natural magic in their wings to get off the ground. Going purely off of physics and realism, her intense and excited head flail at 4:13 would have sent her careening out of control as well. Regardless, you started making this a year and a half ago (long before the season 4 finale), so I wouldn't worry too much about it. It was a fun trip and I had a blast watching it; I dig the speed of the action and the hefty amount of personality that you infused in her and her stunts. Well done ^_^

[@Tellemicus]

Aside from Rainbow Dash's strangely BIG wings, that was awesome!!

[@themanthelegendjaycefingta3735]

The animation for this is literally fantastic!

[@melothemarten1]

I really liked her wings. Makes the flight a lot more exciting and it also makes it look like a lot more difficult. :D

[@3dsflameredness]

MOST IMPRESSIVE! nice choice of soundtrack btw, i also loved the little "treasure planet" bit u had her do :D

[@CubeCubedProductions]

I really love the emphasis you put in on her straining to hold her wings out when recovering from a dive. Made it seem so much more realistic!

[@mrjoblox]

Only the gigachads enjoy this

[@Ramon609]

wow when i saw her unfolding her wings i was like ''DAFUQ?! dem wings are HUUUUUGE!!'' but i loved the animations and voice acting :)

[@novacolonel5287]

This makes me feel free. Thank you.