What is sfm?

Source Filmmaker (SFM)

Source Filmmaker (SFM) is a 3D animation software tool developed by Valve. It uses the same game engine as games like Team Fortress 2 and Half-Life 2, allowing animators to create animated films using assets from those games. Instead of relying on traditional keyframe animation workflows, SFM renders everything in real-time, simulating the look of the Source engine. This allows for rapid iteration and quick previews of animated scenes.

Key aspects of SFM include:

• In-Engine Rendering: SFM operates within the Source engine, allowing it to render animations using the same lighting, effects, and models as games. This produces high-fidelity results.
• Non-Linear Animation: SFM supports a non-linear animation workflow.
• Asset Library: SFM has access to a wide range of assets, including characters, props, and environments, primarily from Valve's game library. Users can also import custom assets.
• Community: A large and active community provides tutorials, resources, and support for SFM users.
• Filmmaking Tools: SFM provides many filmmaking tools, such as camera controls, lighting tools, and effects.