Ok Paolo, why don't you start by telling us a bit about yourself?

I have just graduated from UMass, Amherst with a degree in computer science.

Other then SuperMale, what modeling experience do you have?

I have taken a few classes in 3d modeling and animation through the computer science department at UMass, although none of my class work was as detailed as SuperMale. For my classes I have used Specular Infini-D and Hash Animation Master, however SuperMale was done in 3DS MAX.

How about skinning experience?

I never did any skinning before SuperMale. In fact, I didn't really play any quake2 until after I made the model.

What programs and hardware do you use?

For modeling, it's all about 3DS MAX. For skinning (and 2D stuff in general) it's all about PhotoShop.

In your opinion, what's the hardest part of modeling? What's the easiest?

The hardest part of modeling would have to be the animating. Firstly because it is the most time consuming, and secondly because it takes a lot of fine-tuning to make it look just right. The easiest for me is modeling the geometry - that's just putting down a bunch of points.

What lead to the creation of SuperMale?

I wanted to learn 3DS MAX, and I had seen plug-in models for quake2. I thought that making a PPM for q2 would be a fun way to learn MAX. The idea for the model came from the lack of a generic model that could be easily skinned (in the way that the quake1 guy could), as well as the low-end system that I played on at the time. Basically I wanted to create a model that was both easy to skin and of significantly fewer polygons than other models.

Other then the programs you mentioned, do you think there are any other tools or resources which aspiring modelers and/or skinners should check out?

For modeling I would have to say that "Quake Modeler" and "Quake Model Editor" are the two choices for those who can't get their hands on anything else - I use them for converting models between formats. NPherno's Skin Tool is great for both setting up a skin mapping, and for a skin work in progress.

So, how long did SuperMale take?

Because I was working full time at the time, as well as teaching myself MAX, SuperMale took the better part of the summer of 98 (two months).

What about the skins? How did you manage to get so many? Any favorites?

I figured that people would probably be more likely to enjoy SuperMale if their favorite Super-hero came ready to wear. Plus I was having a lot of fun so ... I just cranked out skins (about 30 of my own). I also tried to drum up some interest on the internet for making supermale skins. Basically I emailed anyone who had made superhero skins, and posted messages at places like the Quake 2 Players Model Pack. The response was good, considering that all I offered prospective skinners was credit for their work in the readme. DaLinK was especially helpful, but has gone missing from the Q2 community for quite some time now.

How did ActionMale come about?

Well, one day I logged in to find an email from Suislide in my mailbox. He said he was interested in modifying my SuperMale mesh for use in AQ. I gave him the Ok, and the rest is history. As a result of this, I have actually unofficially made SuperMale available for use in any mods, so long as myself and any skinners whose work is included are given credit.

What were you expecting with ActionMale?

Initially I was under the impression that the guys at AQ were going to completely reanimate the mesh. From what I have seen however, I think ActionMale is just SuperMale scaled down to fit the requirements of AQ's hit location system.

Do you have any future projects for us to look forward to?

Although I am supposedly doing models for a few mods, including telefragged's own Star Wars: Call to the Force, I have been wicked (for those of you non-massachusetts types, that means "VERY") busy finishing up school. I actually intend to dedicate this summer entirely to modelling, with the ultimate goal of developing a portfolio worthy of getting a professional modelling job (might be tough without the BFA).

Any chance of a SuperFemale?

Still no word on that. I have been thinking about reworking the model that I entered into the low-poly lovedoll contest into SuperFemale, however my mod work will take priority over that.

Name some of you favorite PPMs and tell us why you like them.

God, where to start? There are so many excellent PPMs out there for Q2 alone ... perilith knight, blade, ryla, spaceman spiff, all those transformers, just to name a few. The only problem is that there are so many good models out there that I just don't have the hard drive space for them all.

To you, what constitutes a "good" PPM?

A PPM is great if it has great skins, great modeling, and great animation. A deficiency in any one of these things detracts from a model.

What do you think of Action Quake? Do you play much?

AQ is probably the best mod out there (not counting CTF). I play a little at LAN parties, but don't usually fit it into my regular schedule.

What's your play style like? Favorite weapons?

BOOM wit da shotty! If I can't find a hand cannon, its snipe-city for me.

Are there any other Quake 2 mods that you play?

Nowadays I play more CTF than anything else. I still play a little DM. Oh yeah, and some late-night Gloom always rocks.

What kind of play style do you have for those? Favorite weapons?

CTF: I prefer base defense with plenty o' slugs on hand
DM: well the Yoda's barn stats say 50% of my kills are with rail ...
Gloom: face-huggin all the way

Are you in any clans?

I have been in the Black Dragon Clan (OGL Open DM: b|d) since it was spawned out of the old incarnation of Big Trout (another UMass clan).

Do you have a web page or anything you'd like to plug?

I'm looking for an entry level job in the videogame industry! I am willing to relocate! I have a degree in Computer Science! I have programming experience! I have modeling experience! I can make coffee! Just send this string of keywords to your HR department for parsing: C/C++, OpenGL, assembly, 3DS MAX, Photoshop. Or better yet, check out samples of my work online at http://www-edlab.cs.umass.edu/~ppiselli/resume/

Anything else you want to say?

Well, if i'm using the handle "SuperMale" then:
SUPERMALE WILL RAIN HEINOUS DEATH DOWN UPON YOU ALL!

but if i'm using the handle "b|d THX-1138" then:
mmm hmm.

Thanks for taking the time to do this interview Paolo.
Well, that concludes the first edition of Recoil. I want your feedback, so send it to me! - Catterjee