I'm just wondering which way is best to start a walk cycle on frame 0. Should it be at the "end" where both feet are on the ground (as it says in the manual) or would it not be better if you start at the half way point where one foot is in the air.

If you think about it, during a transition from standing for the first method, the feet would spread out (wouldn't they?). But with the second method, the character would be standing with feet together and then transition to the cycle by raising his foot.

Just thinking aloud.

Ken,

From a standing or getting up action, the thoughts you describe make sense to me.
Remember, though, that you can take an existing action and start it at any point in the action.
I personally find it easiest to make a walk cycle with the feet starting apart. I don't know if that is why, but the majority of walk cycles you see in Richard Williams book also go from legs apart to opposite legs apart.

If you're opting for realistic instead of just, "looking close", either transition will need quite a few tweaks to make the weight, balance, and anticipation feel correct.

eric

That's what I'll do then! I also found it difficult the other way...but it works eventually.