These are two animation tests Heidi has done. She has done more but unfortunately she damaged the USB socket on her external hard drive, so she's unable to get them off for the time being. Hopefully she can!
Anyway, here's what she's done:
Thursday, 17 November 2011
Background - Scene 1
This is the background for the starting scene in Project Cheese, which Brian has made. It's a downwards pan from the night sky, which reveals the building's silhouette, and then continues down to reveal the gates. The final resting position of the shot has the gates overlapping the museum, but because of the fake parallax from panning we will be able to see the museum in full view before the gate pans into shot. Also to note, everything is on a separate layer.
NOTE: There is an updated version of this, which has clouds and bushes on the ground.
Project Cheese
As I don't think I've really explained well enough regarding Project Cheese, I feel I should now.
Basically, so far you should hopefully know that Project Cheese is the title of our 2D animation, about a techy mouse who uses a stolen arcade claw (which he then modified) to grab a piece of cheese from above. Of course, things don't go to plan, and the cheese ends up being crushed to pieces.
This has to fit to the "Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, No" task (of only using or saying those words - nothing else) and I think it does really well. It's not forced into the story, and we can easily make do without any other words. In fact, we don't actually need anything else said!
So far we're on track I think, we've done what needs to have been done, and have a 3 to 4 weeks left to basically get an animatic finished, as well as some other bits and bobs. As you may know, our groups were picked for us, so the people we were given to work with we shouldn't really know too well. I'm very happy to be in the group I am now, we get on very well and all put in a fair share of work. I do enjoy working in groups!
The two other people in my group are Heidi and Brian. Heidi has become the director for our film, and she's doing the drawing and animation for Project Cheese. She's really good at animating and drawing anyway so it was great to have her in my group. Brian specialises more on the tech side, and he's also a very useful person to have in the group. He's been making the 2D backgrounds and is still currently in the process of finishing them, as well as organising the sound and other things here and there. I myself am the producer for Project Cheese, and have been doing the storyboarding and script writing, as well as most of the organising making sure my group are within the deadlines we set. I've also done a couple concept drawings.
Anyway, I shall upload work my group have done onto my blog for you all to see, crediting them where due fit.
Basically, so far you should hopefully know that Project Cheese is the title of our 2D animation, about a techy mouse who uses a stolen arcade claw (which he then modified) to grab a piece of cheese from above. Of course, things don't go to plan, and the cheese ends up being crushed to pieces.
This has to fit to the "Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, No" task (of only using or saying those words - nothing else) and I think it does really well. It's not forced into the story, and we can easily make do without any other words. In fact, we don't actually need anything else said!
So far we're on track I think, we've done what needs to have been done, and have a 3 to 4 weeks left to basically get an animatic finished, as well as some other bits and bobs. As you may know, our groups were picked for us, so the people we were given to work with we shouldn't really know too well. I'm very happy to be in the group I am now, we get on very well and all put in a fair share of work. I do enjoy working in groups!
The two other people in my group are Heidi and Brian. Heidi has become the director for our film, and she's doing the drawing and animation for Project Cheese. She's really good at animating and drawing anyway so it was great to have her in my group. Brian specialises more on the tech side, and he's also a very useful person to have in the group. He's been making the 2D backgrounds and is still currently in the process of finishing them, as well as organising the sound and other things here and there. I myself am the producer for Project Cheese, and have been doing the storyboarding and script writing, as well as most of the organising making sure my group are within the deadlines we set. I've also done a couple concept drawings.
Anyway, I shall upload work my group have done onto my blog for you all to see, crediting them where due fit.
Script for 'Project Cheese'
Here is the finalized script. I actually really enjoyed doing this, I've done script writing in the past so it isn't really new to me. I've always found, even being an animator, that I'm good at putting pen to paper, and writing things. This was done in word, and to any script writers out there who may read this, I'm sure you'll find some faults with lines or spacing. I may get Final Draft 8 actually, and then copy this into that, as it's what the industry use after all. I must admit script writing is something I could get into more, but I know I could probably do with more practice.
Storyboard for 'Project Cheese'
This is the storyboard I've done for the 'Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, No' project. It needs tweaking slightly at the end, and if you read the script which I've done above you'll get a much better understanding of the story.
Some of the shots are in order, as they were added in late on, so I've numbered them to make it easier to understand. Also, I'm aware that shot 6 shouldn't be like it is, but looking the other way like the shot before it. Otherwise you might get the impression there are two mice, not one.
SKYRIM!!!...basically
Just thought I'd show my love for this game. Absolutely amazing. Bethesda are definitely one of my favourite game developers, and The Elder Scrolls is one of, if not my favourite, game series. The trailer is awesome, and the dragon. Oh the dragon! Anything to do with dragons I just go nuts haha. Love 'em! The CGI is really good though, and the sound they make is epic. But yeah, watch this if you haven't already! Damn I hate this time of year, too many games come out but I have uni work to do! :( I'm so gaming my butt off over christmas, inbetween learning to get better at software of course, such as Nuke, Maya and ToonBoom!
Thursday, 3 November 2011
"Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, No" Project - A.K.A 'Project Cheese'
I think it's about time I actually started posting more stuff on this project!
Basically, the plot is about a techy mouse who modifies a stolen claw, to then use to grab some cheese from above, which is encased in glass (apart from the top)
We're nearly into week 5 of this project, which is halfway through, and so far we as a group have done the research, character designs, storyboard, rough animatic, animation tests of the character, and background designs/tests (I will upload everything we have done on a later date). And we're midway through finishing the final concept designs. After that we will start planning the sound and begin making a bible.
Here is a timetable which we use
Basically, the plot is about a techy mouse who modifies a stolen claw, to then use to grab some cheese from above, which is encased in glass (apart from the top)
We're nearly into week 5 of this project, which is halfway through, and so far we as a group have done the research, character designs, storyboard, rough animatic, animation tests of the character, and background designs/tests (I will upload everything we have done on a later date). And we're midway through finishing the final concept designs. After that we will start planning the sound and begin making a bible.
Here is a timetable which we use
Friday, 21 October 2011
Tuesday, 11 October 2011
Back for a new year!
Summer is now over, and I'm back for my second year at uni. Really excited for what's to come! Didn't really get up to much in my 3 month or so break. Practiced on maya quite a bit, and did some drawings in my sketchbook - mostly when I was out and inspired by something I saw.
I'm into my second week now, and have been given two projects - both which excite me very much. For the one, I had to choose one of two options for a project; Pre-Production or Post-Production. This was a very easy choice. I opted for Post-Production, as this interests me a whole lot more, and includes a few sides of the industry that I'm interested in, such as editing or adding the special effects or any computer generated imagery to a film, and compositing. We've already began learning how to use Nuke, which I find a great piece of software and easy to get the hang of.
The other project we're in groups of three, which were chosen by one of our lecturers. I think this is great, to work with people you're not familiar with, as this is what it will be like in the industry. All we've been given for this is this script:
I'm into my second week now, and have been given two projects - both which excite me very much. For the one, I had to choose one of two options for a project; Pre-Production or Post-Production. This was a very easy choice. I opted for Post-Production, as this interests me a whole lot more, and includes a few sides of the industry that I'm interested in, such as editing or adding the special effects or any computer generated imagery to a film, and compositing. We've already began learning how to use Nuke, which I find a great piece of software and easy to get the hang of.
The other project we're in groups of three, which were chosen by one of our lecturers. I think this is great, to work with people you're not familiar with, as this is what it will be like in the industry. All we've been given for this is this script:
'Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, No'
Now this has to appear somewhere in the animation, whether spoken or a visual seen somewhere (such as on the side of a truck). It has to be between 60-90 seconds in length, and before Christmas we need to have an animatic completed, as well as the usual stuff like storyboard, story, designs, sound etc
I look forward to getting started on these projects as soon as I can. I'll need to sit down with my group sometime and discuss and plan what we're doing, and share any ideas. I'll post stuff as I go along, so look out for them :)
Monday, 13 June 2011
Our Title Sequence
The music was created by David Arkenstone. The song is called 'The Quest'. So all credit goes to him.
Overall, fairly pleased with it. I know there isn't any actual animation in it but Richard Morrison wanted us to use live action footage, and we didn't want to be too complicated or add anything unneccessary. We were going to have an animation of Smaug's eye at the very end in a shot of a cave, and we did go ahead and create that. But once we added it in it just didn't look right, and was too cartoony for our liking. And unfortunately there wasn't really enough time to make a better version. With the titles we didn't want to animate them or go over the top, just simple fade in/fade out. Pleased with how we got it to fit with the music, I think that works well. And he use of the black screen helps to build tension I think. So, all in all, I think it works quite well as a title sequence. It isn't as good as I wanted it to have been, but I enjoyed working as a group and felt I came away from this with knowledge.
Example Of A Title
Just an example of one of the titles we used. I wanted a hand-drawn, un-even textured look to them. Just a simple font, nothing too fancy or complicated, that would fit in with the theme of The Hobbit. These were made in Photoshop and saved as GIFs. In the post production stages we wanted them to stand out more so gave them a very slight drop shadow, which helped significantly.
Friday, 27 May 2011
Logo Design Ideas/ Concept Drawings
This isn't my work, but Andrew Skelton's (who is a member of our group working on this assignment). The drawings just give you a rough idea on how the finished title sequence will look, and what we're aiming for. As in a way this was our own take on The Hobbit, we decided and thought it would be best if we came up with our own font and logo. Andrew made some brilliant designs, and while we haven't fully decided which one to go for, we like the idea of Smaug (the dragon) wrapped around the 'O'. But then we went further and thought how great it would be if he was animated, so his wings go from a flight to folded position, and his tail swings and wraps around the 'O'.
Did the filming!
Went off to do our filming on Wednesday :) Took a train up to a place called Luxulyan Valley, near Par. Great location, full of trees and foilage, and away from any roads or settlements - just what we needed. Spent most of the day there, just taking everything in and shooting as much footage as we could - pretending we were hobbits by keeping the camera low at all times. Got some great panning scenery shots too! All in all, a very productive day. Came back with what we wanted, played around with the footage a bit in After Effects, and next week is when we go into post production! :) Well on our way.
Tuesday, 17 May 2011
Back for a new term! :D
Wow sorry this post is so late! Really should have done this earlier haha :D
Anyways, this terms project is to create a title sequence based on one of the five briefs we were given. This is a group project, and we decided to choose the brief which needed to us to select a radio show, imagine it's being created for film or television, and make a title sequence for it. In the end we chose the 1968 BBC Radio adaption of The Hobbit, as we came up with a great idea as to what to do.
We had to pitch our ideas to Richard Morrison, who if you're unware of him, has worked on many title sequences including those for Sweeney Todd and Enemy at the Gates. Seemed like a great guy and gave us some really great feedback. We took a lot from our presentation to him.
So basically, our idea is to find a wooded/forest location and film footage as if we are a hobbit, so keeping the camera at a low height and just explore the woods and walk around the trees and scamper around the foilage. The title sequence is going to be as if your looking through the eyes of a hobbit (first person) as we want to show the audience what the world is like and how much bigger it seems to a hobbit. There will be some sort of narrative, but I don't want to reveal that just yet :) Let's just say it's going to have a bit of journey from one thing to another, and we're going to use the camera to set the mood and feelings of the hobbit. We're set to film sometime this week, and then next week in post production we're going to edit together the footage and play around with it, adding effects and the credits. We'll most likely colour grade it as well, to give it more of a fantasy look. We have the music sorted, and it pretty much the typical style you find in fantasy films, so it goes really well!
Anyways, many apologies for such a long awaited post! Will update as much as possible on how we're progressing :)
Anyways, this terms project is to create a title sequence based on one of the five briefs we were given. This is a group project, and we decided to choose the brief which needed to us to select a radio show, imagine it's being created for film or television, and make a title sequence for it. In the end we chose the 1968 BBC Radio adaption of The Hobbit, as we came up with a great idea as to what to do.
We had to pitch our ideas to Richard Morrison, who if you're unware of him, has worked on many title sequences including those for Sweeney Todd and Enemy at the Gates. Seemed like a great guy and gave us some really great feedback. We took a lot from our presentation to him.
So basically, our idea is to find a wooded/forest location and film footage as if we are a hobbit, so keeping the camera at a low height and just explore the woods and walk around the trees and scamper around the foilage. The title sequence is going to be as if your looking through the eyes of a hobbit (first person) as we want to show the audience what the world is like and how much bigger it seems to a hobbit. There will be some sort of narrative, but I don't want to reveal that just yet :) Let's just say it's going to have a bit of journey from one thing to another, and we're going to use the camera to set the mood and feelings of the hobbit. We're set to film sometime this week, and then next week in post production we're going to edit together the footage and play around with it, adding effects and the credits. We'll most likely colour grade it as well, to give it more of a fantasy look. We have the music sorted, and it pretty much the typical style you find in fantasy films, so it goes really well!
Anyways, many apologies for such a long awaited post! Will update as much as possible on how we're progressing :)
Friday, 18 March 2011
Concept Art
These needed to have a Gulliver/Lilliputian theme, where characters or objects are out of proportian with other things around them. Pretty happy with them!
Finished 3D Environment
Here is my completed kitchen! I must say I am pretty happy with it! Definitely my favourite assignment to date, and can't wait to do more modelling!
Saturday, 12 March 2011
Flash Project Research
All these photographs are taken by me. Wanted to find some inspiration for my animation, and to help me create it. So went out with a camera and took LOTS of pictures (these shown are only a few of what I captured haha...may have got a little carried away!). Sorry for uploading them so late, just been pre-occupied with other stuff! :)
Thursday, 10 March 2011
Maya Modelling Continued
Just carrying on with the kitchen in maya. Given some of the objects colours and my textures. Still have a way to go but as always just wanted to show how I'm progressing :)
UPDATE
Here I have added a few more of my textures, and have inserted some lighting. Still a few more things I need to texture/colour such as the blinds and washing machine, and sort out the texture on the rug. There's also shadows to contend with and I'll need to adjust the lighting a lot more, but overall it is getting there! :) I am really enjoying this project! Definitely something I want to do more as, and CGI modelling has always been my thing ever since I was little!
Tuesday, 8 March 2011
Maya Modelling Continued
Been working more on my kitchen in Maya. Haven't got much left to do before I can start on textures and lighting. Just need to finish the washing machine and bin, and make the items on the surface :)
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