Here's a test, I think it's too fast.
Electrocution Test
Monday, April 14, 2008
Sunday, April 13, 2008
first pass on sound
Well, we can hear that Alistair had fun
Actually he got it really close to the reference.
As a reminder, here’s my sample:
Quiet Please!
Actually he got it really close to the reference.
As a reminder, here’s my sample:
Quiet Please!
Update
I plan on working more on my book today, and maybe some 2-D things I need to finish. I need a break from Maya.
I got some good suggestions this week. I had Chris a first year look at my piece for a fresh eye. He gave me some suggestion that could be quick fixes for the animation. John a graduated student also game me some easy fixes. One was to have two glows, and have them switch into each other, maybe even two different colors.
My Plan for next week:
Spline/Fix/Refine Animation
Play with Render Occlusion Passes
Work more on the Effects- Glow (Transfer of Powers) Rain/Thunder, Skeleton (Electrocution)
More Images for the Wall
Fix Paper/ Book Updated
I got some good suggestions this week. I had Chris a first year look at my piece for a fresh eye. He gave me some suggestion that could be quick fixes for the animation. John a graduated student also game me some easy fixes. One was to have two glows, and have them switch into each other, maybe even two different colors.
My Plan for next week:
Spline/Fix/Refine Animation
Play with Render Occlusion Passes
Work more on the Effects- Glow (Transfer of Powers) Rain/Thunder, Skeleton (Electrocution)
More Images for the Wall
Fix Paper/ Book Updated
Progress
Well this week I wanted to spline all my shots. I didn’t block them out as well as I would have liked to, but I know from experience that every time I go from blocked animation to spline my timing changes. I felt that I would spline this week and than fix the splined animation. This week I got to spline most of my shots excepts the last 4, put I had blocked them some more in the beginning of the week, so at least every shot was worked on this week. I spoke with Alistair this weekend; he’s going to start working on my sound.
Here’s my updated animatic:
Here’s my updated animatic:
Saturday, April 12, 2008
More Problems
Well I was working with the constraints again today. I was having so many problems. It might be because I’m just so tired that I can’t focus. I’m going to try Michael’s suggestion again on Monday. But for today, I animated the object and the model. I just feel as though I can’t progress forward, since I keep falling into problems.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Picking and choosing my battles
I find that at this point in production. I’m picking and choosing my battles. I’ve been working though my shots again this week. I left the lab Thursday night and set some renders and everything was fine. I walked in this morning all my textures and animation on the guy were all messed up. I wound up having to revert back to an older rig with less facial controls. It was either that or redo the animation on everyone of my shots. Today I’m playing with constrains. I need to constrain the light bulb to the characters hand. The problem is that the control on the hand when it moves, separates from the wrist, and with constrains the object follows the controller. I’ve tried a few different ways; I’ve even tried parenting it to the bone. Another animation student, Michael gave me one-way by working with parent and orient constrains and animating the constraint controls. I’ll give it a try again.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Greg's comments
Well I had emailed Greg Rizzi one of the industry members from the animation panelist. Since I had trouble with my rigs I didn’t really have any animation to show them. He wrote back to me today, He found some of the story unclear.
1) There are a few things that are unclear. I am not sure why the flipping of the light switch and the changing of the bulb switched the two characters' powers. Is it because the man tries to put the new bulb in the socket before the dog turns off the light switch?
2) Perhaps you should think of a better way to show the two characters being electrocuted. Maybe have a close-up of the man's hand going into the light socket.
3) Also, a close-up of the blown bulb right after it blows might help clear that up.
4) If the dog turns off the light switch, why does he still get electrocuted?
5) Perhaps, simplifying the idea even more is best. Maybe the piece should simply be about the two characters playing checkers where the dog is really fast, but the man is slow and more thoughtful about how he plays. The dog is so quick to move his piece that he doesn't realize he's made the wrong move. The man realizes it and makes one final agonizingly slow move to finish off the impatient dog.
6) These are all things to think about. They are not concrete things that you must do in order to complete your piece. It's all about keeping your ideas simple, and most importantly, clear to your audience. You may ask several different people and get several different ideas of what to change and how. Part of becoming an animator is realizing what you can do and what you have time for. It can be difficult to sort through critiques, but I hope these things help you along. Lots of luck. I'd love to see it when it's further along.
So I decided in the shot were the man is screwing in the light bulb, to not have his arm go up as high, I think this might read better. I hope once I add my 2-D effects for the electrocution scene, It will read a lot better. I feel I have to work on the dogs slide better too, to help it read.
1) There are a few things that are unclear. I am not sure why the flipping of the light switch and the changing of the bulb switched the two characters' powers. Is it because the man tries to put the new bulb in the socket before the dog turns off the light switch?
2) Perhaps you should think of a better way to show the two characters being electrocuted. Maybe have a close-up of the man's hand going into the light socket.
3) Also, a close-up of the blown bulb right after it blows might help clear that up.
4) If the dog turns off the light switch, why does he still get electrocuted?
5) Perhaps, simplifying the idea even more is best. Maybe the piece should simply be about the two characters playing checkers where the dog is really fast, but the man is slow and more thoughtful about how he plays. The dog is so quick to move his piece that he doesn't realize he's made the wrong move. The man realizes it and makes one final agonizingly slow move to finish off the impatient dog.
6) These are all things to think about. They are not concrete things that you must do in order to complete your piece. It's all about keeping your ideas simple, and most importantly, clear to your audience. You may ask several different people and get several different ideas of what to change and how. Part of becoming an animator is realizing what you can do and what you have time for. It can be difficult to sort through critiques, but I hope these things help you along. Lots of luck. I'd love to see it when it's further along.
So I decided in the shot were the man is screwing in the light bulb, to not have his arm go up as high, I think this might read better. I hope once I add my 2-D effects for the electrocution scene, It will read a lot better. I feel I have to work on the dogs slide better too, to help it read.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Meeting with Patricia
Well I meet with Patricia today.
Her comments were:
to get the secondary animation in. (especially the wheelchair)
Let the dog’s body move more.
Make sure the dog is in frame for the action shots.
Transfer of power is not clear yet.
Exaggerate the guy even more, and make sure his personality comes across, plush the slow factor
Also detail the end a bit more
Her comments were:
to get the secondary animation in. (especially the wheelchair)
Let the dog’s body move more.
Make sure the dog is in frame for the action shots.
Transfer of power is not clear yet.
Exaggerate the guy even more, and make sure his personality comes across, plush the slow factor
Also detail the end a bit more
Sunday, April 06, 2008
List of things to do this week
Another pass of Animation – I wrote Nick, Mark and Greg for feedback on what I have so far. I’m hoping this will help
Play with Render Occlusion Passes again
Effects- Glow (Transfer of Powers), Skeleton (Electrocution), Fix Rain (lighten)
More Images for the Wall
Fix Paper/ Book Updated
Play with Render Occlusion Passes again
Effects- Glow (Transfer of Powers), Skeleton (Electrocution), Fix Rain (lighten)
More Images for the Wall
Fix Paper/ Book Updated
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Animatic Update
Well, I almost got through all the shots again this week. I have to fix the last 24 frames on the electrocution shot and than go through them all again.
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Animation Update
Well, I'm working on my second pass of blocking the animation. I hope to get through all my shots by Saturday. My plans are to go each shot again next week. We have less than a month; I know I should leave a week to render and composite. Although I got somewhat caught up, I still feel behind.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
List to Do this Week
Block more Animation
Play with Render Occlusion Passes
Effects- Glow (Transfer of Powers) Rain, Skeleton (Electrocution)
More Images for the Wall
Fix Paper/ Book Updates
Play with Render Occlusion Passes
Effects- Glow (Transfer of Powers) Rain, Skeleton (Electrocution)
More Images for the Wall
Fix Paper/ Book Updates
Animation Reference - More Looney Tunes
Run and slip Slide
This is great reference for Flash when he's running to help Flexman.
Eatin' on the Cuff or The Moth Who Came to Dinner. Looney Tunes. Warner Bros. Pictures, Burbank, California. 22 Aug 1942
Director: Robert Clampett
Reaction and Run
This is great reference for Flash. They have a nice reaction than a take off to a situation.
Polar Pals. Looney Tunes. Warner Bros. Pictures, Burbank, California. 3 June 1939
Director: Robert Clampett
Run and Slide
This is great reference for Flash when he's running to help Flexman.
What Price Porky. Looney Tunes. Warner Bros. Pictures, Burbank, California. 26 Feb 1938
Director: Robert Clampett
This is great reference for Flash when he's running to help Flexman.
Eatin' on the Cuff or The Moth Who Came to Dinner. Looney Tunes. Warner Bros. Pictures, Burbank, California. 22 Aug 1942
Director: Robert Clampett
Reaction and Run
This is great reference for Flash. They have a nice reaction than a take off to a situation.
Polar Pals. Looney Tunes. Warner Bros. Pictures, Burbank, California. 3 June 1939
Director: Robert Clampett
Run and Slide
This is great reference for Flash when he's running to help Flexman.
What Price Porky. Looney Tunes. Warner Bros. Pictures, Burbank, California. 26 Feb 1938
Director: Robert Clampett
Animation Reference - Looney Tunes
Finger Tap
This is great reference for Flash. The impatient finger tapping
Buckaroo Bugs. Looney Tunes. Warner Bros. Pictures, Burbank, California. 26 Aug 1944
Director: Robert Clampett
Finger Tap
This is great reference for Flash. The impatient finger tapping
the Take
This is great reference for Flash, on the take, when he flips the switch
High Speed Run
This is great reference for Flash, great anticipation with a high speed run
Hare Ribbin. Looney Tunes. Warner Bros. Pictures, Burbank, California. 24 June 1944
Director: Robert Clampett
Old Age
This is great reference for Flexman, old age.
Old Age 2
This is great reference for Flexman, old age.
Old man (Bugs) Walk
This is great reference for Flexman, old age.
Old Grey Hare. Looney Tunes. Warner Bros. Pictures, Burbank, California. 28 Oct 1944
Director: Robert Clampett
Overlapping Action
This clip is just a great example of how Overlapping Action works.
The Bashful Buzzard. Looney Tunes. Warner Bros. Pictures, Burbank, California. 15 Sept 1945
Director: Robert Clampett
This is great reference for Flash. The impatient finger tapping
Buckaroo Bugs. Looney Tunes. Warner Bros. Pictures, Burbank, California. 26 Aug 1944
Director: Robert Clampett
Finger Tap
This is great reference for Flash. The impatient finger tapping
the Take
This is great reference for Flash, on the take, when he flips the switch
High Speed Run
This is great reference for Flash, great anticipation with a high speed run
Hare Ribbin. Looney Tunes. Warner Bros. Pictures, Burbank, California. 24 June 1944
Director: Robert Clampett
Old Age
This is great reference for Flexman, old age.
Old Age 2
This is great reference for Flexman, old age.
Old man (Bugs) Walk
This is great reference for Flexman, old age.
Old Grey Hare. Looney Tunes. Warner Bros. Pictures, Burbank, California. 28 Oct 1944
Director: Robert Clampett
Overlapping Action
This clip is just a great example of how Overlapping Action works.
The Bashful Buzzard. Looney Tunes. Warner Bros. Pictures, Burbank, California. 15 Sept 1945
Director: Robert Clampett
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Updated on Animation
Well as of today, I posed out all my shots for the animation. I don't consider it blocked, but a place to start from. One month left, the pressure is starting to sink in. At least I put AM on hold, so I’ve opened up a lot of time for thesis.
Flexman Rig is done
Well, today I got the final Flexman Rig with facial controls. Here he is posed out.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Update Animation
Well I’m still tying to get very basic blocking done in my animation. I figure I’ll just keep building up each of the shots as I go along, so it’s all at least at the same level by the end. Working in the lab has helped. John introduced me to Tradigitool, a Maya plug in that helps you animate in-betweens. It was created by an Animation Mentor teacher. I bought it, even though I’m not up to that part yet.
Check out Tradigitools Website
Check out Tradigitools Website
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Last Animation Mentor Class 1
Well last night was my last class of basic foundations. It was a great class. Our mentor Chris Chua gave really great critiques and was very specific in how to fix the animation. The class itself was so helpful on giving advice once I posted a public review. I’ve decided to postpone class two till the summer term, in order to focus on my Thesis.
My Progressive Reel
My Progressive Reel
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Update on Flexman Rig
Well Hunter gave me the skinned Flexman Model today; I’m just waiting on the blend shapes. So I can start poses him out too.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Update on Project
Well I’ve been starting to block out my animation. It’s so late in the game to start this and it’s taking so much time. Everything has been taking so much time, it seem once a week is done, I think to myself that’s all I got done within all that time. I’m going to continue blocking out my animation. I’ll work on my effects and images for the frames on the days the lab is closed since my computer at home is getting a bit slow when I’m animating with the files that contain a lot of geometry and textures.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Animation Reference - Looney Tunes
Red Riding Hoodwinked
This is great reference for Flash. It has a run and a skid, good for when Flash is coming back to save Flexman.
Red Riding Hoodwinked. Looney Tunes. Warner Bros. Pictures, Burbank, California. 29 Oct. 1955
Director: Friz Freleng
Wolf Motion Blur
This is great reference for Flash. The character moves so fast all we see is the motion blur
Wolf Run Cycle
This is great reference for Flash. It’s a really cool run cycle.
The Trial of Mr. Wolf. Looney Tunes. Warner Bros. Pictures, Burbank, California. 24 April 1941
Director: Friz Freleng
Tom Thumb
This is great reference for Flash. Tom slips on a bar of soap. IIt has a run good skid for when Flash is coming back to save Flexman.
Tom Thumb in Trouble. Looney Tunes. Warner Bros. Pictures, Burbank, California. 8 June 1940
Director: Chuck Jones
This is great reference for Flash. It has a run and a skid, good for when Flash is coming back to save Flexman.
Red Riding Hoodwinked. Looney Tunes. Warner Bros. Pictures, Burbank, California. 29 Oct. 1955
Director: Friz Freleng
Wolf Motion Blur
This is great reference for Flash. The character moves so fast all we see is the motion blur
Wolf Run Cycle
This is great reference for Flash. It’s a really cool run cycle.
The Trial of Mr. Wolf. Looney Tunes. Warner Bros. Pictures, Burbank, California. 24 April 1941
Director: Friz Freleng
Tom Thumb
This is great reference for Flash. Tom slips on a bar of soap. IIt has a run good skid for when Flash is coming back to save Flexman.
Tom Thumb in Trouble. Looney Tunes. Warner Bros. Pictures, Burbank, California. 8 June 1940
Director: Chuck Jones
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Flash Rig Done
Well Koichi sent me the Flash Rig today. I'm so grateful to him, I didn't want to have to scrap my model after spending all that time on it. Here's a simple pose, he's 100 percent better than what I had.
007
007
Animation Reference - Enchanted
Reference for the Character Personalities- Here is a scene that has one character acting out two different personalities. Even thought there is no dialogue, it works so well.
Personalities
Enchanted. Dir. Kevin Lima. Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, 2007
Personalities
Enchanted. Dir. Kevin Lima. Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, 2007
Animation Meeting
The character animation students meet for the first time yesterday to go over each other’s work. Unfortunately I didn’t have anything for the to judge yet. However, I can see how theses weekly meeting are going to help us out.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Update
Well, I finished all my textures expect for the two characters; I’m waiting for the final rigs. Koichi is working on Flash and Hunter is working on Flexman for me. I so grateful, I’d still be rigging or have to ditch my characters and use online rigs by now. I also have three copies of my pre-thesis book all printed out. I’m still working on the images for the wall. Once I get the rigs, I will only need to animate and do the few effects: Work on Rain, Glow Effect, Motion Blur, and Electrocution. Maybe tweak things. It’s also my last week of homework from Animation Mentor; I’m going to take a term off to have more time finish my Thesis. Even though it was a lot of work doing the two schools, I feel I learned a lot about animation from AM that I can apply to my thesis.
Lighting Sample The Incrediables
Well I was going though my animation reference, and found a great lighting reference. It actually has a similar setup to my room too.
Animation Reference - Smallville - super stretch
Reference for Flexman- Pete gets the super stretch ability:
Stretch Arm
Stretch Arm for an Object
Pete saves Kara
Hero. Smallville. The WB Television Network, Los Angeles, California. 13 March 2007
Stretch Arm
Stretch Arm for an Object
Pete saves Kara
Hero. Smallville. The WB Television Network, Los Angeles, California. 13 March 2007
Revised Thesis Statement
During all of the reviews, I was getting back on my papers, marks that suggested my thesis statement matched my project, so I revised it to have it match the characters personalities.
A Character Animated Short with an emphasis on timing and poses that showcases the conflicting personalities between a retired superhero and his sidekick dog in a cartoon style.
A Character Animated Short with an emphasis on timing and poses that showcases the conflicting personalities between a retired superhero and his sidekick dog in a cartoon style.
Animation Reference – Underdog - The Big Shrink
Reference for Flash- Fast Run, showing how the sound effects and motion blur really adds to it.
Fast Run
The Underdog Show
The Big Shrink, Part 2. The Underdog Show. NBC Network, New York, New York. 1, Dec. 1964
Fast Run
The Underdog Show
The Big Shrink, Part 2. The Underdog Show. NBC Network, New York, New York. 1, Dec. 1964
Monday, March 17, 2008
Animation Reference – Underdog - The Great Gold Robbery
Reference for Flash- good anticipation before a run, Nice pose:
Anticipation Run
The Underdog Show
The Great Gold Robbery, Part 3. The Underdog Show. NBC Network, New York, New York. 1, Nov. 1964
Reference for Flash- Running and Skidding when he sees Flexman getting electrocuted:
Run and Skid
The Underdog Show
The Great Gold Robbery, Part 4. The Underdog Show. NBC Network, New York, New York. 1, Nov. 1964
Anticipation Run
The Underdog Show
The Great Gold Robbery, Part 3. The Underdog Show. NBC Network, New York, New York. 1, Nov. 1964
Reference for Flash- Running and Skidding when he sees Flexman getting electrocuted:
Run and Skid
The Underdog Show
The Great Gold Robbery, Part 4. The Underdog Show. NBC Network, New York, New York. 1, Nov. 1964
Animation Reference - Underdog -The Gold Bricks
Reference for Flash's Ears- good for when he hears the electrocution:
Ears Up
The Underdog Show
The Gold Bricks, Part 3. The Underdog Show. NBC Network, New York, New York. 1, Oct. 1965
Ears Up
The Underdog Show
The Gold Bricks, Part 3. The Underdog Show. NBC Network, New York, New York. 1, Oct. 1965
Friday, March 14, 2008
Horton Hears a Who
Well a few of use at NYU went to see Horton today. It was more exciting to see it since we had teachers that worked on the film. It was great. It would actually have been great reference for my project. First of all Morton, is extremely fast, much like I want Flash to be. There is one scene in the movie, where the Mayor had got a Novocain shot in his arm by mistake. That was originally how I wanted Flexman to be when he loses the elasticity in his arm. I’ve now cut that part out of the story to save time to be able to finish it.
Meeting with Cushny
Well I meet with my advisor today about the review. I’ve decided instead of cutting my story to the checkers game as the panel has suggested, I would edit my story down. I cut out part of the short taking into consideration what the Industry panelist concerns where. I feel I’m in a better state.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Industry Review
Their Advise:
Mark Harris, Blue Sky Animator
- Models more expressive
- Animate; don’t get caught up in other stuff
- Story clarity, animation clarity
- Find 1 or 2 shots in the story to animate
- Shorter film
- Great reference, ideas
- 70 frames per week –try to hit
Show characters contrast- that’s the point of your story
Gregory Piizzi, Blue Sky Animator
- choice one idea that’s simple and realistically achievable
- Use poses in layout to convey idea
- Make sure your idea is clear
- Keep your idea down to one or two shots
- Good real is about quality, not quantity
Patricia, NYU faculty
- Redefine thesis point
- Take the opportunities to shit down and animate characters traits rather than characters action
Mark Harris, Blue Sky Animator
- Models more expressive
- Animate; don’t get caught up in other stuff
- Story clarity, animation clarity
- Find 1 or 2 shots in the story to animate
- Shorter film
- Great reference, ideas
- 70 frames per week –try to hit
Show characters contrast- that’s the point of your story
Gregory Piizzi, Blue Sky Animator
- choice one idea that’s simple and realistically achievable
- Use poses in layout to convey idea
- Make sure your idea is clear
- Keep your idea down to one or two shots
- Good real is about quality, not quantity
Patricia, NYU faculty
- Redefine thesis point
- Take the opportunities to shit down and animate characters traits rather than characters action
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Getting Ready for the Industry Review
Well I'm still trying to block out animation with Rigs that aren't done, it doesn't work well. I can't get the Flash (auto rig) model to scale. Flexman is breaking since his rig isn’t skinned yet. I think I am going to wind up have a mixed 2D and 3D to show. Nothing is going right for me. I'm tired, stressed out and rushing to get it done, a bad combo. I just wish the review were after spring break. I don’t like the idea f getting feedback from the industry professionals when I’m not at the point to receive animation feedback.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
To Do List
Things I need to do for during break after blocking out my animation for the review.
1- Block Animation
2- Fix Rigs/ Blend Shapes
3- Finish Texture
4- Work on Rain/ Glow Effect/ Motion Blur
5- Images on the wall
6- Refine Animation
1- Block Animation
2- Fix Rigs/ Blend Shapes
3- Finish Texture
4- Work on Rain/ Glow Effect/ Motion Blur
5- Images on the wall
6- Refine Animation
Animation
Well I got my Animation Reference from filming myself or from the reference I've collected from movies. The Rigs stills need a bit of work. Flash needs to be tweaked and Hunter will finish Flexman over the break for me. I'm ready to start to block, a bit late since I need it tomorrow night. I hope to get caught up over the break; I'll have a bit more free time not working.
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Update Rigging
Well, I'm still trying to fix the weights on Flash. I think I'll have to start blocking out my animation tomorrow in order to have something done for the review on Wednesday. Hunter's still working on Flexman. He said the Skelton is done, so I might just do a quickly paint weights for the review. I'm so looking forward to Spring Break to get caught up on my work.
Friday, March 07, 2008
Blendshapes
Well I worked on the blend shapes. I've never used them before, there actually quite easy. Here's a tutorial I found.
Blend Shapes
I’m still working on my Rig.
Blend Shapes
I’m still working on my Rig.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Animation Reference - Fantastic Four
Fantastic Four Richard Reed was great animation reference for Flexman.
This was good reference for how the stretch ability reacts with the actor’s expressions
Finger Stretch
This is great example of how the different body parts stretch when not always affecting the whole body
Dance Scene
This is great example of the body stretchy being pushed to it's max.
Extreme Stretch
All are these are during the fight scene when the one character has all four powers, but there is some great stretch effects.
Stretchy 1
Stretchy 2
Stretchy 3
Both of these are great examples of the transfer of power. They used a similar effect to the glow effect Nick told me to do.
Power Transfer 1
Power Transfer 2
Fantastic Four. Rise of the Silver Surfer. Dir. Tim Story. 20th Century Fox, 2007
This was good reference for how the stretch ability reacts with the actor’s expressions
Finger Stretch
This is great example of how the different body parts stretch when not always affecting the whole body
Dance Scene
This is great example of the body stretchy being pushed to it's max.
Extreme Stretch
All are these are during the fight scene when the one character has all four powers, but there is some great stretch effects.
Stretchy 1
Stretchy 2
Stretchy 3
Both of these are great examples of the transfer of power. They used a similar effect to the glow effect Nick told me to do.
Power Transfer 1
Power Transfer 2
Fantastic Four. Rise of the Silver Surfer. Dir. Tim Story. 20th Century Fox, 2007
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Rigging Update
Well I meet with Hunter yesterday and the stretchy rig he’s working on is coming along great. I’m working on Flash the dog and want to have his rig done and animation blocked out by Monday. On Monday Hunter will give me the Flexman’s body rig, I hope to have his animation blocked out by Wednesday, the Industry review. Hunter said he could get the face ready for me later, which I’m fine with.
Here’s the test for the arm of Flexman:
Here’s the test for the arm of Flexman:
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Modeling
Finally- All my models are complete. It took so much more than I expected. But having a cartoon style made it hard to find models that I could buy. I modeled all the elements for my project. Now I’m on to texturing them after I finish rigging.
Blend shapes
The Basic Targets I need:
Lips:
Pursers
Open Jaw
Lower Lip Tight
Upper Lip Tight
Grimace
Smirk Right
Smirk Left
Sneer Right
Sneer Left
Eyes/ Eyelids:
Squint Right
Squint Left
Left Furrow
Right Furrow
Left Front ails
Right Front ails
Left Eyelid Close
Right Eyelid Close
Left Eyelid Open
Right Eyelid Open
Lips:
Pursers
Open Jaw
Lower Lip Tight
Upper Lip Tight
Grimace
Smirk Right
Smirk Left
Sneer Right
Sneer Left
Eyes/ Eyelids:
Squint Right
Squint Left
Left Furrow
Right Furrow
Left Front ails
Right Front ails
Left Eyelid Close
Right Eyelid Close
Left Eyelid Open
Right Eyelid Open
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Animation Reference - A Troll in Central Park
References for Flash, in shots were his tail isn't seen. I need to show his excitement through his ears or hands.
Ear excitement
Reference for Flash, in the shot where he's running pack to help Flexman. This scene has nice poses for the run.
Running
Reference for Flash, in the shot when Flash realized he screwed up, and turn the switch on too soon. This has good nervous facial expressions.
Facial Expressions
Reference for Flash, in the shot when he Flash realized he screwed up, the take. This scene has two nice takes.
The Takes
The Link to Victor Narones
The Take
A Troll in Central Park. Dir. Don Bluth and Gary Goldman. Don Bluth Animation, 1994
Ear excitement
Reference for Flash, in the shot where he's running pack to help Flexman. This scene has nice poses for the run.
Running
Reference for Flash, in the shot when Flash realized he screwed up, and turn the switch on too soon. This has good nervous facial expressions.
Facial Expressions
Reference for Flash, in the shot when he Flash realized he screwed up, the take. This scene has two nice takes.
The Takes
The Link to Victor Narones
The Take
A Troll in Central Park. Dir. Don Bluth and Gary Goldman. Don Bluth Animation, 1994
Friday, February 29, 2008
Sound
Well on Thursday, I got some of the sound effects for the intro from Alistair, my sound guy. He’s been working on my music and it’s much harder to create than I knew. So it’s taken a bit longer.
Sound 1
As a reminder, here’s my sample:
Quiet Please!
Sound 1
As a reminder, here’s my sample:
Quiet Please!
Rigging
Well on Thursday, I meet Hunter. He is going to help me with the rigs, which is great since I’m terrible at it. He also gave me suggestions on adding more lines in certain parts of the face, in order to have good blend shapes.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Progress
I feel like I’m not as far along as I’d like to be. Everything seems to be taking a lot longer. I have to finish modeling, texturing and rigging this week. I have to start animating by this coming weekend.
List for this week:
1) Rigging
2) Finish Modeling
3) Finish Textures
4) Have every scene with the lights
5) Start to animate
List for this week:
1) Rigging
2) Finish Modeling
3) Finish Textures
4) Have every scene with the lights
5) Start to animate
Monday, February 18, 2008
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Lighting my Scene
Christian sat down with me on Friday and started to light my scene. Here’s the result so far:
Animation Reference - More Dastardly & Muttley
Reference for an solid color background with colorful background, like Mark had suggested:
Dastardly & Muttley In Their Flying Machines
Ceiling Zero Zero. Dastardly & Muttley. Hanna-Barbera Productions, Los Angeles, California. 22 Nov. 1969
Reference for Mutley's Personality and Tail wag:
TailWag
Dastardly & Muttley In Their Flying Machines
Lens a Hand. Dastardly & Muttley. Hanna-Barbera Productions, Los Angeles, California. 15 Nov. 1969
Reference for an frustrating finger tap- good for during the checker game:
Finger Taping
Reference for Run and Slide:
Slide
Dastardly & Muttley In Their Flying Machines
Stop Which Pigeon? Dastardly & Muttley. Hanna-Barbera Productions, Los Angeles, California. 22 Nov. 1969
Reference for Flash- good reach and turn around:
Turn Around
Dastardly & Muttley In Their Flying Machines
Who's Who? Dastardly & Muttley. Hanna-Barbera Productions, Los Angeles, California. 29 Nov. 1969
Dastardly & Muttley In Their Flying Machines
Ceiling Zero Zero. Dastardly & Muttley. Hanna-Barbera Productions, Los Angeles, California. 22 Nov. 1969
Reference for Mutley's Personality and Tail wag:
TailWag
Dastardly & Muttley In Their Flying Machines
Lens a Hand. Dastardly & Muttley. Hanna-Barbera Productions, Los Angeles, California. 15 Nov. 1969
Reference for an frustrating finger tap- good for during the checker game:
Finger Taping
Reference for Run and Slide:
Slide
Dastardly & Muttley In Their Flying Machines
Stop Which Pigeon? Dastardly & Muttley. Hanna-Barbera Productions, Los Angeles, California. 22 Nov. 1969
Reference for Flash- good reach and turn around:
Turn Around
Dastardly & Muttley In Their Flying Machines
Who's Who? Dastardly & Muttley. Hanna-Barbera Productions, Los Angeles, California. 29 Nov. 1969
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Flash Model
I finally got one Character finished. I didn't think it would take that long being they are simple in design. I was wrong.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Faculty Critique
Well finally a critique that I didn't walk out of discouraged. Last night went quite well. Nick and Mark had some great suggestions and I’m going to take a lot of their advice. Some of which was to keep the background to maybe one color, like greens. This way the focus is on the characters. They want to make sure I have Flexman really rounded/hunched and slow, while Flash sits erect and is not only fast, but also anxious. Like his tails always wagging. Then once the powers switch to have Flexman taping his foot before he gets up. They suggested doing away with slow motion scene and dealing with more of their personality. Like a close-up shot of flash getting impatient. They feel I have a lot of animation and might not get it all done. They suggested to try and simplify it. They suggestion I block all the animation out first, And then work on refining the money shots. If time allows work down they line. They said you could always fix it afterwards.
3-D Animatic (6.1MB) - Just setting up the shots
3-D Animatic (6.1MB) - Just setting up the shots
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Sound
Well I have Alistair who is working on my sound for me. The sample music I gave him was from 1945 Tom and Jerry.
Quiet Please!
Quiet Please!
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Getting ready for our Faculty Critique
I’m getting ready for our Faculty Critique on Wednesday and I'm trying to but together a blocked out 3D animatic. I’m so use to play blast with animation; I get a bit slow when it comes to rendering and camera animation.
1-Fix my main layout yet.
2-Maybe add a bit of light?
3-Fix my shots
4-Render out
1-Fix my main layout yet.
2-Maybe add a bit of light?
3-Fix my shots
4-Render out
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Animation Reference - The Tick Loves Santa!
Tick looking sad
This is good reference for when Flexmans arm loses elasticity, he will be upset, assamed
Santa gets electrocuted
Santa gets electrocuted and also their is some motion blur
Santa gets electrocuted
These are all get reference for the electrocution scene
The Tick Loves Santa!. The Tick. FOX, Los Angles, California. 25 Nov. 1995
This is good reference for when Flexmans arm loses elasticity, he will be upset, assamed
Santa gets electrocuted
Santa gets electrocuted and also their is some motion blur
Santa gets electrocuted
These are all get reference for the electrocution scene
The Tick Loves Santa!. The Tick. FOX, Los Angles, California. 25 Nov. 1995
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Animation Reference - Uncle Sam Magoo
Donkey scratching head
This is a great idea for a secondary animation. Instead of thinking using his hands, Flash can use his ears.
Uncle Sam Magoo. NBC, New York, New York. Sept. 1970
This is a great idea for a secondary animation. Instead of thinking using his hands, Flash can use his ears.
Uncle Sam Magoo. NBC, New York, New York. Sept. 1970
First Day of Class
I had my first day off Thesis class yesterday and I feel much better about it. I was getting so worried since there were so many incompletes last semester. I'll gust give 100 %, that's all I can do.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Animation Reference - Looney Tunes - Duck Dodgers in the 24½th Century
Duck Dodgers
This is great reference for my project. It short that is similar to a superhero short. Yet again it starts daffy duck done in the Looney Tunes style. This is exactly what I need.
Duck Dodgers in the 24½th Century. Looney Tunes. Warner Bros. Pictures, Burbank, California. 25 July 1953
Director: Chuck Jones
This is great reference for my project. It short that is similar to a superhero short. Yet again it starts daffy duck done in the Looney Tunes style. This is exactly what I need.
Duck Dodgers in the 24½th Century. Looney Tunes. Warner Bros. Pictures, Burbank, California. 25 July 1953
Director: Chuck Jones
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Rigging
I headed back into the lab today. I'll be splitting my time between home and the lab. I'm working on finishing up my characters model and environment. I was worried about Rigging. Seon gave to me a good website with abAutoRig 1.8.2.
supercrumbly.com
supercrumbly.com
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Animation Reference - Looney Tunes - Stupor Duck
Stupor Duck
This is great reference for my project. It short is about a menace superhero, daffy done in the Looney Tunes style. This is exactly how I want my thesis to be like.
Stupor Duck. Looney Tunes. Warner Bros. Pictures, Burbank, California. 17 July 1956
Director: Robert McKimson
This is great reference for my project. It short is about a menace superhero, daffy done in the Looney Tunes style. This is exactly how I want my thesis to be like.
Stupor Duck. Looney Tunes. Warner Bros. Pictures, Burbank, California. 17 July 1956
Director: Robert McKimson
Monday, January 21, 2008
****** The Principles of Animation******
1:Timing
2:Squash & Stretch
3. Slow In and Slow Out
4: Anticipation
5. Follow Through / Overlapping Action: -Follow Through, Breaking of joints, Drag, Lead and follow
6. Arc
7: Straight Ahead / Pose to pose
8. Solid Posing
9. Secondary action
10. Staging
11. Exaggeration
12. Appeal
2:Squash & Stretch
3. Slow In and Slow Out
4: Anticipation
5. Follow Through / Overlapping Action: -Follow Through, Breaking of joints, Drag, Lead and follow
6. Arc
7: Straight Ahead / Pose to pose
8. Solid Posing
9. Secondary action
10. Staging
11. Exaggeration
12. Appeal
Friday, January 18, 2008
Animation Reference - The Incredibles
Awards
Past Awards
Example of how Pixar showed the Glory Days
Dash - Speed
Dash facial expression
Here Dash is upset on a car ride home. This is a similar look that I can use for Flash when he is waiting for Flexman to make his checker move.
Dash running in the Jungle
Dash on a high speed run, great reference for Flash.
Dash running on water
Dash on a high speed run over the water with a skid, great reference for Flash when he slides.
Dash running on the track
Dash running on at a slower speed.
Elastigirl - Stretch
Elastigirl Stretch to lamp
A good example for flexman stretching at the lamp
Elastigirl arm Stretch
A good example for flexman stretching
Elastigirl arm Stretch while vacuuming
A good example for flexman stretching
Elastigirl Multi arm Stretch
A good example for flexman stretching
Elastigirl Full body Stretch
A good example for flexman stretching
Elastigirl Stretch Up
Here's elastic girl stretch her body too, this is good for when flexman changes the light blub
Elastigirl Stretch- different shape
A good example of what Flexman’s arm losing elasticity can look like
Dash and Elastigirl
Many Super powers
A good example of speed and stretching
Mr. Incredible - Bad Back
Oh my Back
A good reference for Flexman's first chess move
The Incredibles. Dir. Brad Bird. Walt Disney Pictures, 2004
Link:http://disney.go.com/disneyvideos/animatedfilms/incredibles
Past Awards
Example of how Pixar showed the Glory Days
Dash - Speed
Dash facial expression
Here Dash is upset on a car ride home. This is a similar look that I can use for Flash when he is waiting for Flexman to make his checker move.
Dash running in the Jungle
Dash on a high speed run, great reference for Flash.
Dash running on water
Dash on a high speed run over the water with a skid, great reference for Flash when he slides.
Dash running on the track
Dash running on at a slower speed.
Elastigirl - Stretch
Elastigirl Stretch to lamp
A good example for flexman stretching at the lamp
Elastigirl arm Stretch
A good example for flexman stretching
Elastigirl arm Stretch while vacuuming
A good example for flexman stretching
Elastigirl Multi arm Stretch
A good example for flexman stretching
Elastigirl Full body Stretch
A good example for flexman stretching
Elastigirl Stretch Up
Here's elastic girl stretch her body too, this is good for when flexman changes the light blub
Elastigirl Stretch- different shape
A good example of what Flexman’s arm losing elasticity can look like
Dash and Elastigirl
Many Super powers
A good example of speed and stretching
Mr. Incredible - Bad Back
Oh my Back
A good reference for Flexman's first chess move
The Incredibles. Dir. Brad Bird. Walt Disney Pictures, 2004
Link:http://disney.go.com/disneyvideos/animatedfilms/incredibles
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Animation Reference - Looney Tunes - Buccaneer Bunny
Bugs Take off
Here Bugs takes off quickly and creates dust. This is good reference for when Flash discovers that Fleaman has gotten electrocutes and runs to him.
Buccaneer Bunny. Looney Tunes. Warner Bros. Pictures, Burbank, California. 8 May 1948
Director: Friz Freleng
Here Bugs takes off quickly and creates dust. This is good reference for when Flash discovers that Fleaman has gotten electrocutes and runs to him.
Buccaneer Bunny. Looney Tunes. Warner Bros. Pictures, Burbank, California. 8 May 1948
Director: Friz Freleng
Monday, January 14, 2008
Animation Reference - Looney Tunes - Ali Baba Bunny
Bugs Thinking
Thinking pose. Great to use for reference for the checkers game.
Ali Baba Bunny. Looney Tunes. Warner Bros. Pictures, Burbank, California. 9 Feb. 1957
Director: Chuck Jones
Thinking pose. Great to use for reference for the checkers game.
Ali Baba Bunny. Looney Tunes. Warner Bros. Pictures, Burbank, California. 9 Feb. 1957
Director: Chuck Jones
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Venting
Lately it seems I just can’t get a break to get going on my thesis. First I get sick, and then my sister had foot surgery so I need to help her out. Now my dog ginger passed away yesterday. My dogs are my inspiration for my thesis, that’s way I wanted a Wallace and Gromit type of story. I just feel like I keep getting set back.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Animation Reference - Tom and Jerry: The Fast and the Furry
Walk - Run (no sound)
Run (no sound)
Good Reference for Flash:
The first Jerry has a nice character walk which turns into a run. It's a nice shot when Jerry runs to us, but I don't know if that's something I can add in.
The second run Tom has a nice way of starting out into a run.
Tom twiddling his thumbs (no sound)
In this shot Tom twiddling his thumbs, this good is good reference for flash while waiting for Flexman to make his next chess movie.
Tom being impatient (no sound)
Here Tom gets impatient while sitting at a penguin crossing. I love the expression he has especially when he has his head in one had and taping his fingers on the other,
Tom and Jerry: The Fast and the Furry. Dir. Bill Kopp. Warner Home Video, 2005
Run (no sound)
Good Reference for Flash:
The first Jerry has a nice character walk which turns into a run. It's a nice shot when Jerry runs to us, but I don't know if that's something I can add in.
The second run Tom has a nice way of starting out into a run.
Tom twiddling his thumbs (no sound)
In this shot Tom twiddling his thumbs, this good is good reference for flash while waiting for Flexman to make his next chess movie.
Tom being impatient (no sound)
Here Tom gets impatient while sitting at a penguin crossing. I love the expression he has especially when he has his head in one had and taping his fingers on the other,
Tom and Jerry: The Fast and the Furry. Dir. Bill Kopp. Warner Home Video, 2005
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
My first Animation Mentor class
I had my first Animation Mentor class tonight. It was great, their are people from all over the world in class with me. Our mentor Chris Chua said something that really stuck with me "We can't have animation without living life." Life is our inspiration, yet especially now with thesis we become so bogged down with sitting in front of the computer wanting to get it done. We have to remember to take some breaks; you never know you might find something that really inspires your work for your thesis.
Animation Reference - Geri’s Game
Close-Ups
I was actually thinking of starting my Thesis with an extreme close-up like this instead of coming through the window. I also think I need to make cuts to the hand like they do.
Settling/ Sitting
This is great reference for the slow moving elder man and how the animation settles as he sits.
Walk
This is great reference for an old man walking.
Cuts
This is great reference for Cuts and also the anxiety of making the next move. I think I might make my cuts a bit faster.
Geri’s Game. Dir. Jan Pinkava. Pixar Animation Studios, 1997
To see more about this short visit this Link: http://www.pixar.com/shorts/gg/index.html
I was actually thinking of starting my Thesis with an extreme close-up like this instead of coming through the window. I also think I need to make cuts to the hand like they do.
Settling/ Sitting
This is great reference for the slow moving elder man and how the animation settles as he sits.
Walk
This is great reference for an old man walking.
Cuts
This is great reference for Cuts and also the anxiety of making the next move. I think I might make my cuts a bit faster.
Geri’s Game. Dir. Jan Pinkava. Pixar Animation Studios, 1997
To see more about this short visit this Link: http://www.pixar.com/shorts/gg/index.html
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Animation Reference - The Cricket in Times Square
Lean - Walk (no sound)
This pose has some great leaning poses, a great charter walk cycle and great facial expressions
Shoulder Shrug (no sound)
Great Expression for a Shoulder Shrug
Thinking (no sound)
Great Thinking pose, I like the touch of the finger taping- this would be good before my chess moves
Sitting with Style (no sound)
The mouse has such character just sitting
Dialogue Piece
Get expression, it has the thinker like poses
Camera Angles
I love the Camera Angels in this shot and how smoothly the cuts work.
Walking into an object (no sound)
I don't know if I actually need this for my thesis, but it's a great reference for walking and a flatten
The Cricket in Times Square. Dir. Chuck Jones. American Broadcasting Company (ABC), New York City, New York. 24 April. 1973
This pose has some great leaning poses, a great charter walk cycle and great facial expressions
Shoulder Shrug (no sound)
Great Expression for a Shoulder Shrug
Thinking (no sound)
Great Thinking pose, I like the touch of the finger taping- this would be good before my chess moves
Sitting with Style (no sound)
The mouse has such character just sitting
Dialogue Piece
Get expression, it has the thinker like poses
Camera Angles
I love the Camera Angels in this shot and how smoothly the cuts work.
Walking into an object (no sound)
I don't know if I actually need this for my thesis, but it's a great reference for walking and a flatten
The Cricket in Times Square. Dir. Chuck Jones. American Broadcasting Company (ABC), New York City, New York. 24 April. 1973
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Character Model Sheets for Flexman & Flash
I’m starting to model the characters first since they need to be rigged.
Flexman’s reference modeling sheet
Flash’s reference modeling sheet
Flexman’s reference modeling sheet
Flash’s reference modeling sheet
Monday, December 31, 2007
Animation Reference - Smallville - super speed in slow motion
He's how the super speed is done for smallville
They use motion blur on Clark. I also like the sound effects. The way the leaves are moving while Clark is running is great for my light bulb cracking in slow motion. The leaves barely move until after Clark passes and causes the gust of wind that blows the leaves.
How to do super speed
Steps:
1- Actor runs in direction
2- Leaf blower - Speed
3_Composite
Smallville Series - 16, October, 2001 - ?
Smallville. CW Television Network, Los Angeles, California. 2001- ?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpjpRYRLhMQ
Clark again is show in super speed, than the world slows down around him. The rain drops falling show how fast he really moves. This is the kind of effect I want when Flash in show in slow motion.
Accelerate. Smallville. The WB Television Network, Los Angeles, California. 6 May 2003
They use motion blur on Clark. I also like the sound effects. The way the leaves are moving while Clark is running is great for my light bulb cracking in slow motion. The leaves barely move until after Clark passes and causes the gust of wind that blows the leaves.
How to do super speed
Steps:
1- Actor runs in direction
2- Leaf blower - Speed
3_Composite
Smallville Series - 16, October, 2001 - ?
Smallville. CW Television Network, Los Angeles, California. 2001- ?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpjpRYRLhMQ
Clark again is show in super speed, than the world slows down around him. The rain drops falling show how fast he really moves. This is the kind of effect I want when Flash in show in slow motion.
Accelerate. Smallville. The WB Television Network, Los Angeles, California. 6 May 2003
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Starting Thesis - Animation Reference - Dastardly & Muttley
I still so wiped out from last semester and am now sick, but I know I need to start my Thesis. I so figured I start out easy and gather reference for my animation. Here’s one I found for the high speed run.
Animation Reference:
Dastardly & Muttley In Their Flying Machines – opening:
Reference for a high speed run with anticipation. Also Muttley has a good snicker.
opening
Dastardly & Muttley In Their Flying Machines
Opening. Dastardly & Muttley In Their Flying Machines. Hanna-Barbera Productions, Los Angeles, California. 16 Sept. 1969
Animation Reference:
Dastardly & Muttley In Their Flying Machines – opening:
Reference for a high speed run with anticipation. Also Muttley has a good snicker.
opening
Dastardly & Muttley In Their Flying Machines
Opening. Dastardly & Muttley In Their Flying Machines. Hanna-Barbera Productions, Los Angeles, California. 16 Sept. 1969
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Pre-Thesis Book
Well I handed in my Pre-Thesis Book and DVD today. I struggled with the Proof of Concept (Rigging), but I finally got it to work. I'm so wiped out that I won't be touching any thesis work until after Christmas.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Final Deliverables
Well, it's coming to the end of the semester. Boy that went fast. All my Pre- Thesis material is due next week. As I get it done I'll add it to this posting. I want to make sure I have everything they asked for.
1. Thesis Treatment
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Thesis statement
1.3 Synopsis
1:3B Treatment
1.4 Script
1.5 Storyboard
1.6 Production design
1.7 Shot List
Shot Sheets
1.8 Production schedule
1.9 Verbal execution plan
2. Research Paper
2.1 Introduction to the subject, overview about the areas of research
2.2 Cultural, historical, scientific and social aspects
2.3 Artistic aspects – in depth analysis of sources relevant to your project, comparison of approaches and results, techniques & styles
2.4 Technical aspects
2.5 Final conclusions and relevance to the project –
2.6 Bibliography & appendices
3. Proof of Concept (on CD/DVD)
3.1 Animatic 13MB
3.2 Rig
3.3 Full Color PDF of completed Pre-Production book with Blog entries
1. Thesis Treatment
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Thesis statement
1.3 Synopsis
1:3B Treatment
1.4 Script
1.5 Storyboard
1.6 Production design
1.7 Shot List
Shot Sheets
1.8 Production schedule
1.9 Verbal execution plan
2. Research Paper
2.1 Introduction to the subject, overview about the areas of research
2.2 Cultural, historical, scientific and social aspects
2.3 Artistic aspects – in depth analysis of sources relevant to your project, comparison of approaches and results, techniques & styles
2.4 Technical aspects
2.5 Final conclusions and relevance to the project –
2.6 Bibliography & appendices
3. Proof of Concept (on CD/DVD)
3.1 Animatic 13MB
3.2 Rig
3.3 Full Color PDF of completed Pre-Production book with Blog entries
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Animation Mentor
Well I got my email from Animation Mentor’s orientation today. I was so excited; I can’t wait to start classes on Jan. 7th.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Thesis Production Schedule
Well, I knew I wouldn’t stick to the one I made earlier. With my story changing so much, I got set back.
Here's my Production Schedule
Here's my Production Schedule
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Met with Misha
Well I met with Misha yesterday and he had some great suggestions for my story. First he wants me to have them watching TV showing their olden days on it, with the cheesy batman and robin style. I was thinking I could do the TV in a 2-D style. Then he wants me to have them shut it off and begin to play checkers. I was thinking about this and I could have him stretch to turn off the TV, Flexman doesn’t need a remote. He also had the suggestion to make Flexmans movements very jerky. He suggest I give a twist to what I see, we all see our self in them. He suggests that I really push the super powers. For the elocution, he suggests afterwards that I make it their time to shine again at the end for one of the two. He gave me the example that the electrocution gives Flexman he’s energy again and they jump out the window to save the day once again. He felt it would give the story a message like no matter what age you are don’t give up your hopes/dreams.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Thesis Statement - Version 5
Well After my Industry review I decided to rework my story. I meet with my advisor; Mike last Wednesday and he suggested that I don’t change it because it’s too late in the game. If I wanted I could fix it. I actually meet with two fellow animation students, John and Tom later that same day. They were very helpful and went over my animatic frame by frame with me. I realized that I need to change my layout and actually make the superheroes work together since it would read much better.
Thesis Statement -
A Character Animated Short that shows the boredom between a retired superhero and his sidekick dog with an emphasis on comic timing and exaggerated poses done in a cartoon style.
Thesis Statement -
A Character Animated Short that shows the boredom between a retired superhero and his sidekick dog with an emphasis on comic timing and exaggerated poses done in a cartoon style.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Reference Citations - Like shots in my piece
Tom and Jerry
Sample of Motion Blur and Light Blubs Breaking
Yankee Doodle Mouse
Yankee Doodle Mouse. Tom and Jerry. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), Los Angeles, California. 26 June 1943
Sample of Great Poses, Similar ending/ Setting
The Little Orphan
The Little Orphan. Tom and Jerry. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), Los Angeles, California. 30 April 1949
Red's Dream
Red's Dream
Sample of rain and mood
Rain (no Sound)
Mood (no Sound)
Red's Dream. Dir. John Lasseter. Pixar Animation Studios, 1987
To see more about this short visit this Link: http://www.pixar.com/shorts/gg/index.html
Ratatouille
Ratatouille
Sample of getting electrocuted in a 3D animation -
Shot (no Sound)
Ratatouille. Dir. Brad Bird. Walt Disney Pictures, 2007
Link:http://disney.go.com/disneyvideos/animatedfilms/ratatouille/
Sample of Motion Blur and Light Blubs Breaking
Yankee Doodle Mouse
Yankee Doodle Mouse. Tom and Jerry. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), Los Angeles, California. 26 June 1943
Sample of Great Poses, Similar ending/ Setting
The Little Orphan
The Little Orphan. Tom and Jerry. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), Los Angeles, California. 30 April 1949
Red's Dream
Red's Dream
Sample of rain and mood
Rain (no Sound)
Mood (no Sound)
Red's Dream. Dir. John Lasseter. Pixar Animation Studios, 1987
To see more about this short visit this Link: http://www.pixar.com/shorts/gg/index.html
Ratatouille
Ratatouille
Sample of getting electrocuted in a 3D animation -
Shot (no Sound)
Ratatouille. Dir. Brad Bird. Walt Disney Pictures, 2007
Link:http://disney.go.com/disneyvideos/animatedfilms/ratatouille/
Meeting with Patricia
I meet with Patricia this past Tuesday to discuss how my review went. She suggested I storyboard some Looney Toons or Tom and Jerry shorts in order to see how the formula works. Develop who the characters are, what are their traits. She also said to spell out the thesis statement. Show the superheroes board and setup the problem about to happen. It all should be seen in the establishing frame (Rain, Stretchy, Motion Blur, Boredom, Power and Phone). Having it raining outside will help set up the boredom. Being board can be shown with the eyes rolling, tapping fingers, etc. Show flexman more relaxed and away from the table, in order to really show his superpower. Show motion blur and maybe skid marks with the dog. Show them excited when the lights go off. Maybe once the lights go out, the moonlight lights the room. Also to have the lights flicker. If you want them to compete set up the competition, ex. Key cut in half, pictures on the wall of the superheroes fighting over saving the girl. She also suggested I add more cobwebs and a logo on the phone.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Friday, November 16, 2007
How my Pre-Thesis Industry Review went
Well, my industry review didn’t go to well either. I got conflicting reviews, and suggestions that are basically pulling away from my original idea. Some told me that the timing was on. Then when another disagreed saying the timing was off, the first individual took their statement back. I was told that the timing to the dog was off, that I didn’t show his speed. I was told that the story was not entertaining and that playing checkers does not show that they are bored. That I need a better scenario, like playing fetch to showcase their abilities. Another told me that they liked the interaction of the checker’s competition, but to have them do something else besides playing checkers, something else where they can compete. Then one said they liked the absurdity of them playing checkers. I was also told that the premise was not set up by one, than another told me that they did see the premise setup in the pan of the room, just to make it slower in order for the audience to see it. Then I was told by another, that the incredibles did that pan and not to take ideas from other movies. I was also told by some that they thought fighting over changing a light bulb doesn’t work, but then another told me that it does being that they are fighting over something so mundane that it could be funny. By another I was told to have just the whites of the eyes show, when the lights go out and play with sound effects. Which could be good, for a few seconds, but as I have my piece now, the lights are out for about 30 seconds, so to me that really doesn’t work. No one seemed to understand why the characters began to fight. Stuff similar to this is done in Tom and Jerry and Looney Toons Shorts. One told me that I have two protagonists, I said yes that correct. She then said well they have to want the same thing. I thought they both wanted to change light bulb to do something was that. I was also told by the guy to reduce what I have and choose key moments, in a different approach. I was actually told by one to scratch the superhero idea, it’s been done well already, to start over from scratch, I feel this might not work now, being I only have a month left in the semester. I was told by another to do less, and more of what you have. They all agreed they like the two character design. It actually ending with a student suggesting, I showing it raining outside the window they are sitting in front of to show why their bored, Which the panel liked. Afterwards students that knew my story thought it would work, that all that I had in mind maybe didn’t come though in my animatic.
So basically I completely and utterly confused that this point. I took the advice of the first panel and reworked it only to have the second panel not like it. I find the reviews at this stage more destructive than helpful. Especially when I’ve spent a 3/4 of a semesters researching and now to restart from scratch while still having work to do and now to redo all my past work. I felt I didn’t get to many suggestions on how to make my story work, but more of changing it. I’m going to try and speak with Patricia, who was running the review, and she was also heard it for the first time, seeing if she has any suggestions. I’ll also go back to my advisor Mike to see what he thinks. I want my project to work, but I also want it to be about something I want to do.
So basically I completely and utterly confused that this point. I took the advice of the first panel and reworked it only to have the second panel not like it. I find the reviews at this stage more destructive than helpful. Especially when I’ve spent a 3/4 of a semesters researching and now to restart from scratch while still having work to do and now to redo all my past work. I felt I didn’t get to many suggestions on how to make my story work, but more of changing it. I’m going to try and speak with Patricia, who was running the review, and she was also heard it for the first time, seeing if she has any suggestions. I’ll also go back to my advisor Mike to see what he thinks. I want my project to work, but I also want it to be about something I want to do.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Reference Citations - Superhero Speed Ability
Tortilla Flaps
Tortilla Flaps. Looney Tunes. Warner Bros. Pictures, Burbank, California. 18 Jan. 1958
Flash
Bates, Cary. (w), Milgrom, Al and Giordano, Dick (a) Flash #286 (Dec 1978) DC Comics.
Superman
Ray, Fred. (a) Superman #14 (Feb. 1942) Action Comics [DC Comics].
Reference Citations - The Tick
Reference for the superhero Character design for Flexman
The Tick vs The Idea Man
The Tick vs The Idea Man. The Tick. FOX, Los Angeles, California. 10 Sept. 1994
Getting Ready for the Pre-Thesis Industry Review
Well, I've revised my story since the last review, while taking the advice of the faculty panel. I think that I'm getting somewhere with the story and is happy with the direction it is going. I’ve stuck to my original concept of Retired Superheroes. Only now the premise of the narrative is that they are retired and they don’t have much to do therefore the two characters (Flexman and Flash) fight over doing the simplest things in the house. Making every little task a heroic adventure.
We have our Industry Pre-Thesis review this Thursday. I’m putting all my updated info in one posting.
Introduction:
My main goal in my thesis is to get a solid animation while refining my skills. Many areas of animation inspired me, however there were a few works of art in particular that really motivated me. They were Chuck Jones’s Animation, The Incredibles, Wallace and Gromit as well as the sculpture exhibit L'Hospice. Through these references I’ve come up with my narrative about a retired superhero and his sidekick that are now bored in their retirement and treat an everyday task like a superhero adventure.
Thesis Statement -
A Character Animated Short with an emphasis on comic timing and exaggerated poses that showcases the humorous relationship between a retired superhero and his sidekick dog in a cartoon style.
Story Synopsis
Synopsis
Thesis Treatment
Treatment
Flexman Script
Script
Flexman Storyboard
Storyboard
Thesis Outline
Outline
Research Paper
Paper
Style Frames
2-D Animatic -
2D Animatic Link
We have our Industry Pre-Thesis review this Thursday. I’m putting all my updated info in one posting.
Introduction:
My main goal in my thesis is to get a solid animation while refining my skills. Many areas of animation inspired me, however there were a few works of art in particular that really motivated me. They were Chuck Jones’s Animation, The Incredibles, Wallace and Gromit as well as the sculpture exhibit L'Hospice. Through these references I’ve come up with my narrative about a retired superhero and his sidekick that are now bored in their retirement and treat an everyday task like a superhero adventure.
Thesis Statement -
A Character Animated Short with an emphasis on comic timing and exaggerated poses that showcases the humorous relationship between a retired superhero and his sidekick dog in a cartoon style.
Story Synopsis
Synopsis
Thesis Treatment
Treatment
Flexman Script
Script
Flexman Storyboard
Storyboard
Thesis Outline
Outline
Research Paper
Paper
Style Frames
2-D Animatic -
2D Animatic Link
Monday, November 05, 2007
Script - Version 5
I revise my script by narrowing down my content to keep the story simple that the audience can follow. It now revolves around an everyday incident that gets out of hand.
Story Scripts Version 5
Story Scripts Version 5
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Back to Brainstorming Story Ideas
How Many Superheroes Does It Take to Screw in a Light Bulb?
Goofy superhero cartoon
Superhero Video
Tom and Jerry
Lightblub Gag
Quiet Please!
Quiet Please! Tom and Jerry. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), Los Angeles, California. 22 Dec. 1945
Ladder Mishap
Man falls of his Ladder
Climbing Ladder
Reference Citations - The ChubbChubbs Save Xmas
I had like the original “ The ChubbChubbs!” when it was released back in 2002. It had a great concept about these furry chicks like animals (ChubbChubbs) that are vicious and everyone is afraid of. I saw the short for it’s following up “The ChubbChubbs Save Xmas” on the “Surf Up” DVD. I really liked the exaggeration is some of the poses. The main character, Meeper is also kind of oblivious to what goes on around him while always seeing things on the bright side.
The original
The ChubbChubbs Save Xmas
Clips - especially the second
Save Xmas
The ChubbChubbs Save Xmas. Dir. Cody Cameron. Sony Pictures Imageworks (SPI), 2007
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Flushing out they story
Well I meet with Cushny yesterday for my first individual pre thesis meeting. He really helped me focus my story on a few elements. I felt better since I don’t have to rewrite everything from scratch. I had a bunch of components that made up my story. I'll cut it down to three. I'm going to keep the Looney Toons extreme squash and stretch style, the buddy's story and I'm going to try to keep in the superhero angle. I’m getting ride of the old age, wheelchair and saving the world components.
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