The final project pitch were the project was shown and discussed was today. Here are the slides that were used for the presentation.
Other than these stills, the animatics were shown as well as some animation tests and animation references, all which is in the module showreel.
The feedback given on the project was that the success of the series would be determined on how solid the character acting was and the interaction between the characters. A concern was also raised about the similarities of some of the characters, making it harder to tell them apart.
This week I have been working on the improving the storyboards and filling out the 3D scene with assets.
I have discussed the timing and poses with the Tore who is doing the character design and we did a live action test, to see what could work and what did not.
After that, the storyboards were imported into Adobe Photoshop and traced over to create a background.
I have also been working on creating the 3D office environment for the animation, I have finished most of the main assets, but I need to discuss them with the one I am collaborating with so that our styles match and I have make sure they are ready for texturing.
The web-series Stick-Man Studios is an office based situation comedy. So office environments had to be created in 3D Studio Max to fill the office space. Here are some work in progress models for the project.
The first modeling method that was tested:
Second Test:
It was decided that a single mesh was better for the texturing that is was being used:
Extended polygons created for project specific texture style
Part of this module will be about researching the web series format. To do this I will take examples from already popular series that are exclusively distributed through the internet and see what the professional level is in this market.
Here are some of the series and studios that will be analysed.
-Collegehumor:
oBear Shark.
§2D-Animation, Simple situation Comedy.
§Runtime: 2-3 min.
§LowBrow Studios.
§We write and produce original content for the web and TV.
We like sandwiches and play a lot of Nerf Basketball.
§Based in Brisbane, Australia, Studio Joho is
a small team of animation professionals with combined experience of over 35
years in the animation industry.
§Team: 1 Director 1 Producer 1 Animation
Director 1 Sound Designer 4 Animators, 8 Total.
One of the larger tasks for the Pre-Production module is to get a working storyboard ready. A thumbnail storyboard has been drawn up so that it can be discussed during the Monday session.
An animatic was also created to help visualize and time the actions in the episode.
A project plan has been drafted for the full project period. It has been divided into two week blocks with minor deadlines due on Fridays. It is also divided into Pre-Production, Production and Post-Production to clarify the work that will be done for the particular weeks.
Everything after May is currently TBA (To Be Announced), but the planning will be filled out as the workload gets clearer.
The feedback on the concept statement for this module was that it was unclear about the project being a collaboration and that it will be important to be clear about who is credited for the work. With this in mind a new concept statement has been drafted.
Module
Guidelines:
The guideline for the Project Research and
Pre-Production module states that, the intention of the module is to develop
original ideas and complete the appropriate pre-production elements for the
final project of the MA Digital Character Animation course.
Aims and
Objectives:
The objective of the pre-production and project work
is to research relevant animation formats, for web distribution, create and
develop an original concept for an animated series. This will include creating
environment assets for an office space using 3D modelling software, design and
model two characters, finished rigging for one character, draw storyboards and
create the animatics for three episodes, live action references and perform
tests on the character rigs to make them ready for animation. The work will be
a collaboration of two people and all work will be credited accordingly.
Project:
This project will be produced by a two person team. The
final project will consist of three, one minute episodes for an animated
web-series. The animation and all assets will be created using 3D Studio Max.
The art and texture will be highly stylised and the animation will be
exaggerated and cartoony. The series is a comedy based around an office space
and the stories are built upon character interactions in a group environment.
Pre-Production
Elements:
The
elements that I will create for this module are;
Research on web-series format and market.
Written treatment for five episodes.
Written outline for three episodes.
Art direction of development sketches, concept
artwork and design.
Storyboards for three episodes.
Animatic for three episodes.
Reference footage.
3D assets for an office space (relevant to the
stories).
This blog will be used as a diary for my work on the Pre-Production module of my course MA Digital Character Animation.
Concept Statement:
Module
Guidelines:
The guideline for the Project Research and
Pre-Production module states that, the intention of the module is to develop
original ideas and complete the appropriate pre-production elements for the
final project of the MA Digital Character Animation course.
Aims and
Objectives:
The objective of the pre-production and project work
is to research relevant animation formats, for web distribution and the state
of that market. Create and develop an original concept for an animated series,
design and model two characters, rig and skin one of the characters, create
environment assets for an office space, drawing storyboards and time out
animatics for three episodes, create animation references and perform tests on
the character rigs and animation.
Project Format:
The final project will consist of two to three, one
minute episodes for an animated web-series. The animation and all assets will
be created using 3D Studio Max. The art and texture style will be highly stylized
and the animation style will be exaggerated and cartoony. The series is a
comedy based around an office space and the stories are built upon character
interactions in a group environment.
Pre-Production
Elements:
The
elements that will be created for this module are;
Research on web-series format and market.
Written treatment for five episodes.
Written outline for three episodes.
Art direction of development sketches, concept
artwork and design.
Storyboards for three episodes.
Animatic for three episodes.
Reference footage.
3D assets for an office space (relevant to the
stories).
