Final Evaluation Inanimate Objects

I found this project challenging, but I feel I developed lots of skills. I think what I found challenging was not having a character with eyes or limbs, this was something I hadn’t thought of before with in stop motion, but was an interesting idea to develop. I started my research with examples of animations that use inanimate objects, and went on to research some history of magic. I found examples of victorian magicians, which I think worked well, as this is partly how animation and practical effects started. From here I started to story board ideas, establishing the scenario, creating a conflict, then a resolution. I think my skills have mostly developed in a practical sense, for instance my knowledge of software, cameras and lighting. I think these skills will be very helpful moving forward. I have also learnt the importance of testing and doing different versions of my animation. This requires time and patience, and I feel I now have a greater understanding of this.

My main struggle came in the post production stage, with the masking of my animation. In the future I will pay closer attention to detail with where the rigs are placed, and the position of shadows. I am not completely happy with the final product, there are many areas where the masking could be improved and the movements made clearer. But overall I can see my progression from last year, and as it was the first project it took me a little while to gain back my confidence with animating. I feel positive that I can build upon these skills learnt throughout the year.

My next target is to improve my skills on after effects and the masking tool, and also to be more patient and conscious of timing. I think my overall downfall was simply running out of time to get everything finished.

Experimentation Show Reel Inanimate Objects

A video to show my progression through this project, though annoyingly I forgot to add my final animation onto the end.

Adding sound to my animation

I added the music I had chosen to my masked out animation, and also some extra sounds such as the door opening and movement sounds when the card rolls over. This version is not great quality as I had some trouble with uploading.

Masking out rigs

I had a few troubles with masking out the rigs for this animation, but I think this is mostly down to lack of practice. There are moments where the rigs are still slightly visible, and I not completely happy with it. Due to some time constraints I didn’t leave enough time to do it to the standard I wanted. But I have learnt from this and know how to improve next time.

In order to keep the shadows I masked a black shape underneath the masked out areas that were in shadow. This isn’t perfect but as it moves quite quickly they blend in. In the first shot the background moved slightly so I had to use a still shot and mask it in. This worked okay but was slightly annoying because the moment when light came off screen got lost. I tried to combat this with editing in a light effect but it didn’t really look how I wanted.

I think in order to improve I need to practice using after effects, I am looking forward to the next project as I think this will give me the opportunity to do this.

 

Weekly Reflection Inanimate Objects 4

16th-22nd October 2017

Research Sources 

• Youtube to find music
• Images of victorian magic show posters

Development

This week I have completely my second attempt at filming, which was more successful that the first and I can see improvement in my technique and knowledge. I used my previous attempt as well as feedback to edit and emend, and make it more refined. I also made a poster inspired by old Victorian magic show posters, that were over the top and exaggerated to get a theatre goers attention.

Areas for Development

My next area of development will be to edit and mask out the rigs, and I want to create more of a creepy effect. I want to look into using black and white and just have the colour red showing. I also need to look further into sound design, and a better opening credit shot.

Second filming session

I think this was more successful that the last time I filmed, which gives me confidence as I feel I am getting better each time I do it. The movement at the beginning is shorted and more defined, and I am very happy with the middle section close up shot, I used a macro zoom in order to create a sense of depth and tension. I think I achieved this. Overall I think it has the elements of set up, conflict and resolution, and gives a sense of character. I had a few issues in the beginning with the curtain moving position, which was frustrating, but I am hoping can be fixed in post by masking it out and replacing it with the background from the start. I like the music added, it has the feel of a creepy victorian circus.

My next step with this is to begin masking out the rigs, and also to edit in more sounds and a better title shot. I would like to play around with making it look a bit more atmospheric, perhaps play around with using black and white and just have the colour red show through, inspired in part by Adam Elliots film ‘Mary and Max’.

Victorian Inspired poster

I used my research into victorian magicians to make my own magic show inspired poster. I liked the idea of big eyes watching over the action, making it seem mysterious and capturing the feeling of these shows. In the animation the hat is almost the magician, and the card is taking over his role at the end.

Choosing music

This is the piece of music I would like to use, I think it encapsulates the mood I am trying achieve, without over whelming the animation. It has an old, victorian era feel to it.

Change to story board

After my first filming session and some feedback I changed a few bits around, as I had more shots than was required, and needed more moments of stillness and holds to create the affect I wanted, and have a smoother animation. I also decided to film my next go in three separate shots, rather than all at once, just for ease of editing and playbacks. I have decided to use an over the shoulder shot for my close up, and have the card move towards the camera. This will stop it being too side on, and add a sense of suspense.

Weekly Reflection Inanimate Objects 3

9th-15th October 2017

Research Sources 

• I used my test animations as research for a new story board

Development

This week I have completely my first attempt at the animation using a new story board that incorporates the feedback I have been giver. I have progressed with my animatic, and I learnt lots from the filming process. I now feel more confident controlling the lighting and camera equipment, and using the rigs in more creative ways. I feel I have increased my organisation, and I know what I need to improve on next.

Areas for Development

My next area of development will be to look at improvements I need to make in my animation, and prepare these for my next filming session. I also need to plan how to reduce the time slightly, and make sure I stick to the three shot rule. I also need to make an opening credits sequence, and get some help with the masking software, as I know that this is an area I struggle with.